Child & Teen Therapy in Cary, NC - Help Your Child Thrive
Licensed child & teen therapists in Cary offering warm, kid-friendly care for anxiety, ADHD, big emotions, and school stress. In-person and telehealth available.
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Free 15-min consultation - no commitment needed.
Therapy That Speaks Your Child's Language
At Fresh Breath Therapy, our Cary child and teen therapists create a warm, playful, age-appropriate space where kids feel safe to open up. Whether your child is battling worry that won't quiet down, struggling to focus at school, or wrestling with big emotions they can't yet name - your family deserves real support.
Cary is one of the most family-friendly cities in America, yet children here face the same challenges as kids everywhere - anxiety, school stress, social struggles, and family changes. Our licensed LCSW and LCSWA clinicians specialize in working with children and teens, meeting each child at their developmental stage with genuine compassion and evidence-based care.
Parents are partners in everything we do. From the first session onward, we keep you informed, involved, and equipped with tools to support your child's progress at home - because healing works best when the whole family is on the same team.
Help Your Child Thrive →
Common Reasons Cary Families Seek Child Therapy
Your child doesn't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many families come to us simply wanting their child to feel happier, more confident, and better equipped for life's ups and downs.
Anxiety & Worry in Kids
Excessive worry, separation anxiety, panic, perfectionism, and fears that get in the way of school, friendships, sleep, and everyday family life.
ADHD & Focus Challenges
Difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, restlessness, and frustration at school or home - we help kids build focus, routines, and self-confidence.
Big Emotions & Behavioral Struggles
Meltdowns, defiance, aggression, and emotional outbursts - we help children learn to identify, express, and manage feelings in healthier ways.
School Stress & Academic Pressure
Test anxiety, homework battles, school refusal, and the pressure to perform - helping kids succeed without sacrificing their wellbeing.
Bullying & Social Skills
Peer conflict, exclusion, trouble making friends, and social anxiety - building the confidence and skills kids need for healthy friendships.
Divorce & Family Changes
Separation, divorce, blended families, relocation, and other transitions that leave children feeling confused, sad, or caught in the middle.
Childhood Trauma
Adverse experiences, frightening events, and attachment concerns - trauma-informed care that helps children heal safely at their own pace.
Grief & Loss
The death of a loved one or pet, and other losses - helping children understand and process grief in age-appropriate, gentle ways.
Teen Depression & Self-Esteem
Sadness, withdrawal, irritability, negative self-talk, and low self-worth in teens - support that helps adolescents reconnect with who they are.
Proven Methods, Made Kid-Friendly
Children aren't small adults - they need therapy designed for how they think, play, and grow. Our Cary clinicians adapt evidence-based approaches to each child's age, personality, and needs.
Play Therapy
Young children express themselves through play. Our therapists use evidence-based play therapy techniques to help kids process emotions, work through conflicts, and build coping skills in the language children know best.
CBT for Kids & Teens
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for young people - age-appropriate activities that help kids connect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and challenge anxious or unhelpful thinking patterns.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - an effective approach for trauma. Helps children and teens reprocess painful experiences so they lose their grip on the present.
Family-Involved Therapy
Parents are included in the process. We weave in parent guidance and family sessions so progress made in the therapy room carries over to home, school, and everyday life.
Creative & Expressive Approaches
Drawing, storytelling, and other creative therapeutic approaches give children ways to express experiences and emotions that are hard to put into words.
Mindfulness for Kids
Simple, kid-friendly mindfulness and calming skills that help children slow down big feelings, manage stress, and feel more in control of their bodies and minds.
Your Child's First Session: What Parents Can Expect
Why Cary Parents Trust Us With Their Kids
Child & Teen Specialists
Our Cary clinicians specialize in working with children, adolescents, and teens - using age-appropriate techniques for every developmental stage.
Parents Are Partners
Regular parent check-ins, guidance, and family sessions keep you informed and involved - so progress extends well beyond the therapy room.
Licensed Clinicians Only
Every therapist on our Cary team is licensed, supervised, and committed to the highest standards of ethical, compassionate care for young clients.
Insurance & Self-Pay
We accept major insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health. Call us to verify your child's specific benefits before the first appointment.
No Long Waitlists
Kids' mental health can't wait. We work hard to offer rapid access - often same-week or within a few days of your first inquiry.
Telehealth for Teens
Many teens open up more easily from the comfort of home. Our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform is available anywhere in North Carolina.
Serving Families in Cary, Apex, Morrisville & Holly Springs
Our Cary therapy office is located at 125 Edinburgh South Dr, Suite 210 - easily accessible from Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and Raleigh. Telehealth available statewide.
Our Cary child & teen team - Kaylee Meyers, LCSW; Naja Cotton, LCSWA; Ashley West, LCSWA; and Jaimy Summerlin, LCSW - offers specialized care for anxiety, ADHD, behavioral struggles, trauma, and the everyday challenges of growing up.
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 Appointment →Meet the Cary Team
Our licensed Cary clinicians bring clinical expertise, warmth, and genuine investment in your child's growth and wellbeing.
Kaylee Meyers
Practice owner specializing in children, teens, and young adults. Trained in CBT, EMDR, family therapy, and creative therapeutic approaches.
Naja Cotton
Works with children, teens, and adults on resilience building - supporting young people through anxiety, ADHD, and academic stress.
Ashley West
Supports children, adolescents, and adults through life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment concerns using CBT, DBT, and mindfulness.
Jaimy Summerlin
Experienced clinical social worker providing compassionate therapy to individuals, families, and children.
Katina Redmond
Marriage and family therapist building stronger relationships through improved communication and systemic approaches.
Lauren Fisher
Compassionate therapist helping clients develop effective coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Linda McAteer
Licensed mental health counselor creating safe, supportive environments for healing and personal growth.
Yeshira Benson
Family therapist specializing in strengthening family bonds and supporting healthy family dynamics.
Serving These Needs Across Cary & Nearby Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?+
Common signs include persistent sadness, excessive worry, behavioral changes, declining school performance, withdrawal from friends, or difficulty managing emotions. If you're unsure, call us at (919) 300-6717 - a free 15-minute consultation with one of our Cary child therapists can help you decide the best path.
What happens in a child's first therapy session?+
The first session is about comfort and connection. Parents join us as we get to know your child, hear your concerns, and talk through goals. Your therapist will explain how sessions work, answer your questions, and map out an age-appropriate plan - no pressure, no rush.
Do parents sit in on sessions?+
It depends on your child's age and needs. Younger children often benefit from parent involvement in sessions, while older kids and teens usually meet one-on-one with regular parent check-ins. Either way, you'll always be a partner in the process with updates and guidance along the way.
How does play therapy work?+
Play is the natural language of childhood. In play therapy, our therapists create a safe, structured play environment where children express feelings, work through conflicts, and build coping strategies - all through the medium children know best. It's an evidence-based approach especially effective for younger kids.
What insurance do you accept at the Cary office?+
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health. We also have self-pay rates available. Call us at (919) 300-6717 to verify your child's specific benefits before the first appointment.
Will my child's sessions stay private?+
Yes - sessions are protected by HIPAA and NC state regulations. We balance a child's need for age-appropriate confidentiality (which helps kids and teens open up) with parents' need to stay informed. You'll receive regular updates on progress, and we will always tell you about any safety concerns.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Watching your child struggle is one of the hardest things a parent can face - but you don't have to figure it out alone. Our Cary child & teen therapists are ready to help your family. Start with a free 15-minute consultation, no commitment required.