Child & tween therapy · Ages 4–12
NW Austin · Online from about age 8
Child therapy for ages 4–12: big feelings in a small person don't have to run the house.
Gentle, parent-involved therapy for kids 4–12 who've been through too much — in Northwest Austin and online.
Get Help Now
or call 512-400-4790
For parents
You've been wondering if this is your fault. It isn't.
Kids are resilient — and still, it's normal to wonder if yours will ever feel like themselves again, especially after something like abuse, a loss, or a hard year. You've read the books. You've tried the charts. The meltdowns, the clinging, the shutting down are still here.
Here's what we see every week: with the right support, kids heal completely. They get their bright futures back, and they find their love of life again. That's the goal — not managing symptoms forever.
What parents tell us on the first call
Meltdowns that come out of nowhere and last too long
Clingy at drop-off, then can't sleep at night
Stomachaches, headaches, and “I don't feel good” before school
They don't want to play the way they used to
Something happened — and they won't talk about it
You noticed. You're here. That's the part that matters most, and it's already done.
What therapy looks like for a young child
Less talking. More doing.
Young kids don't sit on a couch and describe their feelings for 50 minutes — and we'd never ask them to. Here's what actually happens.
1
First, you and Ivana talk
The first session is mostly for you: what's happening, what's changed, what you're hoping for. Your child gets to see the room before anything is asked of them.
2
Then your child leads
Drawing, building, stories, sand, movement — whatever helps your child show what words can't. Ivana follows their pace and keeps it feeling safe.
3
You stay close
You're in the waiting room or, for younger kids, sometimes in the room. You'll get a plain-language check-in on what's working and what to try at home.
4
Sessions are 50 minutes
Usually weekly to start. As things settle we space them out — this isn't endless therapy, and we'll tell you when we think you're done.
Ages 4–12 are seen in person at our Northwest Austin office. Online sessions work well from about age 8; younger kids do better in the room.
Questions parents ask
The things you're wondering at 11 p.m.
Anything we haven't answered? Call 512-400-4790 — you'll talk to Nia, not a phone tree.
For most kids, yes, for part of the session — that's where the work happens. You're steps away in the waiting room, and for younger children you may be in the room at first. You decide together with Ivana, and nothing happens behind a closed door you don't understand.
Something true and small: “We're going to see someone whose job is helping kids with big feelings. You get to play and talk. I'll be right there.” Ivana can give you the exact words for your child's age on the first call.
Some kids are more tired or clingy after the first few sessions — that's a sign something is moving, and it passes. We go at your child's pace and never push them to talk about hard things before they feel safe.
Most kids come weekly to start. You'll usually notice changes at home within a couple of months — calmer bedtimes, fewer meltdowns, more play. This isn't endless therapy; Ivana will talk with you about progress and a plan, not just book the next slot.
Yes. Anxiety, big anger, worry that shows up as stomachaches, changes after a divorce or a move — none of that needs a diagnosis to deserve help.
We're self-pay and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Our nonprofit sliding scale is on the Rates page — parents of young children are exactly who it's for.
Consent & custody
Who can say yes to therapy for a child in Texas?
In Texas, parents or legal guardians consent to counseling for a minor. Before the first session we'll ask you to sign a consent form and, for parents who are divorced or separated, to share the part of your custody order that covers medical and mental-health decisions.
If you and your co-parent disagree, or you're not sure what your order says, tell us on the first call. We deal with this every week and we'll help you sort out what's needed — without your child waiting in limbo.
Bring or upload the custody order pages that cover health decisions
Both parents are welcome at the parent check-in
We'll tell you plainly what we can and can't share with each parent
Your first call is with a real person.
Nia, our Client Care Coordinator, will listen to what's going on with your child and set up your first session with Ivana. No phone tree, no pressure.
Get Help Now
or call 512-400-4790
Meet Ivana
One person, not a directory.
IC
Photo coming · starting October
Ivana Crumpton
Ivana is a resident-level clinician, which means every case she sees is reviewed weekly with a senior trauma specialist — two sets of eyes on your child's care, not one.
NW Austin office
Online across Texas, about age 8+
Ages 4–12 · parents involved
Activity-based, trauma-informed
Why a supervised clinician is a strength
Two clinicians for the price of one.
Resident-level clinicians at Hope For The Journey work under weekly supervision from a senior trauma specialist. It's a legal requirement — and it's also the best-supported care in the building.
Weekly case review
Every child's plan is looked at by two people, every week.
Fresh training
Current, research-based methods — and EMDR training begins after Ivana starts.
Lower fees
Supervised care is how our sliding scale stays real for families.
We're a nonprofit
Cost shouldn't decide whether your child gets help.
Hope For The Journey is a 501(c)(3). Sliding-scale spots with our supervised clinicians exist so that parents of young kids — the most fee-sensitive families we see — can start now instead of waiting.
Sliding scale based on household income
Superbills for out-of-network reimbursement
No dollar figures here — everything is on one page so it's always current
Where we see kids 4–12
Northwest Austin, or online from about age 8.
Kids under 13 are seen at our Austin office. We don't see this age group in Round Rock, and telehealth works best from about age 8 — call 512-400-4790 if you're unsure.
NW Austin
4131 Spicewood Springs Rd. Ste. L-1
Austin, TX 78759
Austin, TX 78759
In person · ages 4–12
Online across Texas
Secure video sessions from home
From about age 8 · parent nearby
More ways we help
Check out our other services
Ages 13–17
13–17
Teen
Trauma, anxiety, and big emotions — with you in the loop.
Ages 18–25
18–25
Young adult
Therapy you book for yourself, on your own terms.
Looking for something more specific?
Kids at two different ages? One call covers both — just tell Nia and she'll plan it with you.
You noticed. Now let us help.
Schedule a consult call. We'll answer your questions, talk through the sliding scale, and get your child on the calendar.
Get Help Now
or call 512-400-4790