Services · Counseling for kids and families
Child therapy or family therapy?
Child and adolescent therapy helps a young person work through issues individually. Family therapy addresses how dynamics, communication and patterns affect everyone. Here is how to tell which fits.
Child therapy works one-on-one with a young person; family therapy brings the family together. Touchstone in Vernon Hills, IL offers both and helps families choose.
Child & adolescent
One-on-one, age-appropriate
Family
Everyone in the room
Where
In clinic or by telehealth
First step
A short intake call
Two modalities
What each one focuses on
Child and adolescent therapy
The therapist works one-on-one with the child on emotional, behavioral or developmental concerns such as anxiety, mood swings, school struggles or trauma.
- Tailored to the child’s specific concerns
- Coping, emotional regulation and problem-solving skills
- A confidential space where the child can explore feelings
- Parents join periodic sessions for progress and context
Family therapy
Multiple family members work with a therapist on relational dynamics and shared challenges, and every perspective counts.
- How interactions and communication shape behavior
- Improving understanding, resolving conflict, strengthening bonds
- All members contribute, even when one person’s issue is the focus
- Goals around communication, conflict and empathy
Choosing
When to consider each
Child or adolescent therapy when
- The child is struggling with personal issues like anxiety, depression or trauma
- The main goal is individual coping strategies
- Family dynamics are stable, but the child needs targeted support
Family therapy when
- There are ongoing conflicts or communication breakdowns at home
- Multiple family members are affected by, or contributing to, the issue
- The goal is stronger family relationships and systemic change
Why not both at once
Why a therapist may not provide both modalities simultaneously
Child and family therapy often overlap, but clarity of roles matters. A therapist doing individual work is primarily the child’s advocate and keeps confidentiality; in family therapy, the therapist serves the whole system. Combining both can blur boundaries and affect trust, especially for the child, so therapists often specialize in one.
Touchstone offers both. Our therapists help families make the decision with a thorough initial assessment, clear communication about goals and expectations, and the flexibility to adapt as needs evolve.
Your care team
Meet our child, adolescent and family therapists
Get started
Ready to get started?
Touchstone Therapy Center is here to help. Fill out this form to schedule an appointment, or call (847) 996-6666 and our care coordinator will call you back.
Call (847) 996-6666
Hours Mon–Thu 8:30–7 · Fri 8:30–5 · Sat 9–1
Request a call back
"*" indicates required fields