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Child & Adolescent Counseling in Cayce

Child & Adolescent Counseling in Columbia

Child and adolescent counseling covers a wide range of issues: anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral problems at school, grief, divorce adjustment, social skills, trauma, and family conflict. A counselor working with kids uses different tools than one working with adults, things like play therapy for younger children, art or sand tray techniques, and talk-based cognitive behavioral approaches for teens. Session structure often includes some parent involvement, whether that's a regular check-in or full family sessions, since progress at home usually depends on consistency between the therapist's approach and what happens outside the office.

With 24 providers serving Cayce, families have real options, but that also means sorting through differences in specialty, age range, and approach. Look for a counselor who names the specific issue your child is facing (not a generalist claiming to treat everything), who is licensed to work with minors, and who explains how they'll involve you as a parent. Ask about their experience with your child's specific age group: a therapist great with a 7-year-old dealing with separation anxiety isn't automatically the right fit for a 16-year-old working through depression. Availability matters too, since long waitlists are common in this field, and a counselor who can't see your child for two months isn't useful if the situation is urgent.

Our ranked guide to child and adolescent counselors in Cayce weighs credentials, specialization, and client feedback to help you narrow the list faster. The scoring approach behind it is explained in full on our methodology page.

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All child & adolescent counseling in Cayce, ranked by score and relevance

We found 24 businesses offering child & adolescent counseling in Cayce; 5 met the criteria for the scored directory. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is child & adolescent counseling, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist.

Michelle Whitlow-Blanding, Counselor
#1
79

Michelle Whitlow-Blanding, Counselor

5.0(10)✓ Google-verified

People consistently describe Michelle as warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to their healing. Sessions feel safe and productive, with flexible scheduling that respects individual needs.

Mental Health & Anxiety CounselingChild & Adolescent CounselingCareer & Life Coaching
Nancy Winston, Counselor
#2
77

Nancy Winston, Counselor

5.0(13)✓ Google-verified

Nancy Winston builds comfort and connection quickly, listening carefully and helping clients set achievable goals without rushing through sessions. She offers individual, couples, and family therapy in person or by phone, though some find the no-show fees steep and the Summerville office hard to reach by phone.

Mental Health & Anxiety CounselingChild & Adolescent CounselingCareer & Life Coaching
Debbie Maxwell, Counselor
#3
76

Debbie Maxwell, Counselor

4.8(13)✓ Google-verified

Debbie Maxwell earns strong marks for being approachable and practical. Most reviewers praise her knowledge, techniques they can use between sessions, and her compassion when handling anxiety, grief, and trauma. One reviewer noted she can push too hard too fast with new trauma clients without first understanding what works for that individual, leading to resistance rather than progress.

Mental Health & Anxiety CounselingChild & Adolescent CounselingGrief & Trauma Counseling
Maggie Malaney, Counselor
#4
65 low data

Maggie Malaney, Counselor

5.0(3)✓ Google-verified

Reviewer found Maggie Malaney clear and approachable, delivering mental health support that inspired trust and confidence.

Mental Health & Anxiety CounselingChild & Adolescent CounselingGrief & Trauma Counseling
Michelle Benson, Counselor
#5
64 low data

Michelle Benson, Counselor

5.0(3)✓ Google-verified

Limited review evidence, but sessions with Michelle Benson are marked by calm surroundings and a therapist who listens carefully and teaches concrete skills for managing emotions and day-to-day stress.

Mental Health & Anxiety CounselingChild & Adolescent CounselingCareer & Life Coaching

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Common questions about child & adolescent counseling

How much does child or adolescent counseling cost in Cayce?
Sessions commonly run $100 to $200 per hour without insurance, though rates vary by the counselor's licensure level and experience. Many practices accept insurance, which can bring your out-of-pocket cost down to a copay, and some offer sliding-scale fees based on income. It's worth calling ahead and asking directly, since pricing isn't always posted.
How often does a child need to see a counselor?
Weekly sessions are typical when starting out, especially for anxiety, behavioral issues, or recent trauma. As progress builds, many counselors shift to biweekly or monthly check-ins. The exact pace depends on the issue's severity and how the child responds, so this is something to revisit with the therapist every few weeks rather than deciding upfront.
What should we expect in the first session?
The first visit is usually an intake: the counselor asks about the child's history, current concerns, family situation, and goals for treatment, often with a parent present for at least part of it. Younger kids may do an activity or play-based assessment instead of a straight conversation. Expect this session to focus more on gathering information than on active treatment.
How can a parent judge if a counselor is actually good?
Watch whether your child is willing to keep going back and whether the counselor gives you specific, usable feedback rather than vague reassurance. A good fit shows measurable movement on the original concern within a few months, and the counselor should be transparent about what's working and what isn't rather than keeping sessions open-ended indefinitely.

Last updated 2026-08-17