Child Therapists in Berkeley, CA

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Photo of Niko Whitmire, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Niko Whitmire
Psychologist, PsyD, MFA
Verified
Verified
Both children and adults may benefit from a reconnection with the playful elements that sustain us in times of stress.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children , adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
(628) 300-3707
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Photo of Katie Mason, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Katie Mason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
I am Katie Mason, a bilingual licensed clinical social worker in California (#82916), specializing in therapeutic work with children , adolescents and families. I also enjoy providing therapy to adults at any stage of life, including young adults (18-25 year old) and parents. With a warm, authentic approach, I will partner with you to discover your unique strengths, develop areas of growth, and help you make positive new routines.
(510) 681-0175
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Berkeley, CA 94702
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Photo of Mica Gonzalez, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Mica Gonzalez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Parenting can be a deeply conflictual experience. Sometimes we agree with Bette Davis who said "If you have never been hated by your child , you have never been a parent." Other times we identify with Anne Lamott's notion that "There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child ." The seemingly unpredictable alternation of positive and negative feelings that come with raising a family can be painful and bewildering, and our self-esteem as parents suffers most when it becomes difficult to access the good in our closest relationships.
(510) 788-2640
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Berkeley, CA 94705
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Photo of Cara Frankel, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Cara Frankel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Along with my child work I provide in depth parent support and guidance.
I am a clinical psychologist and have been working clinically with children , adolescents and families for 15 years. I am passionate about my work with children and adolescents. I believe that childhood is both a wonderful and an extremely challenging time. Through play, talk and family therapy I help children and families reach their potential for happy, productive and successful lives.
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Berkeley, CA 94705
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Sally C. Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Sally C. Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Are you a parent concerned about your teen? We can work together to find solutions and help your child through this exciting and challenging time.
As an experienced therapist in private practice, I work with people of all ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges through different stages of the life cycle. I work collaboratively to help people reach their goals while offering insight and support. I offer a unique and thoughtful approach, developed through years of experience working with hundreds of individuals, teens and parents.
(510) 648-3202
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Jeanette Lopez-Urbina, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Jeanette Lopez-Urbina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As I have supported youth, adults, and families as a therapist since 2007, I have found the importance of providing compassionate services to support the healing process to those seeking it. I have experience and extensive training in the area of Trauma Recovery (including working with survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, oppression, gang involvement, and community violence). I have also provided services in supporting individuals with improving upon their self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.
(510) 957-4740
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Berkeley, CA 94704
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Photo of Deborah Hereld, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Deborah Hereld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I value the opportunity to help change young lives. In addition to having worked with children and adolescents as a therapist in outpatient and in-home settings, I have a background in the arts (former elementary school music teacher and singer). As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I recognize that play is the language of children . I believe in the power of therapeutic play to achieve emotional well-being and facilitate change. Children express challenges, learn to label and manage emotions, increase self-confidence, and develop new ways of interacting with the world through play. I integrate EMDR with play when indicated.
(341) 895-7352
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Berkeley, CA 94704
& Online
Photo of Catherine Metzger, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Berkeley, CA
Catherine Metzger
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified
Verified
My background in music and writing, and my training in psychodynamic and play therapy allow me to treat each child , teen, and adult creatively and individually.
Sometimes life poses challenges or does not work out the way we hoped. At some point, everyone needs help during difficult times. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to foster growth, healing, and self-compassion. I love working with people of all ages. I am deeply committed to meeting you and/or your child wherever you/they are so that over time you can find more ease and clarity in your daily and inner life.
(341) 895-5774
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Berkeley, CA 94704
& Online
Photo of Dr. Fukiko Shibahara, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Dr. Fukiko Shibahara
Psychologist, PsyD, CEIM
Verified
Verified
Welcome to NEST psychological services. I believe our mental health needs should always be stigma-free. Are you experiencing difficult life transitions, traumatic events, relationship difficulties, and/or loss and grief, or dealing with complex impacts of childhood trauma and family relationship issues? I am offering weekly relational and compassionate therapeutic services for individuals of all ages both in person and online. Please reach me if you are/feel down, isolated, invalidated, exhausted and stressed. For caregivers, I help to deepen mutual understanding and attachment with your child (ren), and guide healthy development.
(341) 766-0782
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Not accepting new clients
Photo of Yusef Malenky, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Yusef Malenky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Although I work with a broad spectrum of clients and issues, I specialize in youth and family issues and offer home visits as scheduling allows. My clinical experience has been in school and office settings. I work with clients on issues such as child development, adolescence, parenting, and blended families (lifespan issues, broadly speaking). In addition to lifespan development, I am very comfortable working with anger, anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
(510) 879-5804
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Berkeley, CA 94704
Not accepting new clients
Photo of Pooja Sharma, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Pooja Sharma
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified
Verified
I have extensive training and experience working with children , families, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief and loss, behavioral and educational issues, life and career transitions, family conflict, parenting, motherhood, pregnancy, emotional dysregulation, and divorce.
I recognize that seeking therapy means that you or a loved one have determined a need for connection beyond that of friends and family. Knowing how difficult and intimidating this outreach can be, as a psychologist I strive to establish a safe space where clients can speak freely and be listened to intently. The work we do together is about creating an alliance that allows you to delve into painful memories and face feelings that can be frightening or uncomfortable. We do this work in collaboration, so I can hear your stories, and create a meaningful relationship.
(510) 824-8019
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Berkeley, CA 94705
