Children’s Therapy in Dublin, OH

It is not always easy to tell whether what you are seeing in your child is a temporary phase or something that warrants professional support. Some signs that child therapy may be helpful include persistent anxiety, sadness, or worry that interferes with daily life; significant changes in behavior, sleep, appetite, or school performance; difficulty managing emotions or frequent outbursts; withdrawal from friends or family; or responses to trauma, grief, or a major life disruption such as divorce. If you are unsure, an initial consultation with one of our licensed child therapists is a good place to start. You do not need a referral or a formal diagnosis to reach out.

Our assessment process begins with a two-hour parents-only intake session, giving us the opportunity to hear your full perspective and concerns without your child present. We then meet with your child for one to three hours, depending on their age and the complexity of the situation. The process concludes with a second parents-only session in which we discuss our findings, collaborate with you on your child’s diagnosis, and walk you through our recommended treatment plan. This thorough approach ensures that therapy is targeted, appropriate, and built around your child’s unique needs from the very first session.

Yes, and this is one of the things that distinguishes ICFT’s approach to child therapy and family issues. We believe parents are a child’s most important resource, and parent training and coaching are a central part of how we work to solve problems. Throughout the therapy process, we equip you with practical skills, solution-focused interventions, and communication strategies you can use at home. The goal is not just to help your child during sessions but to give your whole family the tools to support your child’s progress in everyday life.

Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based, person-centered approaches tailored to your child’s specific needs and circumstances. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and build coping skills; play therapy to help younger children express and process difficult emotions in ways that feel natural to them; dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for children struggling with intense emotions; and strengths-based interventions that emphasize your child’s existing capabilities and help them build on what is already working. Our therapists do not apply a single method to every child — the approach is always individualized.

Yes. ICFT provides therapy and personalized support for children with an autism diagnosis, as well as for families navigating the evaluation and diagnosis process. Our therapists help children on the spectrum develop practical skills, build meaningful relationships, improve communication, and thrive in their everyday environment. We work collaboratively with parents and, when appropriate, can coordinate care with other providers — including occupational therapists and other specialists — to ensure your child receives well-rounded, multidisciplinary support. We can also connect you with additional Ohio autism resources as needed.

ICFT works with children of varying ages, from young children through adolescence. The assessment process and therapeutic approach are tailored to your child’s developmental stage. For younger children, therapy is often more play-based and experiential. For older children and pre-teens, it tends to involve more direct conversation and skill-building. Our therapists are experienced in adapting their methods to meet each child where they are.

The length of treatment varies depending on your child’s specific challenges, their rate of progress, and your family’s goals. Some children make significant gains in a focused short-term course of therapy; others benefit from longer-term support. Following the initial assessment, your therapist will recommend a treatment plan and discuss realistic expectations for your child’s progress. We regularly review progress with you throughout the process and adjust the approach as needed. What is important to note is that our goal is always to have your child out of the therapy process as soon as possible.

ICFT is considered an “out-of-network” provider for all insurance plans. Many people think that if a practice is not “In-Network” with their insurance plan, they are not able to seek services at that practice. However, this is not the case. You may still be able to apply some of your insurance benefits to the cost of therapy. Often, parents appreciate the choice not to use their insurance benefits because using their benefits requires sharing their child’s diagnosis with the insurance plan. At ICFT, we discuss the diagnosis with you, and the choice is yours to submit to insurance for “out of Network” reimbursement. Additionally, if you pay with an FSA or HSA, a diagnosis is often not needed. We encourage you to contact our office directly to discuss your options for payment. Our admin team can help you know how to go about finding out your benefits.

Yes. ICFT offers secure telehealth therapy sessions for children and families throughout Ohio. Telehealth can be a practical option for families with demanding schedules, those who live outside the Dublin area, or situations where attending in-person sessions is not possible. Both in-person and telehealth sessions provide access to ICFT’s full clinical team and the same standard of care.

Absolutely. Many parents who contact us are not entirely certain what their child needs — only that something is not right and they want guidance. You do not need a diagnosis or a clear answer before reaching out. A conversation with our admin team is a low-pressure starting point, and our assessment process is specifically designed to help you and your child’s therapist arrive at clarity together. Reaching out is the right first step.