Traditional sit down talk therapy does not work with kids aged 6 through 12. Most kids lack the verbal ability to make sitdown cognitive talk therapy work. They need to be involved in activities with other kids to teach positive social interactions.

There are some play therapists that are good, however most clinics lack the ability to provide this service.

Physical activities such as soccer, football, or any other team sport work better overall because it teaches a kid to work more cooperatively with others.

For children that do not like team sports they should still be involved in sports such as swimming, bowling, and gymnastics that are still team sports but are much more individualized.

For older kids they will need a skilled therapist with a long history of working with kids. Parents need to interview the therapist to make sure he or she has the skills the parents are looking for. Parents shouldn't be satisfied with just accepting the therapist they have been assigned.

Therapy shouldn't last more than 12 weeks though most insurance plans won't cover more than 8 weeks. The therapist should have a detailed plan and goals that will be attained during therapy. Parents also need to have an outcome and goals that they want from the therapy.