Children and Youth Therapeutic Services

Free Therapy for Ages 4-19

Supporting Kids, Strengthening Futures

Every child deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and be heard. Through our free therapy services for Jackson County residents ages 4-19, we provide compassionate support for children and teens facing life’s challenges. Whether they’re navigating big emotions, past trauma, or struggles at school or home, our therapeutic services help them build confidence, resilience, and healthy coping skills.

We’re grateful to partner with the Jackson County Children’s Services Fund to bring this vital resource to our community—because when kids thrive, our whole community grows stronger.

Fill Out the Interest Form HERE

Llena el formulario de interés aquí.

Group Therapy

We’re excited to offer two group programs this August designed to support youth and young adults as they build confidence, life skills, and meaningful connections. Both groups are free and open to residents of Jackson County, MO. Each program is led by caring, qualified staff and designed to meet participants right where they are.

College Ready

Skills for Success

Preparing for college is an exciting transition, and students benefit greatly from support as they develop the academic, financial, and personal skills needed for success.

College Ready: Skills for Success is a free, one-time workshop offered by Della Lamb Community Services for high school students and incoming college freshman. This workshop provides practical guidance on time management, study habits, financial literacy, college safety, emotional wellness, and career exploration. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources they can use immediately, including: a College Survival Guide, time management templates, budgeting tools, and career exploration worksheets designed to support their transition into college and adulthood.

This workshop is held monthly on the last Thursday of each month from March-July, 4PM-5PM

College Ready Interest Form

Family Foundations

Family Group Sessions

Every family has ups and downs, but you don’t have to face challenges alone. This free, ongoing group sponsored by the Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County offers a safe, supportive space where families can connect with others, strengthen communication, and build teamwork and trust at home.

Sessions are held weekly on Mondays from 4:00–5:00 PM

Family Foundations Form

IF YOUR IS CHILD STRUGGLING WITH:

Having a tough time at school, like trouble with friends or feeling picked on
Pulling away from family or acting very differently from their siblings
Big emotions that feel overwhelming, like lots of crying, anger, or fear
Extra clingy behavior that doesn’t match their age
Going back to earlier behaviors, like accidents or frequent tantrums
Seeming unusually tired all the time and/or having bursts of endless energy
Falling or staying asleep
Exposure to scary events (i.e. gun violence, domestic violence, abuse, etc.)
Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
Thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness, or not wanting to be here
Getting in trouble more often, breaking rules, or taking bigger risks than usual
A sudden drop in grades or not showing up to class as much
Adjusting to a recent big change (i.e. loss of a loved one, new sibling, etc.)

YOUR CHILD COULD BENEFIT FROM *FREE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES AT DELLA LAMB!

*These services are currently only available for children and adolescents ages 4 through 19 who reside in Jackson County, MO

Fill Out the Interest Form HERE

Find additional Mental Health resources here: MH Resources

Your First Session...

What to Expect

Therapy sessions typically last 50-60 minutes per session.
At least one parent/guardian must be present at the first session, which focuses on the therapist meeting the client and their parent(s), reviewing paperwork and expectations, sharing contact information, and discussing what the client and/or their parents would like for the child to work on through a formal assessment.
Depending on the age and comfort level of the client, the parent/guardian may or may not be present for the full assessment portion.

WHO

Play therapy is designed for children and youth who may be struggling with emotions, behavior, trauma, or life changes. It provides a safe space for kids to express themselves in ways that feel natural to them—through play.

WHY

Children often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling, but play allows them to communicate and process their emotions in a healthy way. Play therapy helps build confidence, emotional regulation, and coping skills, supporting overall well-being.

HOW

Through guided sessions with a trained therapist, children and teens use toys, art, and storytelling to express their thoughts and feelings. The therapist observes, engages, and helps the child work through challenges in a way that feels safe and empowering.

The Value

Types of therapy that may be offered

Individual & group sessions
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) / Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Sand tray therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Art-based therapies
Play therapy
Animal-Assisted therapy