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Winston Salem - Accepting New Clients Now

Child & Teen Therapy
in Winston Salem, NC

Specialized counseling for children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, school stress, behavioral challenges, and the pressures of growing up - in a safe, supportive space.

Ages 5-25 Evening Slots Insurance Accepted In-Person & Telehealth

Request an Appointment

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.

Licensed Child & Teen Therapists BCBS · Aetna · Cigna · Medicaid Evening & Afternoon Slots In-Person & Telehealth

Is Your Child or Teen Struggling?

Recognizing when a young person needs support is the first step. Here are common challenges we help children and teens work through every day.

All Ages

Anxiety & Worry

Persistent fears, panic attacks, separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized worry that interferes with daily life.

Teens

Depression & Low Mood

Withdrawal, loss of interest, sadness, hopelessness, or changes in sleep and appetite that aren't resolving on their own.

All Ages

School-Related Stress

Academic pressure, test anxiety, school refusal, struggles with focus, homework battles, or fear of failure.

Children

Behavioral Concerns

Anger outbursts, defiance, difficulty following rules, emotional dysregulation, or behavior that feels out of proportion.

Teens

Identity & Self-Esteem

Struggles with who they are, self-worth, peer pressure, social media comparison, or questions about gender and sexuality.

All Ages

Trauma & Difficult Experiences

Responses to bullying, family changes, loss, abuse, or other experiences that have left a lasting emotional impact.

Therapy That Actually
Connects With Young People

We meet children and teens where they are - developmentally, emotionally, and culturally. Every session is age-appropriate and built around what works.

01
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Help young people identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones - proven effective for anxiety and depression in children and teens.

02
Motivational Interviewing

Rather than telling teens what to do, we help them discover their own reasons to change - dramatically improving engagement and lasting results.

03
Strengths-Based Therapy

We start by recognizing what young people are already doing well. Building on existing resilience creates confidence and faster progress.

04
Play & Expressive Techniques

Especially for younger children, we use age-appropriate methods so kids can express and process emotions in ways that feel natural to them.

Why Specialized Child & Teen Therapy Matters

Young brains are still developing. The right therapeutic approach during childhood and adolescence can prevent mental health challenges from becoming lifelong struggles.

1 in 5children experiences a mental health disorder
50%of mental health conditions begin before age 14
75%begin before age 24
Earlyintervention has the highest success rates

Deep Expertise in
School-Related Challenges

Our Winston Salem therapist brings something few practices offer: real-world school counseling experience combined with clinical training. Katrina McGuire worked as a school counselor before joining Fresh Breath Therapy - so she understands the school environment from the inside, not just the therapy office.

This means she speaks your child's language, understands the pressures they face, and can create strategies that actually work in the school context - not just in the therapy room.

Academic anxiety and test-taking stress
School refusal and attendance concerns
Peer conflicts, bullying, and social difficulties
IEP support and learning challenges
College application and transition stress
Teacher relationship difficulties

Your Winston Salem Therapist

Katrina McGuire, LCMHCA Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate - formerly a school counselor with expertise in both clinical and educational settings
Former School Counselor Real school experience means she understands your child's world from every angle
Ages 5-25 Specialized in children, adolescents, and young adults through college age
Schedule with Katrina ->

Someone Who Actually
Gets It

Katrina McGuire
Katrina McGuire
LCMHCA - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

I'm here to support children, teens, and young adults as they work through anxiety, depression, stress, identity development, self-esteem, school-related challenges, and behavioral concerns. My goal is to help clients better understand what they're feeling and find coping strategies that actually feel doable in everyday life.

As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and former school counselor, I bring experience from both school and clinical settings. I take a person-centered, collaborative approach and draw from evidence-based practices including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. I strive to create a space that feels comfortable and supportive - where clients can show up as themselves without pressure or judgment. My hope is that clients leave sessions feeling a little more grounded, a little more confident, and more equipped to handle what they're facing.

Children & Teens Young Adults Anxiety Depression School Issues Self-Esteem Identity Development Behavioral Concerns CBT Parenting Support
Book a Session with Katrina ->

What Families Are Saying

★★★★★

"My 13-year-old was dreading school every morning. After just a few sessions, we noticed a real shift in her attitude. She started opening up and developed real coping skills."

- Parent, Winston Salem
★★★★★

"I was hesitant to put my 9-year-old in therapy but it was the best decision. His therapist really connected with him and made him feel safe enough to talk about things he'd never shared with us."

- Parent, Triad Area
★★★★★

"As a young adult, I wasn't sure therapy was for me. But the approach here was completely different from what I expected - practical, non-judgmental, and actually useful for real life."

- Young Adult Client, 22

Your Child's Care Shouldn't
Break the Budget

We accept most major insurance plans so cost is one less barrier between your family and the support you need.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Aetna Cigna State Health Plan Medicaid
We do not accept Medicare. Contact us to verify your specific coverage.
Verify Coverage & Book a Consultation ->

Questions Parents & Teens Ask

How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Signs to look for include persistent worry or sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, declining school performance, social withdrawal, behavioral changes, or if your child says they don't want to go to school. When in doubt, a consultation costs nothing and provides clarity.
Will my child's therapist share what they discuss with me?
For minors, parents receive general updates on progress and goals while specific session content remains confidential to protect the therapeutic relationship. Safety concerns are always communicated to parents immediately. Your therapist will explain this fully in the first session.
Do you offer telehealth for teens who prefer it?
Yes. Many teens actually prefer telehealth because they can join from the privacy of their own room. Secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions are available for anyone in North Carolina.
What if my teen refuses to go to therapy?
This is very common. We suggest framing it as one conversation, not a long commitment. Our therapists are skilled at building rapport quickly with reluctant teens. Many teens who resist in the beginning become some of our most engaged clients once they feel safe.
How quickly can we get an appointment?
We currently have 25-30 new client openings in Winston Salem with evening and afternoon appointment slots. Reach out today and you could often be seen within the week.

Your Child Deserves to
Feel Better. Start Today.

Don't wait for things to get worse. 25-30 appointment openings available now in Winston Salem. Evening & afternoon slots. Insurance accepted.

Licensed Therapists Former School Counselor Ages 5-25 Insurance Accepted Evening Slots

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

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.