Photo of Stephanie Montague, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Stephanie Montague
Psychologist, PhD, HSPP
Verified
Verified
For the past decade I have specialized in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, social anxiety, and phobias with children , teens and adults, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and more recently Inference Based CBT (ICBT). I attend the annual International OCD Foundation conference, and throughout the year I participate in small consultation groups with thought leaders in these fields in order to stay current with research and advances in treatment.
(510) 859-7951
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Berkeley, CA 94709
& Online
Photo of Abigail Stone, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Abigail Stone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT
Verified
Verified
Deciding that you, your child , or your family need some help is a brave step, and I’m excited to learn more about what you’re looking for.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent children , adolescents and adults who have one or more of these qualities. They are: highly intelligent and verbal, often feel like they don’t fit in, but may form fewer and deeper friendships, throw themselves enthusiastically into the things they’re passionate about, struggle to find appropriate outlets for intense emotions, have “geeky” hobbies like roleplaying games, collectible card games, computer games and science fiction and fantasy literature and TV shows, and identify as neurodivergent, autistic, or a person with ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
(510) 288-5843
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Berkeley, CA 94710
& Online
Photo of Brittan Chow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Brittan Chow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
With children , I create a safe and affirming space for your child to make sense of and process their unique experiences and help them develop adaptive patterns of communicating and relating to others.
I work with clients of all ages to find a unique path through the difficulties they are seeking help with and in their efforts to live fully. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, playful, and based in compassion. Psychotherapy can be a deeply personal and enlivening process, through which you may notice an emerging sense of self and find greater internal freedom. With adults, this involves creating a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore the depths and complexity of your emotional experiences as well as the forces (internal and external) impacting the areas of life most concerning to you now.
(510) 983-7410
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Photo of Jessica Shaddock, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Jessica Shaddock
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
With over 17 years of experience working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and their families, I have expertise assisting families and youth struggling with parent- child conflict, peer relationships, school issues, and developing independent living skills.
My specialties include working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty-nest and retirement.
(510) 863-8849
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Berkeley, CA 94705
Photo of Deborah Graudenz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Deborah Graudenz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
It can be difficult as a parent watching your child or teen struggling with feelings and situations in his or her world. Finding the right therapist can be a tough decision. I help children , teens and families find their strengths and facilitate learning to use those abilities to navigate challenges, difficult times or situations, repair relationships and rediscover excitement and joy in their lives. Bringing together advanced degrees in both child and adolescent development and clinical psychology, our work together focuses on helping you, your child or teen, and your family find the path that is right for you.
(510) 398-4731
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Berkeley, CA 94704
& Online
Photo of Sara Grunstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Sara Grunstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work with children , adolescents and adults, helping to support them and to make meaning as they respond to life's challenges, such as childbirth, adoption, loss of a child , death of a family member, infertility, early childhood trauma, and other life transitions. In addition to working with adults and parents in individual therapy, I specialize in Child -Parent Psychotherapy, working with the dyad to develop a mutually satisfying and enriching relationship. I work individually with children and adolescents, including infants and fussy babies.
(510) 661-3094
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Berkeley, CA 94704
& Online
Photo of Sheila Rubin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Sheila Rubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RDT, BCT
Verified
Verified
Children like Drama Therapy—play is their native language!.
I am a leading authority on healing shame. I co-created the Healing Shame – Lyon/Rubin method and am the Co-Director of the Center for Healing Shame, a continuing education provider that offers workshops to therapists and other helping professionals. In my private practice, I developed therapy techniques integrating somatic and expressive processes to work with the all-pervasive shame and trauma that underlie toxic family dynamics, depression and eating disorders. I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy and AEDP with Drama Therapy, Hakomi, Focusing and Expressive Arts. I work with the imposter syndrome and voracious inner critics.
(415) 858-6869
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Photo of Ariana Heller, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Ariana Heller
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MAEd
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My experiences, expertise, and interest are focused on children , young adults, parenting, and families with fertility issues.
I offer you an open space in which together we can explore and understand difficult feelings and thoughts. Through this collaborative process you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself, allow your emotions to be processed, and work through uncomfortable/ difficult feelings. As a result, life becomes easier to navigate and more meaningful. Like any relationship, it has to feel right to you. What I bring to the relationship is my warmth, curiosity, compassion, honesty, years of expertise, and the ability to dive deep into issues without judgment leading to long-term change.
(510) 757-1536
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online
Photo of Adam Moss, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Adam Moss
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I provide therapy for children , adolescents, adults, couples and families to help with better communication, increased ability to recognize and express emotion, integrate difficult experiences or transitions in the past or present, and live with more joy and connectedness. I work with my clients collaboratively and approach my work with curiosity and compassion. I strongly believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship and would feel honored to be part of your or your child 's journey toward healing and vitality.
(510) 824-8539
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Berkeley, CA 94705
& Online

Child Therapists

Do I need to attend therapy with my child?

Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.

How long are sessions with child therapists?

Children’s therapy sessions can last 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The length of the session may depend on your child’s age and the type of therapy practiced. You can discuss this with therapists you consult and the one you ultimately move forward with.

How do I get a child to agree to seek therapy?

The best approach is to have an open-ended conversation with your child about how they’re doing and what they might be struggling with. When you raise therapy, discuss the concept in an age-appropriate way, for example explaining that a therapist’s job is to help kids handle their hard or uncomfortable feelings. Frame therapy positively, as an opportunity to explore and build emotional skills—it’s an important tool in the toolbox to help kids feel their best.

How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?

A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.