Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Los Alamitos, CA.

Find a child psychologist or a counselor who specializes in therapy and assessment for children in Los Alamitos, California.


Leandra Wills, MA, MFT
Child Therapist

Leandra Wills, MA, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

In 90266 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Kids Emotional IQ Groups provide the tools for kids to maintain a balanced social-emotional wellness during a very unbalanced time. Kids connect and talk about a range of question prompts to help them connect their brains to their bodies. These facilitated questions and lessons help manage behaviors and emotions. Talking with peers in a group setting help them express and label emotions and recognize others' emotions. It creates a space for empathy and understanding of themselves and their peers.

Suzanne Greene, JD, MA, LMFT
Child Therapist

Suzanne Greene, JD, MA, LMFT

Psychotherapist, LMFT

Available for Online Therapy

Today it is more complicated than ever to be a teen. With so much going on, it’s common for teens and children feel anxiety, irritability, isolation, low self esteem, and sadness. Teens just need someone to talk to, that isn’t a family member about difficult topics they are experiencing. It’s not that they don’t trust their family, but many times teens need a private, non-judge mental space of their own to gain insight. I have extensive experience working with teens and children, even those resistant to therapy. I specialize with teens managing high academic & athletic achievement. Through therapy teens will learn to manage their emotions, reach goals, and grow into healthy young adults.

Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Child Therapist

Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT

Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor

Available for Online Therapy

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).

David Silverman, LMFT
Child Therapist

David Silverman, LMFT

Free 20 minute phone consult

In 90045 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

I have years of experience treating children in pre-school through middle school. I worked in schools and at home with oppositional children, kids with learning delays, who "act out," tantrum, do not handle transitions in activity well. I have worked with violent children, academic underachievers, children with separation anxiety, bedwetting, and children who eat non-nutritional objects. Applied Behavior Analysis is oftern used to create ground-rules that reinforce acceptable behavior and discourage negative behaviors. It's important that extended family (and teachers, and caretakers, if possible) be on the same page. A united front is essential to positively modify children's behaviors

Cristina Cano, M.S., LMFT
Child Therapist

Cristina Cano, M.S., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90703 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

The developmental stage of parenting a young child is unpredictable and at times chaotic although simultaneously it is the greatest blessing. Parents go thru an adjustment period while learning how to be parents and provide that child with all their needs. Childrearing has its numerous challenges and yet it is the most important role and individual can commit to when becoming parents.

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.
Child Therapist

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.

Coach/Change Agent/Consultant

In 92804 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Many times, child stherapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldnt be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducting brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161

Tara Hernandez, MA., LMFT
Child Therapist

Tara Hernandez, MA., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90602 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Children grow and change on a daily basis, which can be a difficult process not only for the child but for the parents as well. I assist children in learning how to express themselves through fun, creative outlets that are both age appropriate and applicable across multiple settings. Such settings may include home, school and multiple social avenues.

Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW
Child Therapist

Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Psychotherapist

In 91106 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Young children greatly benefit from play therapy, which is a professional form of psychotherapy. I work with children ages 3 puberty and up that will significantly restructure behaviors that will provide relief to parents and caregivers. Structure & consistency is key and disclipline needn't be cruel or overly harsh as many parents have questioned to me through the 30+ years that I have worked with their children. My techniques are based on research with what is called in psychotherapy, evidenced-based-practices; this allows relief knowing that your child will receive help from procedures & practices that have been proven to work, as long as parents or caretakers are invested towards change.

Michelle Harwell, LMFT
Child Therapist

Michelle Harwell, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90041 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, which creates a secure environment where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and boundaries, and work through their problems. The process of spontaneous play allows children to resolve the psychological tensions created by stressful events in a child’s life. Children are able to face difficult events because they are using familiar language and reactions where they have control of the play. The new scripts and schema that children create in the Play Therapy room are then generalized to their external environments.

Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT
Child Therapist

Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

In 90266 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Too often therapies are not targeted at children's age levels. I specialize in play therapy with young children. Play therapy is an opportunity for children to express feelings, emotions or trauma in a safe environment. Developmentally, children are not able to adequately express their feelings or experiences in words. Through play therapy, the therapist can interact and help the child to express and heal important feelings related to their experiences. I have specialized doctoral clinical training in play therapy and child therapy. I have found play therapy, combined with family therapy, to be an effective technique to help children with anxiety, trauma, depression, and behavioral problems.

Heather Browne, PsyD, MA, LMFT
Child Therapist

Heather Browne, PsyD, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

In 92841 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

I work with 12 year olds and up. For young teens we use games, pillow fights, exercise, drawing, any medium that would make it more comfortable for the teen to open and share. When beneficial, I bring the parents into the end of the session so that they know what the teen is needing in their assistancxe with that next week. Art and journaling are a significant part of homework to allow the youth to express and reduce their emotional overload.

Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT
Child Therapist

Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91030 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

I utilize developmentally appropriate, play therapy to gain knowledge and understanding of how young children perceive themselves and their world. Older children, tweens and adolescents benefit from therapeutic activities and talk therapy, as vehicles for gaining insight and self-understanding. I have provided therapy, on campus at a K-8th grade school and previously worked as a Certified Child Life (Development) Specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. As a mother, I deeply empathize with parents whose children are experiencing difficulties and welcome your questions and concerns regarding the therapeutic process for your child.

Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.
Child Therapist

Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.

Psychologist

In 91030 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Stress for young children can often be challenging to discern. Parents may notice that their child begins to experience a greater incidence of tantrums and/or angry outbursts, but often attribute such changes to growing up. Children may also demonstrate strict rules for their play and become upset when their schedule is changed without warning. Sometimes parents may not be able to identify obvious signs of stress in their children, but recognize that their child has encountered a number of stressors. In any of these cases, children can benefit from therapy wherein they can explore how to express their feelings and learn to process their emotions in a safe non-judgmental environment.

Priscilla Traub, MS., LMFT
Child Therapist

Priscilla Traub, MS., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90815 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Children experience life just as we adults to. Taking time to discuss emotions and feelings, the child will be able to gain tools to access feeling words and express themselves appropriately. Sometimes life becomes chaotic for children (new baby, school transitions, etc.), having a safe place to talk where someone listens will create a positive outcome on their outlook.

John Kane, LMFT
Child Therapist

John Kane, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90036 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

After 11 years of working with children, I find it more effective to work with you, the parent. This is not because you are responsible for the way your child is behaving or what your child is going through, but because you have the most positive power and influence in your child's life. If I can use what I know through education and experience to empower you the parent to connect to your child, it will be more impactful and long lasting than if I spend therapy sessions with them. Your child will also find healing through their relationship with you, increasing trust, and strengthening your relationship for the present and future. You will have your Parenting Power back, stronger than ever!

Alia Kaneaiakala, Psy.D, LMFT
Child Therapist

Alia Kaneaiakala, Psy.D, LMFT

Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92656 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Phoenix Rising provides individualized treatment plans and therapy for Young Children. Our clinicians are highly experienced and will provide you with a customized treatment plan for your unique situation. You do not have to experience this struggle alone, we have compassionate team members who are waiting to help. We invite you to call for a free confidential telephone assessment and schedule an appointment today.

Debra Burianek, LMFT
Child Therapist

Debra Burianek, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90703 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is a passionate about children. I believe these little ones are unique beings, created by God. I utilize play therapy and help parents gain the insights they may need to help navigate their way with their young children. I help children through play therapy. Also, I have been trained to do EMDR with children.

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD
Child Therapist

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

In 92648 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Your child or teen deserves the best. There are many therapists in Orange County, most of them with only masters degrees. Only the top 1% go on to achieve a PhD, doctoral training, and pass national and state board examinations to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Need help with your child or teen? Make an appointment with Dr. Nikolaidis, call and text 24/7, (949)791-7127.

Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS
Child Therapist

Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS

Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90807 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

For about 7 years I only worked with children in my practice. The rest of my practice has been split working with adults and with kids. With kids, its all about their instinct and comfort. If they sense that the therapist isn't comfortable or experienced with kids, they won't engage in the therapy process. I use a variety of techniques working with children, depending on their age. For smaller children, art therapy and play therapy can be very successful for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that it takes the focus off of them and they feel more at ease to talk and be open. For older children who can handle "talk therapy", using simpler language can be effective.

