The Emotion Detectives Group is a program offered through the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. It is designed to teach children emotional awareness and practical strategies for coping with uncomfortable emotions in a variety of situations. In a supportive and fun group environment, kids learn to understand, manage, and face the thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors that contribute to strong emotions.
ANXIETY DISORDERS CENTER
Emotion Detectives Group
Build your child’s emotional awareness and ability to cope with uncomfortable emotions.
Overview
The Emotion Detectives Group teaches children emotional awareness and practical strategies for coping with uncomfortable emotions in a variety of situations. In a supportive and engaging group environment, kids learn to understand and manage the thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors that contribute to strong emotions.
Through weekly sessions, children practice skills that help them recognize and respond to emotions in healthy ways. Parents and caregivers also participate in training sessions to learn strategies for supporting their child at home, and each family meets individually with clinicians before the group begins to ensure the program is a good fit and to identify areas of focus.
Program Details
Wednesdays, February 25 – May 20, 2026
Skipping April 8 for spring break
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm ET
Children ages 8 – 12
$2,700
Parent Training
Six parent sessions every other Wednesday at the same time as child sessions beginning February 25.
Additional Information
We meet individually with each participant prior to the start of the group to determine if they are the right fit and to identify specific areas of concern. In addition to group-focused activities, we are able to provide individualized interventions tailored to the specific needs of each child.
Eligibility
The Emotion Detectives Group is appropriate for children ages 8–12 who have difficulty managing emotions such as fear, worry, sadness, or anger. Children who feel anxious before tests or presentations, avoid certain situations, struggle with negative thoughts about themselves, or become very upset when they lose may benefit from this program.
Why This Program?
Emotion Detectives teaches children practical tools to better understand and manage strong emotions.
Group Skills Practice
Children practice recognizing emotions and responding to them in healthy ways in a supportive group environment.
Parent Training
Parents learn strategies to help their children cope with uncomfortable emotions and reinforce these skills at home.
Individualized Support
Each child meets with clinicians before the group begins so interventions can be tailored to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Emotion Detectives Group is appropriate for children who are experiencing difficulties managing a variety of emotions, including fear, worry, sadness, and anger.
We treat children who:
- Feel anxious before a test or presentation
- Get nervous about something they have experienced (e.g., the news, a scary movie)
- Avoid things that are gross or that could have germs
- Feel that they are not good at anything or others don’t like them
- Get upset when they lose (sports, board games, video games)
Kids will learn about what emotions are and what they do for us, and they will practice ways to understand and accept their emotions in order to reduce any problematic emotion-based behaviors. Parents and caregivers will also learn strategies to support their children in effectively coping with uncomfortable emotions. Research shows that practicing and refining these skills in a group setting is effective in creating positive change.
We meet individually with each participant prior to the start of the group to determine if they are the right fit and to identify specific areas of concern. In addition to group-focused activities, we are able to provide individualized interventions tailored to the specific needs of each child.
If a child cannot attend and we are notified at least 7 days prior to the start date of the program we will issue a refund, excluding a $300 non-refundable deposit for administrative fees. At the time of registration full payment is required to reserve a space. If less than 7 days notification is given, no refund will be provided.
Our model of care requires a dedicated staff to make it work, and we need to charge for their services. We do not accept insurance, but we help families use out-of-network benefits by providing superbills for their insurance company. Additionally, we partner with two organizations to assist with filing, managing claims, verifying benefits, and handling pre-authorizations.
Financial aid is available for families who qualify. We do not run our clinical care for profit. Any excess revenue goes to support financial aid. Please ask our patient experience team for more information.
Learn more on our Financial Aid & Insurance page.
Ready to Get Started?
For more information, please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More Anxiety Treatments & Services
Our Anxiety Disorders Center also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Brave Buddies® Program
Group treatment for children who are diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). This innovative program is designed to help children overcome their anxiety and speak in any setting. Ages 3-12.
Social Anxiety Groups
Group treatment that teaches children, adolescents and young adults coping skills to help them manage their anxiety as they practice facing their social fears. Ages 9-24.
Parents of Anxious Children and Teens (PACT)
Interactive webinar series providing families and caretakers with evidence-based, practical strategies for supporting children and teens ages 3-13 struggling with anxiety.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Request an appointment at the Child Mind Institute to get your child evaluated by one of our expert clinicians today.
