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Wilmington, NC · Child & Teen Therapy

Child Therapy in Wilmington, NC — Helping Kids Thrive

Licensed child therapists serving Wilmington and New Hanover County — providing compassionate, age-appropriate counseling for children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, ADHD, and more. In-person and telehealth available.

✓ Ages 4 Through 17 ✓ In-Person & Telehealth ✓ Insurance Accepted ✓ Licensed Clinicians

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Free 15-min consultation - no commitment needed.

Choose a future date and a time between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM EST.

HIPAA-compliant. Confidential. We respond within 24 hrs.

HIPAA-Compliant
Evidence-Based Methods
Licensed Therapists
Same-Week Appointments
Insurance Accepted
1 in 5
Children in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year
Early
Intervention leads to significantly better long-term outcomes for children
Ages 4–17
We serve children and teens across a wide developmental range

Your Child Deserves to Feel Heard, Safe & Understood

Every child is different — and so are the challenges they face. From the pressures of school and social life to navigating family changes, trauma, or simply feeling different, children sometimes need a safe space outside the home to express what they’re carrying.

At Fresh Breath Therapy, our licensed therapists use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches to help children build emotional skills, work through difficult experiences, and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges head-on.

We understand the unique pressures facing Wilmington families — from the anxieties of hurricane season to the challenges of coastal community life. Our team is trained, compassionate, and ready to partner with you to support your child’s wellbeing.

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Common Challenges Our Child Therapists Address

Our Wilmington child therapists are trained to support a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges — helping children and teens build lasting coping skills.

01

Anxiety & Worry

Excessive worry, school refusal, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic. We teach children calming techniques and help them build confidence to face their fears.

02

Behavioral Challenges

Defiance, aggression, emotional outbursts, and difficulty following rules. We work with both children and parents to understand root causes and create positive change at home and school.

03

ADHD & Focus Issues

Difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and organizational struggles. Therapy builds executive functioning skills and helps children thrive academically and socially.

04

Trauma & PTSD

Military deployment stress, abuse, accidents, or witnessing difficult events. Our trauma-informed therapists create a safe environment for children to process painful experiences and heal.

05

Depression & Mood

Persistent sadness, withdrawal, low motivation, and loss of interest in activities. We help children reconnect with joy, build emotional resilience, and regain a sense of hope.

06

Family & Life Changes

Divorce, relocation, new siblings, parental deployment, grief, or blended family transitions. We help children make sense of change and feel secure during uncertain times.

Therapy Tailored to Every Stage of Childhood

Children grow and change rapidly — our therapists adapt their approach to meet each child exactly where they are developmentally, using techniques that make sense for their age and maturity.

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Young Children

Ages 4–7

Young children communicate best through play. We use play therapy techniques to help little ones express emotions they don’t yet have words for — building a foundation of safety, trust, and emotional literacy from the ground up.

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School-Age Children

Ages 8–12

School-age kids are navigating friendships, academic pressure, and growing independence. We combine talk therapy, creative activities, and skill-building exercises to help them manage emotions and build confidence.

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Adolescents & Teens

Ages 13–17

The teen years bring identity questions, peer pressure, social media stress, and intense emotions. Our therapists provide a judgment-free space where teens feel genuinely heard — helping them develop tools to navigate this pivotal chapter with resilience.

Evidence-Based Child Therapy, Built Around Your Child

Our Wilmington child therapists are trained in a range of developmentally appropriate, research-backed methods — always selecting the approach that best fits your child’s unique needs, age, and goals.

Play Therapy

A natural, child-led approach where children express feelings and process experiences through play, art, and creative activities — particularly effective for younger children.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps children and teens identify unhelpful thought patterns driving anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges — and replace them with healthier ways of thinking and responding.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

A sensitive, safety-first approach for children who have experienced trauma — ensuring they always feel in control and supported throughout the healing process.

Strength-Based Therapy

Focuses on identifying and amplifying each child’s natural strengths and resilience — helping them see themselves as capable, valued, and worthy of good things.

Parent Coaching & Involvement

Parents are a vital part of the process. We offer guidance to help you reinforce your child’s progress at home and strengthen your parent-child connection.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

1

Free 15-Min Parent Consultation

A no-pressure phone call to discuss your child’s needs and match them with the right therapist.

