Therapists for Toddlers in Carlsbad, CA
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
Life is like the ocean; it can provide you with fantastic beauty or knock you down, and it is constantly changing. I am passionate about helping people build their sense of self, develop their skills and talents, and improve their quality of life. Relationships can be joyous and challenging at the same time. I meet clients where they are on their journey and travel alongside them. With empathy and understanding, I hope to build a cooperative therapeutic relationship. My clinical experience includes offering holistic therapy to children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, and neurodiversity.
Life is like the ocean; it can provide you with fantastic beauty or knock you down, and it is constantly changing. I am passionate about helping people build their sense of self, develop their skills and talents, and improve their quality of life. Relationships can be joyous and challenging at the same time. I meet clients where they are on their journey and travel alongside them. With empathy and understanding, I hope to build a cooperative therapeutic relationship. My clinical experience includes offering holistic therapy to children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, and neurodiversity.
I am a compassionate and caring licensed professional therapist, with many years of combined personal and professional experience working in various capacities with children, teens, and adults. As a hard working mother who raised four children (two boys and two girls), I understand the stressors that families go through in this journey we call "life." Although children and teens may be hesitant to meet with a therapist, you will find that they will warm up to me quickly. I have ways to connect with children and teens through a variety of interventions, including therapy-type games and casual and relaxed conversation.
I am a compassionate and caring licensed professional therapist, with many years of combined personal and professional experience working in various capacities with children, teens, and adults. As a hard working mother who raised four children (two boys and two girls), I understand the stressors that families go through in this journey we call "life." Although children and teens may be hesitant to meet with a therapist, you will find that they will warm up to me quickly. I have ways to connect with children and teens through a variety of interventions, including therapy-type games and casual and relaxed conversation.
Hi! I'm Jen, and I'm so glad you've found your way here. For over 24 years, I've dedicated my life to helping families navigate the complex, often overwhelming world of child development and behavior. You know that feeling when you see a child light up with understanding, or when a family finally experiences a peaceful dinner together? That's what drives me every single day. I've had the privilege of witnessing thousands of these moments across the globe. My passion for this work stems from a deep-seated belief that every family deserves to thrive.
Hi! I'm Jen, and I'm so glad you've found your way here. For over 24 years, I've dedicated my life to helping families navigate the complex, often overwhelming world of child development and behavior. You know that feeling when you see a child light up with understanding, or when a family finally experiences a peaceful dinner together? That's what drives me every single day. I've had the privilege of witnessing thousands of these moments across the globe. My passion for this work stems from a deep-seated belief that every family deserves to thrive.
I'm really looking forward to working with you and your son or daughter. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working with a wide range of young people from early childhood to young adult. I work with children and adolescents with many different challenges and diagnosis such as behavioral disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and cutting behaviors. My passion in life is helping families and helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
I'm really looking forward to working with you and your son or daughter. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working with a wide range of young people from early childhood to young adult. I work with children and adolescents with many different challenges and diagnosis such as behavioral disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and cutting behaviors. My passion in life is helping families and helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
Dr. MacArthur specializes in providing psychological and neuropsychological assessments for children ages 2-18 in a variety of areas, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (especially in possible masking and subtle presentations), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Challenges, and Social-Emotional Concerns. Dr. MacArthur helps children and families identify strengths and areas of obstacles in order to provide the best path forward to help your child thrive. Dr. MacArthur uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach and makes the assessment process a positive experience for the child and family.
Dr. MacArthur specializes in providing psychological and neuropsychological assessments for children ages 2-18 in a variety of areas, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (especially in possible masking and subtle presentations), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Challenges, and Social-Emotional Concerns. Dr. MacArthur helps children and families identify strengths and areas of obstacles in order to provide the best path forward to help your child thrive. Dr. MacArthur uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach and makes the assessment process a positive experience for the child and family.
My desire is to help people find hope, healing and joy. I believe that everyone can benefit from a safe and encouraging environment and I work to come alongside individuals, couples and families to offer support, care and guidance. I have worked with children and adolescents both as a therapist and a school counselor for over 20 years. I specialize in issues of ADHD, Asperger's, Anger, Depression, Anxiety and Communication. I also love working with women's issues, couples and families. I have expert experience working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and Eating Disorders.
