Helping Children & Teens Feel Understood, Supported, and Connected
Child and Teen Counseling in Portage, Michigan
Growing up isn't always easy. From big emotions and anxiety to school struggles, behavioral challenges, and family transitions, children and teens sometimes need extra support navigating their world.
At Portage Family Healing Center, we provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can explore their feelings, build coping skills, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.
When Your Child Is Struggling, Your Whole Family Feels It
Maybe your child has big emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe your teen has become more withdrawn, anxious, or frustrated. Perhaps school has become a daily battle, or your family is navigating changes that feel overwhelming.
You may have tried everything you know to help, and still find yourself wondering what your child needs.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
Our therapists work with children, teens, and caregivers to understand what's happening beneath the surface of challenging behaviors and emotions. Together, we work toward greater understanding, practical skills, and stronger family connections.
What We Can Help With
Anxiety & Worry
Frequent worries, fears, separation anxiety, perfectionism, and feeling overwhelmed.
Depression & Self-Esteem
Sadness, withdrawal, low motivation, self-criticism, and difficulty connecting.
Big Emotions & Behavior
Emotional outbursts, frustration, anger, difficulty with transitions, and self-regulation.
ADHD & School Challenges
Attention, organization, executive functioning, school stress, and confidence.
Family & Relationship Changes
Divorce, grief, adoption, foster care, attachment concerns, and family transitions.
Trauma & Difficult Experiences
Support for children and teens impacted by stressful, frightening, or overwhelming experiences.
Therapy doesn't look the same for every child, and it shouldn't.
For Younger Children
Young children often communicate through play, creativity, movement, and connection. Our therapists use developmentally appropriate approaches to help children express emotions, build coping skills, and feel safe and understood.
For Preteens & Teenagers
Adolescence brings new pressures, growing independence, changing relationships, and big questions about identity. We provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space for teens to talk, process experiences, develop confidence, and learn skills for navigating challenges.
For Parents & Caregivers
Children don't grow and heal in isolation. When appropriate, we involve parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, offering guidance and practical strategies to support progress beyond the therapy room.
Our Approach — Supporting the Whole Child and Family
At Portage Family Healing Center, we believe meaningful change happens through connection.
We look beyond symptoms and behaviors to understand each child's experiences, relationships, strengths, and needs. Our therapists draw from a variety of evidence-informed and trauma-informed approaches, tailoring treatment to the individual child or teen.
Depending on the therapist and the needs of your family, counseling may incorporate play-based activities, creative expression, cognitive behavioral strategies, emotional regulation skills, family involvement, and trauma-focused approaches.
Our goal isn't simply to help children behave differently. It's to help them understand themselves, develop healthy skills, and experience stronger connections with the people who love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Children and teens may benefit from counseling when emotions, behaviors, worries, or relationship challenges begin affecting daily life. You don't need to wait for a crisis. Therapy can offer support during stressful transitions, persistent difficulties, or times when your child needs additional tools and connection.
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Portage Family Healing Center offers counseling for children as young as age 3, preteens, and teenagers. Age ranges vary by therapist, and our team can help you find a clinician who fits your child's developmental needs.
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Parent and caregiver involvement is often an important part of helping children make progress. The level of involvement depends on your child's age, treatment goals, and individual needs. Your therapist will discuss how to support your child while respecting appropriate privacy and confidentiality.
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Your therapist will begin getting to know your child and family, learning about current concerns, strengths, history, and goals. Depending on your child's age and needs, the first appointment may involve the caregiver, the child, or both.
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PFHC works with a variety of insurance plans, including several commercial and Michigan Medicaid plans. Coverage depends on the individual clinician, plan, and service. Please contact our office to confirm current participation and benefits.
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Telehealth counseling may be available for eligible clients located in Michigan. Availability depends on the therapist, the child's age, and whether virtual sessions are clinically appropriate.
Your Child Doesn't Have to Navigate This Alone
Whether your family is facing a new challenge or has been struggling for a while, we're here to help you find a path forward.
Connect with Portage Family Healing Center to explore counseling options for your child or teen.
Click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call.