Child & Teen Therapy in Wilmington, NC - Help Your Child Thrive
Licensed therapists serving families in Wilmington and nearby communities - offering compassionate, age-appropriate counseling for children and teens facing anxiety, ADHD, big emotions, trauma, and more. In-person and telehealth available.
Request an Appointment
Free 15-min consultation - no commitment needed.
A Safe Space Where Your Child Can Be Heard
At Fresh Breath Therapy, our Wilmington therapists give children and teens a warm, judgment-free space to express what they're carrying - the worries, the big feelings, the experiences they don't yet have words for. Whether your child is anxious, acting out, withdrawing, or struggling at school, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Kids and teens face real pressures - school stress, friendship drama, family changes, and the constant pull of social media. Our licensed clinicians use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches to help your child build emotional skills, work through difficult experiences, and grow in confidence.
We also believe parents are essential partners. You know your child best - our job is to work alongside you, keep you informed, and give you practical tools to support your child's progress at home.
Help Your Child Feel Better →
Common Reasons Wilmington Parents Reach Out
You don't need a crisis to seek support. Many parents simply notice their child isn't quite themselves - and getting help early makes a real difference.
Anxiety & Worry in Kids
Excessive worry, separation anxiety, school refusal, social anxiety, and panic - we teach children calming skills and help them build confidence to face their fears.
ADHD & Focus Challenges
Trouble paying attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and organizational struggles at school and home - therapy builds skills that help kids succeed.
Big Emotions & Behavioral Struggles
Meltdowns, defiance, aggression, and emotional outbursts - we help children understand their feelings and learn healthier ways to express them.
School Stress & Academic Pressure
Test anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure, and the weight of expectations - we help students find balance and rebuild confidence in the classroom.
Bullying & Social Skills
Being bullied, friendship struggles, and difficulty connecting with peers - we help kids build social confidence and recover their sense of self-worth.
Divorce & Family Changes
Divorce, relocation, new siblings, or blended family transitions - we help children make sense of change and feel secure during uncertain times.
Childhood Trauma
Abuse, accidents, loss, or witnessing frightening events - our trauma-informed therapists create a safe environment for children to process and heal.
Grief & Loss
Losing a loved one, a pet, or a familiar way of life - we help children understand grief at their developmental level and move through it with support.
Teen Depression & Self-Esteem
Persistent sadness, withdrawal, low motivation, negative self-talk, and identity struggles - we help teens reconnect with hope and their own strengths.
Age-Appropriate Methods, Built Around Your Child
No two kids are alike. Our Wilmington clinicians adapt evidence-based approaches to fit your child's age, personality, and goals - so therapy feels natural, not clinical.
Play Therapy
A natural, child-led approach where younger children express feelings and process experiences through play, art, and creative activities.
CBT for Kids & Teens
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for young minds - helping kids and teens spot unhelpful thoughts driving anxiety or low mood and replace them with healthier ones.
Coping Skills Training
Practical, concrete strategies for managing worry, frustration, and big feelings - tools your child can actually use at school, at home, and with friends.
Family-Involved Therapy
Parents are partners in the process. We share progress, offer guidance for home, and strengthen the parent-child connection along the way.
Mindfulness for Kids
Simple, kid-friendly mindfulness practices that help children slow down, notice their feelings, and respond calmly instead of reacting.
Strengths-Based Therapy
We focus on what's right with your child - amplifying their natural strengths and resilience so they see themselves as capable and valued.
Your Child's First Session: What Parents Can Expect
Why Wilmington Families Trust Us With Their Kids
Child & Teen Specialists
Our Wilmington clinicians work with kids and adolescents every day - using age-appropriate language, activities, and approaches that feel comfortable, not intimidating.
Parents Are Partners
We keep you informed and involved - sharing progress, offering practical strategies for home, and adjusting the plan as your child grows.
Licensed Clinicians Only
Every therapist on our team is licensed and held to the highest standards of ethical, compassionate care - your child is in qualified hands.
Insurance & Self-Pay
We accept major insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health. Call us to verify your specific benefits before your child's first appointment.
No Long Waitlists
When a child is struggling, waiting isn't an option. We work hard to offer rapid access - often same-week or within a few days of your first call.
Telehealth for Teens
Secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions work especially well for older kids and teens - and keep therapy consistent through busy seasons and school breaks.
Serving Families in Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead & Surf City
Our Wilmington therapy office is located at 140 Cinema Dr, Unit E - easily accessible for families across Wilmington and surrounding communities. Telehealth is available statewide across North Carolina.
Our Wilmington team - Lisa McCormick, LCMHC; Shelby Paske, LCMHCA; Catherine (Cay) Fulop, LCSW, LCAS; Kailyn Mattingly, LCSWA; and Jenna McGinnis, LCSWA - supports kids and adolescents navigating anxiety, worry, trauma, depression, and life challenges with warm, client-centered care.
Each therapist is licensed, supervised, and committed to the highest standards of ethical, compassionate care. Sessions are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM.
Book Your Child's Appointment →Meet Our Wilmington Child & Teen Therapists
Our licensed Wilmington clinicians bring clinical expertise, warmth, and genuine investment in your child's growth and wellbeing.
Lisa McCormick
Client-centered counselor helping kids, adolescents, teens, and adults navigate worry, fear, trauma, and life challenges - using CBT, mindfulness, and practical coping strategies.
Shelby Paske
Compassionate counselor creating a supportive space for adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, life transitions, and interpersonal challenges - grounded in CBT.
Jenna McGinnis
Works with children, teens, and families through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and family conflict with a warm, strengths-based approach.
Catherine (Cay) Fulop
Extensive expertise in trauma, addiction, and complex mental health. Brings evidence-based, compassionate care to clients navigating life's most difficult challenges.
Kailyn Mattingly
Compassionate therapist creating warm, welcoming environments for anxiety, depression, and personal growth.
Serving These Needs for Families Across Wilmington & Nearby Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?+
Common signs include persistent sadness or irritability, sudden changes in behavior, frequent meltdowns, school refusal, social withdrawal, trouble sleeping, or a noticeable drop in grades. If something feels off, trust your instincts - a free 15-minute consultation with our team is a great first step, even if you're not sure.
What happens in my child's first therapy session?+
The first session is relaxed and low-pressure. Your child's therapist focuses on building trust and getting to know their world - their interests, strengths, and worries. For younger children this often happens through play and creative activities; for teens it looks more like an easy, judgment-free conversation.
Do parents sit in on sessions?+
It depends on your child's age and needs. Most sessions are one-on-one so your child has a private, safe space - but parents are always part of the process. We regularly check in with you to share progress, offer strategies for home, and make sure everyone is working toward the same goals.
How does play therapy work?+
Play is how young children naturally communicate. In play therapy, the therapist uses games, art, and creative activities to help children express feelings and process experiences they don't yet have words for. It feels like play to the child - but it's a structured, evidence-informed way to build emotional skills and work through challenges.
What insurance do you accept for child therapy in Wilmington?+
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health, and self-pay rates are also available. Coverage varies by plan, so please call us at (919) 300-6717 to verify your specific benefits before your child's first appointment.
Will my child's sessions stay private?+
Yes, with some important distinctions for minors. Therapists share general progress updates with parents, but 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.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and equipped for life's challenges. Our Wilmington therapists are ready to walk alongside your family. Start with a free 15-minute consultation - no commitment required.