2

Initial Assessment Session

Your child’s first session is relaxed and exploratory — focused on building trust and understanding their world.

3

Collaborative Treatment Plan

We develop a clear plan with you, outlining goals and the therapeutic approach best suited to your child.

4

Regular Therapy Sessions

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions where your child builds skills, processes experiences, and makes meaningful progress.

5

Parent Check-Ins & Support

We keep you informed and involved — sharing progress, tips for home, and adjusting the plan as your child grows.

Why Wilmington Families Trust Us With Their Children

01

Child-Centered Care

We meet every child where they are — using age-appropriate language, activities, and therapeutic styles that feel natural and comfortable, not clinical or intimidating.

02

Coastal Community Experience

We understand the unique pressures of coastal Wilmington life — hurricane stress, seasonal industry changes, and the tight-knit community challenges of Cape Fear. Our team is here to help.

03

Insurance Accepted

We accept most major insurance plans to make quality child therapy as accessible as possible. Call us to verify your coverage. Note: we do not currently accept Medicare.

04

Quick Access to Care

We know that when a child is struggling, waiting is not an option. We work to offer same-week appointments whenever possible so your child gets help when they need it.

05

Telehealth Available

Can’t make it to our Wilmington office? Our secure telehealth sessions are available throughout North Carolina — ideal for busy families or during school breaks.

06

Whole-Family Approach

We don’t just treat the child — we partner with parents, provide coaching, and when appropriate coordinate with schools to create a consistent support system around your child.

Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach & All of New Hanover County

Our Wilmington child therapy office is located at 140 Cinema Dr, Unit E — easily accessible from across New Hanover County. In-person and secure telehealth sessions are both available to fit your family’s schedule.

Address140 Cinema Dr, Unit E, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone(919) 300-6717
HoursMonday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
InsuranceMost major plans accepted. Medicare not accepted.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Our Wilmington therapists are experienced in working with children and adolescents at every stage of development. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, or simply needs a safe space to be heard — we are here to help.

Start with a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a no-pressure conversation where we listen, answer your questions, and find the right therapist fit for your child and family.

Book a Free Consultation →

Serving Children & Families Across Wilmington & New Hanover County

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Signs that a child may benefit from therapy include persistent sadness or irritability, sudden changes in behavior, frequent meltdowns, school refusal, social withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, talk of hopelessness, or a noticeable drop in academic performance. If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing, a consultation with one of our therapists is always a great first step — even if you’re not sure.
Do you involve parents in child therapy sessions?
Yes — parental involvement is a key part of effective child therapy. While most sessions are one-on-one with your child to give them a private, safe space, we regularly check in with parents to share progress, provide home strategies, and ensure everyone is working together toward the same goals. The level of parent involvement is tailored to the child’s age and therapeutic needs.
What age groups do you work with?
We work with children and adolescents from ages 4 through 17. Our therapists adapt their methods based on the child’s developmental stage — using play therapy for younger children and more conversation-based and skills-focused approaches for older kids and teens.
Is child therapy confidential?
Confidentiality applies to child therapy with some important distinctions. While therapists share general progress updates with parents, the specific content of a child’s sessions is typically kept confidential to protect the therapeutic relationship. There are legal exceptions — such as if a child is in danger — which your therapist will explain clearly at the start of treatment.
Do you offer telehealth sessions for children?
Yes — we offer secure telehealth therapy for children and teens throughout North Carolina. Online sessions are conducted via a HIPAA-compliant video platform and work especially well for older children and teens. For younger children, in-person sessions tend to be more effective, though telehealth is always an option when needed.
What insurance plans do you accept for child therapy?
We accept most major insurance plans. Please note that we do not currently accept Medicare. We also offer self-pay options. Call us at (919) 300-6717 to verify your specific coverage before your child’s first session.

Give Your Child the Gift of Support

Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. Our Wilmington child therapists are ready to walk alongside your family. Start with a free 15-minute consultation — no commitment required.

Start The Conversation

Reach out to us today!

Use the form below to send us a message. You may also call, text or email anytime. For referring providers please fax client information to: 360 530 9343

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