My desire is to help people find hope, healing and joy. I believe that everyone can benefit from a safe and encouraging environment and I work to come alongside individuals, couples and families to offer support, care and guidance. I have worked with children and adolescents both as a therapist and a school counselor for over 20 years. I specialize in issues of ADHD, Asperger's, Anger, Depression, Anxiety and Communication. I also love working with women's issues, couples and families. I have expert experience working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and Eating Disorders.
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." Brene Brown It takes tremendous courage and strength to read out for guidance. Each of us has developed a set of beliefs which shape our world. These beliefs influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am empathic, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I am skilled at helping individuals and couples understand themselves in a new light - increasing personal growth, self-discovery, and self-empowerment.
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." Brene Brown It takes tremendous courage and strength to read out for guidance. Each of us has developed a set of beliefs which shape our world. These beliefs influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am empathic, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I am skilled at helping individuals and couples understand themselves in a new light - increasing personal growth, self-discovery, and self-empowerment.
It takes courage to reach out and start therapy. We would be honored to help you in that process. At Shore Crest Counseling we are passionate about strengthening you on your journey in life. We have had the privilege to come alongside individuals, couples, children, teenagers and families to help them navigate through difficulties, transitions and life changes. We help our clients meet their goals and experience authenticity and wholeness. We would love the opportunity to see if we would be a good fit for you and your therapeutic needs.
It takes courage to reach out and start therapy. We would be honored to help you in that process. At Shore Crest Counseling we are passionate about strengthening you on your journey in life. We have had the privilege to come alongside individuals, couples, children, teenagers and families to help them navigate through difficulties, transitions and life changes. We help our clients meet their goals and experience authenticity and wholeness. We would love the opportunity to see if we would be a good fit for you and your therapeutic needs.
Working with children, teens, and caregivers is a unique opportunity to provide families with support during an important time in life. Using a collaborative and empathic approach, I work hard alongside my clients to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. It's important to meet each person where they are at and help them meet their unique goals. In addition to my private practice, I am on faculty with UC Davis Health, where I provide virtual therapy and supervise and teach psychology trainees and psychiatry residents.
Working with children, teens, and caregivers is a unique opportunity to provide families with support during an important time in life. Using a collaborative and empathic approach, I work hard alongside my clients to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. It's important to meet each person where they are at and help them meet their unique goals. In addition to my private practice, I am on faculty with UC Davis Health, where I provide virtual therapy and supervise and teach psychology trainees and psychiatry residents.
Your mind never seems to stop. You replay conversations, question whether you made the right decision, worry about making mistakes, or feel trapped in cycles of overthinking. Maybe you're dealing with intrusive thoughts that don't match your values, panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, or perfectionism that's making work and relationships exhausting. The very qualities that helped you succeed may now be keeping you stuck. Many of my clients are high-functioning adults and ambitious kids. They don't need help becoming more successful - they need help managing the anxiety that gets in the way.
Your mind never seems to stop. You replay conversations, question whether you made the right decision, worry about making mistakes, or feel trapped in cycles of overthinking. Maybe you're dealing with intrusive thoughts that don't match your values, panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, or perfectionism that's making work and relationships exhausting. The very qualities that helped you succeed may now be keeping you stuck. Many of my clients are high-functioning adults and ambitious kids. They don't need help becoming more successful - they need help managing the anxiety that gets in the way.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages, from childhood to the late stages of life, including couples and families, to reach their full potential. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor the beliefs and cultural values of everyone.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages, from childhood to the late stages of life, including couples and families, to reach their full potential. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor the beliefs and cultural values of everyone.
Melissa Collins-Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hello! I’m Mel and I’m so glad you’re here. When you walk into my office, my goal is for you to feel accepted just as you are. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I leave my own values at the door, because this space is about helping you live in alignment with your values. We all exist on a spectrum of mental health, and your struggles are simply part of being human. My work is rooted in attachment-based and psychodynamic theories, drawing from Jung, Rogers, Frankl, Klein, and Satir. I most often use Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and ACT, but tailor treatment to the client's needs and preferences.
