Art Therapy & Psychotherapy for Children & Teens


Midtown Manhattan & Eastchester, New York


Creative mental health care for children and teens.

Our licensed Art therapists use Art Therapy, and evidence-based cognitive therapies to inspire behavioral change and growth.

We apply these approaches through a strengths-based and child-focused methodology, harnessing the strengths of each child and their family.

What Parents are Saying….

  • "It was a difficult process in finding an available child therapist as well as having my wife being comfortable with the process. My child has felt more comfortable around other kids and other family members."

    -Parent of verified client

  • "We loved working with Davenport Creative Arts Therapy! Our therapist was patient, receptive and worked well with our child, and understood the needs of the family and applied her knowledge to her sessions with our child. We will definitely recommend the practice to our friends."

    -Parent of verified client

  • “My child experienced issues due to a difficult divorce. Our work with Emily has greatly helped my child become better able to express her feelings and needs so that she feels safe, happy and loved. I am grateful for Emily’s patient and calm manner and ability to focus sharply on the needs of my child.”

    -Parent of verified client

At Davenport Creative Arts Therapy, our approach is:

Approachable

Progress cannot be made when kids are “on-guard.” That’s why our friendly staff use Art Therapy to help reluctant therapy-goers feel safe and at ease right away. They don’t even need to talk to benefit from our approach!

Evidence-Based

We infused Art Therapy with evidence-based therapies such as; Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT) and The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA).

Playful & Creative

Verbalizing complex emotions can be challenging. Children and teens tend to naturally express themselves through creativity and metaphor. We speak that language, and use it to help kids reach their fullest potential.

Art therapy session with colorful materials spread out on a table, promoting creativity and healing.

The Art Therapists at Davenport Creative Arts Therapy specialize in treating a range of issues including:

  • Anxiety and Worry

  • Depression, Low Mood and Irritability

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • ADHD and executive functioning challenges

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Adjustment Difficulties and navigating change

  • Bullying and navigating friendships

  • Self-Harm and risky behaviors

  • Traumatic Stress and PTSD

  • Acting out behaviors such as tantrums and anger outbursts

Interventions rooted in cutting-edge psychotherapy and creative self-expression.

A chart that emphasizes how we use art therapy to address the following: mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and the nurtured heart approach
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of structured psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing the automatic negative thoughts and perceptions that can contribute to emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. CBT helps replace unhelpful thoughts with more helpful ones, and addresses distortions, or inaccurate beliefs about oneself.

  • DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that effectively addresses how to manage intense emotions, build relationships, and tolerate distress through a skills-based approach to therapy. The pillars of DBT are emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT was originally designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It continues to be the gold standard for treating BPD, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

  • The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) is a therapeutic method developed by Howard Glasser to help children and adults with challenging behaviors. It is behavior inspiration, instead of behavior management. The approach focuses on creating connected relationships, emphasizing positive behavior, and transforming difficult experiences.

  • Traditional talk therapy has limitations. When we create art, we utilize a different part of our brain that cannot be accessed when we simply talk in therapy.

    Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy involving creative self expression through various art making materials within a therapeutic relationship. You do not need to be “artistic” in order to experience the benefits of art therapy.

We are NY Licensed and Nationally Board-Certified Art Therapists.

We are New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapists, and Board-Certified Art Therapists. We hold additional post- graduate training in evidence-based talk therapy methods and have the tools, skills and knowledge to help your child create lasting positive change. Parenting is hard. You don’t need to do it alone.

Asian American AAPI therapist Sharon Chung smiling

Our child and teen therapists collaborate with Parents and families.

Parents are integral members of a child's support system and have unique insights into their child's behaviors, emotions, and developmental history. By involving parents in therapy, therapists gain a more comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and can tailor interventions more effectively. We meet with parents every 3-7 weeks for parent check in’s and coaching.

Black woman and black teen looking at each other smiling

3 Benefits of Art Therapy

Stress Reduction

Art Therapy is proven to reduce stress and cortisol levels in the body. Research Link.

Enhanced Communication and Coping Skills

Art therapy can improve communication by offering alternative ways to express thoughts and emotions. Additionally, it helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges more effectively.

Emotional Expression and Regulation:

Art therapy provides a safe and creative outlet for individuals to express and process complex emotions, and facilitate emotional regulation and management tools and insights.

Our Child-Focused Specialties

  • Teen BIPOC girl looking at computer looking depressed and anxious; therapy for anxiety

    Anxiety & Worry

  • Child looking at therapist portraying feelings of  depression and anxiety; therapy for depression and self esteem

    Depression & Self-Esteem

  • Black Teen girl in field of flowers looking at therapist feeling depressed and anxious; therapy for trauma and therapy for ptsd

    Trauma & PTSD

  • BIPOC teen girls in hats looking at therapist feeling happy with friends; therapy for neurodiversity

    Neurodivergent Youth

  • Coping with Change

  • ADHD

Expert care backed by evidence tailored for your child and family.

child in child art therapy session with art therapist in NY

Our Art Therapists are passionate about harnessing the magic of creativity to help children unlock their fullest potential.

Verbalizing complex emotions can be challenging. Art Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space where children can communicate their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through visual expression complimented with evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapies.

child in an art therapy session painting rocks with child art therapist in NYC

Convenient online and in-person child and teen therapy in Eastchester and Midtown.

Our child and teen therapists offer approachable therapy through online teletherapy across New York State and in-person in Eastchester and Midtown Manhattan.

Our treatment emphasizes skill-building, aimed at addressing immediate challenges while equipping young individuals with lifelong tools to confidently tackle future obstacles. Throughout the process, parents are integral partners, valued for their crucial role in fostering their child's well-being and growth.

image of art therapist emily davenport smiling in yellow blazer

We’re here to support you. Start your journey with us.

We are here to answer any questions and help you get set up with a highly-qualified therapist who can truly and deeply help.