Child & Play Therapy in Rhode Island
Arrow Behavioral Health provides child therapy and play therapy for children ages 3 and up in Warwick and Middletown, Rhode Island.
Child Therapy Services We Provide
We offer individual therapy for children using play-based and expressive approaches designed for how children actually think, feel, and communicate. Children, especially younger ones, do not process difficult experiences through conversation the way adults do. Play therapy gives them a medium that fits.
In sessions at Arrow, your child works with a trained therapist in a consistent, child-friendly space. The child leads; the therapist observes, reflects, and gently guides the process. Over time, children express feelings they have not been able to put into words, work through difficult experiences, and build coping skills they can use outside the session.
Arrow integrates play therapy with art therapy and expressive techniques, giving our therapists a broader set of tools to work with each child individually.
Conditions We Treat in Children
We work with children experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Common reasons families contact Arrow for child therapy:
Anxiety, excessive worry, or fear that is interfering with school or daily life
Behavioral challenges including aggression, tantrums, or persistent defiance
Attention and impulsivity difficulties, including ADHD symptoms in younger children
Trauma or exposure to frightening events
Grief following the loss of a loved one, parental separation, or significant family change
Difficulty adjusting to a major life transition: a new school, a new sibling, a family move
Social difficulties including trouble making friends, withdrawal, or persistent shyness
Low self-esteem or negative self-talk that does not respond to reassurance
If your child is clearly struggling but cannot tell you why, child therapy is a constructive place to begin.
What to Expect from Your Child's Therapy at Arrow
Sessions are typically 30 to 50 minutes and take place in a child-friendly space designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical. Most children adjust to the process more quickly than parents expect.
Parent involvement is built into treatment. You will receive regular updates from your child's therapist, along with specific guidance on how to support the work at home. Your child's sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship is protected; the therapist will share what is useful to know without compromising that trust.
Progress often shows up at home before it is visible in session. A child who was shutting down begins to express themselves. A child who was acting out starts to communicate rather than react. Your therapist will be transparent about what to watch for and will update the treatment plan as your child develops.
Duration depends on the child and the presenting concerns. Some children make meaningful progress in a few months. Others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will set honest expectations from the start.
Why Choose Arrow Behavioral Health for Your Child
Insurance accepted. Insurance accepted. We work with many insurance plans to help families access the care and support their child needs without added stress.
Child-focused, experienced therapists. Our therapists are trained in play therapy and developmentally appropriate modalities. We approach children with patience and genuine warmth, and we understand that a child's experience of the world requires a fundamentally different therapeutic approach than an adult's.
Three Rhode Island locations. Offices in Warwick (1329 Jefferson Blvd and 33 College Hill Rd, Bldg 31) and Middletown (809 Aquidneck Ave Suite 202). We serve families across Kent County, Aquidneck Island, and surrounding communities.
Teletherapy available statewide. For families who prefer virtual sessions or live further from our offices, we offer child teletherapy throughout Rhode Island.
Whole-family support. Arrow also provides family therapy and individual therapy for parents and siblings. Children heal within the context of their families, and we can support the whole family in one practice.
Schedule Your Child's First Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
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We work with children starting at age 3. We also see older children and teens using approaches adapted to their developmental stage. Contact us to discuss whether our services are right for your child's age and situation.
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If your child's difficulties are persistent, affecting their daily life, or not improving despite your efforts, it is worth a conversation. You do not need to wait for a crisis. Early support tends to be more effective than waiting until problems escalate.
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It depends on the therapeutic approach and the child's needs. Some models actively involve parents in sessions. In others, the child's individual session is the primary space, with parents receiving guidance and updates between appointments. Your therapist will explain what makes sense for your child from the beginning.
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Duration varies based on the child and the presenting concerns. Some children make significant progress in a few months; others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will be transparent about what to expect and will adjust the plan as your child progresses.
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Yes. We offer virtual therapy sessions for children throughout Rhode Island for families who prefer remote sessions or live outside our immediate service areas.