Well Coached Life, PhD, MA, SEP
Child Therapist

Well Coached Life, PhD, MA, SEP

WELL COACHED LIFE| Individuals | Couples | Youth

Available for Online Therapy

GRIT Kids exists to allow parents or caregivers to aid their children in the work of self-awareness—at every developmental stage— to better understand themselves and the world around them. Simple behavioral management fails to develop the internal locus of control that is necessary for developing character and self-discipline. Forming a self-identity and learning to live with purpose is a necessary life skill for children to learn in order to live into their fullest self. GRIT Kids Coaches are trained to help you do the work of raising your child with intention so you can see that little person grow into all they are capable of.

Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT
Child Therapist

Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91106 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

My practice is specifically focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Working with younger children requires a playful insight and I frequently employ play therapy and games to challenge anger, anxiety, and frustrations. Further, through play I am able to work with children on managing social situations, dissapointments, and develop problem solving techniques. Following these sessions I work closely with parents to train on these behavioral interventions in order to further reinforce in the home environment. This consistency and collaboration allows us to more effectively shape behaviors and booste self esteem beyond the therapy session.

Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT
Child Therapist

Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90041 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

Most of my work has been done with high schoolers and adolecents; however, I do have experience using play therapy and small groups with K-8th graders. As a mother of a child on the spectrum, I was trained in Greenspan's Floortime Approach. This later helped me with working with children of all ages. Play therapy helps children recreate the worlds they live in and helps me, the therapist, understand where they're coming from.

Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT
Child Therapist

Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90501 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

We offer a range of services for young children including those who are going through their parents divorce to being at risk for developmental delays, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and individuals with adaptive functioning needs and behavioral challenges. Our approach integrates meeting the child where they are at with a mixture of play therapy and evidence-based practices from the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) depeing on the needs of each client and family.

OC Anxiety Center, Ph.D.
Child Therapist

OC Anxiety Center, Ph.D.

Licensed Therapist

In 92660 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

School refusal? Early indications of OCD? Don't feel helpless as a parent. We have helped hundreds of kids and teens through anxiety and fears they and their parents often could not understand. OCAC conducts an age appropriate assessment in office or at home. The goal is to help a child feel comfortable answering questions about a feared situation. Coming to understand a child's world is essential to relating and communicating. After underlying contributors have been established, a treatment plan is recommended, which often includes participation of parents or caretakers. OCAC provides clear direction and explanation and is always available by phone. Our care is highly personalized.

Tom Andre, MA
Child Therapist

Tom Andre, MA

LMFT

In 90245 - Nearby to Los Alamitos.

No group of people is as subject to the power of others as young children. Often acutely aware of their situation, I position myself as an ally as they decide how they want to act in the face of this power. I view childrens' voices and creativity as major assets that, if given their due, will serve them well as the move through their teen years and into young adulthood.



You have found the top therapists in Los Alamitos, CA who specialize in helping children.

Thank you for visiting our California page of licensed child psychologists and child therapists in Los Alamitos, California who are trained and experienced in helping children and youth.  Working with children requires a different skillset from other types of therapy and here you will find therapists who are skilled, patient and experienced. Please note that while all therapists here work with children, not all may be a registered psychologist. You can easily verify this on each profile. Reach out to a child therapist or child psychologist in Los Alamitos today, our contact forms are "open" 24/7.

Los Alamitos is located in Orange County, California. It has a land area of 4.02 square miles and a water area of 0.06 square miles.  The population of Los Alamitos is 11,716 people with 4,120 households and a median annual income of $80,033. .


Therapy Affordability Meter for Los Alamitos, CA

Mostly Affordable

Establishing weekly sessions with a professional therapist is considered affordable in Los Alamitos for the average family. While sustaining a commitment to therapy is usually not an issue, if mental health treatment feels like a burden please ask your counselor about accepted insurance plans or sliding scale fees. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Los Alamitos public health department.