Child Therapy in Iowa

Licensed child therapists provide age-appropriate counseling to help kids build emotional skills, work through big feelings, and feel more like themselves. 

Childhood comes with its own kind of stress: school pressure, friendship struggles, family changes, big emotions kids don't yet have words for.  At Alli Center, our child therapists use play based interventions and other developmentally appropriate methods to help kids process what they're going through, build coping skills, and feel supported. 

Meet Our Child Therapists

Our child therapy team serves clients in person at our North Liberty office. Click any name to read their full bio.

• Trisha Maulson, LMFT, Registered Play Therapist - Trisha works with children ages 5 and up. She utilizes Adlerian Play Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy informed approaches.

• MaKenzie Boersma, LMSW - Makenzie works with children ages 5 and up.

• Gabrielle Collins, LMSW - Gabrielle works with children ages 5 and up.

• Claire Jones, LMSW - Claire works with children ages 6 and up.

• Emily Stecker, TLMFT - Emily works with children ages 6 and up.

Not sure who's the right fit? Request to work with a child therapist or call (319) 804-9312 and we'll help match you with the right provider.

Common Reasons Children Engage in Therapy

• Anxiety, worry, or trouble managing big emotions

• Behavioral changes at home or school

• Adjusting to family changes (divorce, a new sibling, a move)

• Difficulty with friendships or social situations

• Grief, loss, or a difficult life event

• Trouble sleeping, focusing, or self-regulating

Our Approach

We believe therapy for kids should meet them where they are — through play and interactive interventions, not just conversation. Our therapists use play therapy interventions, CBT-informed tools, and family involvement to help kids:

• Express feelings they don't yet have words for

• Build coping and self-regulation skills

• Work through specific worries or experiences in a safe, low-pressure space

• Strengthen communication with parents/caregivers

What to Expect in Sessions

• Play-based work: Sessions often use toys, art, or games as the "language" kids are most comfortable with

• Parent involvement: Caregivers are looped in regularly, without breaking the child's trust

• Safe space: Your child's therapist creates a space where they feel safe to be themselves

• Pacing: Progress varies by child; many families see changes over several weeks to a few months

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Therapy at Alli Center in Iowa

Do you take insurance for child therapy?

Yes, we take insurance for child therapy. We're in-network with many major insurers and can bill under standard codes when insurance allows. Caregivers are responsible for confirming children's benefits directly with their insurance company.

What age range do you see for child therapy?

Our child therapists work with children as young as five years old. Check the ages served for each therapist.

How do I schedule a child therapy appointment?

You can request a child therapy appointment online or call us at 319-804-9312. We’ll connect you with the right therapist for your needs and help you get started quickly.

Will I know what's happening in sessions?

Therapists work with a child’s parent or guardian to identify goals, create a treatment plan, and discuss progress as sessions continue. The specific content of sessions will be kept confidential to allow children to have a safe, trusted space, to explore and process their emotions. Therapists will always keep caregivers informed of any safety concerns, but allowing a child to have a trusted neutral adult to advocate is crucial for the therapeutic process. There may be times where a therapist may ask parents or guardians to participate in sessions on a case by case basis.

Ready to Begin?

Request a Child Therapy appointment at our North Liberty office or Contact Us today.