When Your Kid's Anxiety Feels Bigger Than Both of You: Meet Our Child & Teen Therapist
If you've spent the last few months googling things at midnight, whether your child's meltdowns are "normal," why your teen suddenly won't leave their room, what an ADHD or autism evaluation actually involves, you already know how isolating it can feel to watch your kid struggle and not be totally sure what will actually help. Here's what I want you to know: you don't have to figure this out by reading more articles. This is exactly the work our child and teen therapist, Alyssa Leggieri, LCSW, does every day.
Meet Alyssa Leggieri, LCSW
Alyssa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with kids, teens, and young adults, with particular experience supporting children and teens navigating anxiety and behavioral challenges. She holds a Master's of Social Work from Marywood University, a Bachelor's of Social Work from Misericordia University, and a School Counselor certification, and she sees clients both in person at our Collegeville, PA office and virtually.
Her clinical focus includes anxiety and depressive symptoms, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ADHD, behavioral challenges, and helping kids build self-compassion and a stronger sense of self-worth.
Her approach: practical, not just talk
One of the things that sets Alyssa's work apart is that it doesn't look like a kid sitting quietly on a couch talking about feelings for 50 minutes, because for most kids and teens, that's not actually how change happens. In her words, her approach is "not just sitting on a couch talking about feelings; it's active, hands-on, and practical." She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), person-centered practice, and a strengths-based lens, using games, activities, and structured exposure exercises to help kids and teens actually build the emotional skills they're working on, not just talk about wanting them.
She also holds a philosophy that matters a lot for kids who feel like they're constantly getting it wrong: "Real, lasting change doesn't happen by getting everything right on the first try." Her space is intentionally laid-back, grounded, and welcoming, prioritizing self-compassion over perfectionism, which tends to be exactly what anxious, self-critical, or easily overwhelmed kids need in order to actually let their guard down.
Who Alyssa works with
Alyssa is a strong fit if your child or teen is dealing with:
Anxiety that shows up as worry, avoidance, meltdowns, or physical symptoms
Depressive symptoms or a noticeable shift in mood, motivation, or connection
An ASD, OCD, or ADHD diagnosis, whether recent or long-standing, and the behaviors that come with it
Behavioral challenges at home or school that feel bigger than typical "kid stuff"
Low self-worth, perfectionism, or a pattern of being hard on themselves
She works with kids, teens, and young adults, and offers flexible appointment times for families juggling school schedules and after-school activities.
What it costs and how to get started
Sessions with Alyssa are $150 for 50 minutes, with sliding scale options available for families who need it. She can also accept certain insurance plans. She's currently accepting new clients, both in person in Collegeville, PA and virtually.
Frequently asked questions
What age range does Alyssa Leggieri work with? Alyssa works with children, teens, and young adults, with particular experience supporting kids and teens navigating anxiety and behavioral challenges.
Does Alyssa offer virtual therapy for kids and teens? Yes, she offers both in-person sessions at our Collegeville, PA office and virtual sessions for families across Pennsylvania.
What therapy approaches does Alyssa use with kids? She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a person-centered approach, and strengths-based practice, often incorporating games and hands-on activities rather than traditional talk therapy alone.
Does Alyssa work with kids who have ADHD, OCD, or autism? Yes. Her clinical specialties include ADHD, OCD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), alongside anxiety, depressive symptoms, and behavioral challenges.
How much does child or teen therapy cost with Alyssa? Sessions are $150 per 50-minute session, with sliding scale options available.
Ready to get your child some real support?
If you think Alyssa might be a good fit for your child or teen, you can learn more about her here or reach out to our office to schedule an initial appointment.
