Child Adolescent Therapy

Child & Adolescent Therapy in Illinois & the Northwest Suburbs

Children and teens experience stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges differently than adults. Big feelings often show up through behavior, withdrawal, irritability, or difficulty at school rather than clear words.

At Collaborative Healing, we provide in-person child and adolescent therapy in Inverness, Illinois, serving families throughout the Northwest Suburbs. We also offer secure virtual therapy for teens across Illinois.

Our goal is to create a safe, developmentally appropriate space where young people can build confidence, emotional regulation skills, and resilience.

We provide individualized child & adolescent counseling in Inverness, IL, serving those throughout the Northwest suburbs, including Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Hoffmann Estates and Schaumburg.

When to Consider Therapy for Your Child or Adolescent

Parents often seek therapy when they notice:

Increased anxiety or school avoidance
Emotional outbursts or irritability
Difficulty regulating emotions
Low self-esteem
Social struggles or peer conflict
Behavioral concerns
Grief or family transitions
Identity exploration
Academic stress

Early support can prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched and help children develop healthy coping skills that last into adulthood.

Play Therapy for Children (Ages 5+)

For younger children, therapy looks different than it does for adults. Kelsey works with children ages 5 and older, incorporating play therapy techniques to help children communicate feelings in a way that feels natural and safe.

Through structured play, creative expression, and skill-building activities, children can:

Identify and name emotions
Learn calming strategies
Practice problem-solving
Build confidence
Improve behavior and emotional regulation

Play is a child’s language — and therapy meets them where they are developmentally.

Therapy for Adolescents

The adolescent years bring unique pressures: academic expectations, social dynamics, identity development, family conflict, and the transition toward independence.

Adolescent therapy focuses on:

Anxiety and stress management
Emotional regulation
Building self-esteem
Developing healthy coping skills
Strengthening communication with parents
Navigating peer and relationship challenges

We provide a balanced approach that supports both teen autonomy and healthy parental involvement.

Meet the Specialists

Kelsey Johnson, LSW

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kelsey specializes in working with children ages 5 and older, as well as adolescents navigating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, and self-esteem concerns. Using developmentally appropriate approaches — including CBT-based strategies and play therapy techniques — she helps young clients understand their emotions and build practical coping skills.

Kelsey is passionate about creating an inclusive, affirming environment where children and teens feel safe expressing themselves. She also partners closely with parents to support meaningful growth both in and outside of therapy.

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kanesha works with children, adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and identity development. These years can feel overwhelming and uncertain, and she creates a collaborative, non-judgmental space where young people feel heard and supported.

Using strength-based and expressive approaches, Kanesha helps her clients to reshape unhelpful narratives, build emotional awareness, and develop confidence as they move through important life transitions.

Begin Child & Adolescent Therapy in Illinois

Supporting your child’s mental health is one of the most meaningful investments you can make.

If you are seeking child therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can determine the best path forward for your child and your family.

Our Illinois office serves families across the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, including:

Inverness
Palatine
Arlington Heights
Barrington
Schaumburg
Hoffman Estates
Surrounding communities

Many families appreciate the consistency and structure of in-person sessions, especially for younger children who benefit from hands-on therapeutic engagement.

Schedule an Appointment

Child & Adolescent Therapy in Illinois & the Northwest Suburbs

Get Stated Today

When to Consider Therapy for Your Child or Adolescent

When to Consider Therapy for Your Child or Adolescent

Play Therapy for Children (Ages 5+)

Therapy for Adolescents

Meet the Specialists

Kelsey Johnson, LSW

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Kanesha Walker-Amaro, LCPC

Begin Child & Adolescent Therapy in Illinois

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