Hello! I’m Mel and I’m so glad you’re here. When you walk into my office, my goal is for you to feel accepted just as you are. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I leave my own values at the door, because this space is about helping you live in alignment with your values. We all exist on a spectrum of mental health, and your struggles are simply part of being human. My work is rooted in attachment-based and psychodynamic theories, drawing from Jung, Rogers, Frankl, Klein, and Satir. I most often use Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and ACT, but tailor treatment to the client's needs and preferences.
Helping Children Adjust to the changes in life. Confident and Understood Children make well-adjusted adults.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, frequent meltdowns, sadness, school stress, difficulty making friends, or behaviors that are hard to understand or redirect? Perhaps your child comes to you with worries, becomes overwhelmed by transitions, withdraws from the family, or has difficulty expressing what is happening inside. When a child is struggling, the entire family can feel the impact. Parents may find themselves wondering whether they are doing enough or how they can help without making things worse.
Helping Children Adjust to the changes in life. Confident and Understood Children make well-adjusted adults.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, frequent meltdowns, sadness, school stress, difficulty making friends, or behaviors that are hard to understand or redirect? Perhaps your child comes to you with worries, becomes overwhelmed by transitions, withdraws from the family, or has difficulty expressing what is happening inside. When a child is struggling, the entire family can feel the impact. Parents may find themselves wondering whether they are doing enough or how they can help without making things worse.
Is your child having trouble with meltdowns at home or at school? Is your teenager struggling with anxiety or depression? I am here to provide a warm, supportive space where they feel heard, valued, and empowered. Using a strengths-based and individualized approach, I will help them develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, and navigate social and emotional challenges with confidence. Whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, facing school difficulties, or struggling with executive functioning, I collaborate with them and their families to foster resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth, helping them thrive in everyday life.
Is your child having trouble with meltdowns at home or at school? Is your teenager struggling with anxiety or depression? I am here to provide a warm, supportive space where they feel heard, valued, and empowered. Using a strengths-based and individualized approach, I will help them develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, and navigate social and emotional challenges with confidence. Whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, facing school difficulties, or struggling with executive functioning, I collaborate with them and their families to foster resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth, helping them thrive in everyday life.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Sound familiar? It feels like you’ve tried everything to manage your child’s challenging behaviors and nothing is working. You want to support your child’s self esteem, interpersonal skills, or ability to thrive in their academic environment. You and your child have experienced the loss of a loved one. You struggle to understand how your childhood impacts patterns in your current relationships and how you view yourself and others. If any of those statements resonate, you have come to the right place.
Sound familiar? It feels like you’ve tried everything to manage your child’s challenging behaviors and nothing is working. You want to support your child’s self esteem, interpersonal skills, or ability to thrive in their academic environment. You and your child have experienced the loss of a loved one. You struggle to understand how your childhood impacts patterns in your current relationships and how you view yourself and others. If any of those statements resonate, you have come to the right place.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
Hello! I am Hallie. I specialize in children, more specifically play therapy, tweens and teens, adult and pediatric OCD/BFRBs, perinatal mental health, and trauma related disorders. I am a psychotherapist located in San Diego and Orange County, CA and offers virtual therapy in Minnesota, who brings 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. You came across my profile because either yourself or loved one is in need of help. Reaching out takes a significant amount of courage, and I am glad you did. I am here to offer my help and support.
Hello! I am Hallie. I specialize in children, more specifically play therapy, tweens and teens, adult and pediatric OCD/BFRBs, perinatal mental health, and trauma related disorders. I am a psychotherapist located in San Diego and Orange County, CA and offers virtual therapy in Minnesota, who brings 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. You came across my profile because either yourself or loved one is in need of help. Reaching out takes a significant amount of courage, and I am glad you did. I am here to offer my help and support.
See more therapy options for Carlsbad
Nearby Toddlers Therapists Searches for Carlsbad
- Dana Point
- Lake Elsinore
- Menifee
- Mission Viejo
- Murrieta
- Oceanside
- Perris
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano
- Temecula
- Trabuco Canyon
- Vista
FAQ - About Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.