Therapists for Children in Oakland, CA
I am a clinician passionate about working with children, teens, individuals, couples and families.
As a therapist, my approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the belief that healing is possible for everyone. I specialize in supporting clients navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and attachment-related challenges. I offer a compassionate space where you can slow down, reflect, and begin to reconnect with yourself.
I am a clinician passionate about working with children, teens, individuals, couples and families.
As a therapist, my approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the belief that healing is possible for everyone. I specialize in supporting clients navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and attachment-related challenges. I offer a compassionate space where you can slow down, reflect, and begin to reconnect with yourself.
Work with children includes play and sand tray therapy providing a safe space to uncover and resolve the underlying psychological issues often manifested in common behavioral issues.
If you have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, or fears/phobias you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people overcome their greatest struggles for over 22 years. Utilizing several evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches has been integral to having the skills necessary to create a path of healing with several options while always bearing in mind the need for a strong therapeutic relationship that focuses on warmth, empowerment, acceptance, and engagement while always considering the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
Work with children includes play and sand tray therapy providing a safe space to uncover and resolve the underlying psychological issues often manifested in common behavioral issues.
If you have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, or fears/phobias you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people overcome their greatest struggles for over 22 years. Utilizing several evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches has been integral to having the skills necessary to create a path of healing with several options while always bearing in mind the need for a strong therapeutic relationship that focuses on warmth, empowerment, acceptance, and engagement while always considering the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
Could your child use some help with managing big feelings and impulses?
Clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of children and adolescents through a cognitive-behavioral and family systems oriented lens. Currently offering two groups for children ages 5-12 targeting emotional regulation/social skills and anxiety. Also offering group therapy for anxious teens. I am not accepting individual clients at this time.
Could your child use some help with managing big feelings and impulses?
Clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of children and adolescents through a cognitive-behavioral and family systems oriented lens. Currently offering two groups for children ages 5-12 targeting emotional regulation/social skills and anxiety. Also offering group therapy for anxious teens. I am not accepting individual clients at this time.
I am trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy, attachment focused therapy, and play therapy.
I primarily specialize in early childhood and the surrounding relationships. I work with children ages 0-8 focusing on life's adjustments, both the expected and the unexpected. I can offer support to children coping with adjustments, grief/loss, trauma, and anxiety. I also specialize in supporting parents as they navigate this journey alongside their children. I offer parent consultation as well as supportive parenting therapy, helping to nurture the parent- child relationship and improve communication.
I am trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy, attachment focused therapy, and play therapy.
I primarily specialize in early childhood and the surrounding relationships. I work with children ages 0-8 focusing on life's adjustments, both the expected and the unexpected. I can offer support to children coping with adjustments, grief/loss, trauma, and anxiety. I also specialize in supporting parents as they navigate this journey alongside their children. I offer parent consultation as well as supportive parenting therapy, helping to nurture the parent- child relationship and improve communication.
Seeking therapy for yourself or your child is a brave step.
I offer individual therapy to children, teens and young adults, with advanced training in infant and early childhood mental health. I’m especially passionate about working with neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. I also work in schools supporting students with IEPs and have extensive knowledge of school systems and the needs of diverse learners.
Seeking therapy for yourself or your child is a brave step.
I offer individual therapy to children, teens and young adults, with advanced training in infant and early childhood mental health. I’m especially passionate about working with neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. I also work in schools supporting students with IEPs and have extensive knowledge of school systems and the needs of diverse learners.
Or maybe it's your child that's not getting anywhere in talk therapy because they just don't feel like talking?
Our team of experienced and qualified Art Therapists will support you or your child navigate challenges you may be facing including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, eating disorders and more. We are a neurodivergent-affirming, anti-oppressive, social justice and disability justice-oriented practice.
Or maybe it's your child that's not getting anywhere in talk therapy because they just don't feel like talking?
Our team of experienced and qualified Art Therapists will support you or your child navigate challenges you may be facing including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, eating disorders and more. We are a neurodivergent-affirming, anti-oppressive, social justice and disability justice-oriented practice.
I welcome children, teens, and adults to my practice.
I work well with a diverse mix of children, teens and adults and welcome those who may be feeling apprehensive about therapy or who have found it difficult to connect to the therapy process in the past.
I welcome children, teens, and adults to my practice.
I work well with a diverse mix of children, teens and adults and welcome those who may be feeling apprehensive about therapy or who have found it difficult to connect to the therapy process in the past.
I have certificates and training in the SPACE Program for children with anxiety and OCD; autistic centered therapy; filial therapy; child centered play therapy; perinatal mood disorders as well as infant parent psychotherapy, synergetic play therapy, therapeutic improv and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
My work is grounded in child development and attachment research, infant-parent and lifespan attachment, and interpersonal neurobiology. Exploration of the impact of early experience on parenting, the biological mechanisms of interpersonal regulation, along with didactic support allow growth and choice and support deeper understanding of yourself and child.
I have certificates and training in the SPACE Program for children with anxiety and OCD; autistic centered therapy; filial therapy; child centered play therapy; perinatal mood disorders as well as infant parent psychotherapy, synergetic play therapy, therapeutic improv and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
My work is grounded in child development and attachment research, infant-parent and lifespan attachment, and interpersonal neurobiology. Exploration of the impact of early experience on parenting, the biological mechanisms of interpersonal regulation, along with didactic support allow growth and choice and support deeper understanding of yourself and child.
We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
Our evaluation services are targeted for children and adults with various neurodevelopmental (e.g., ADHD, Learning differences, Autism, giftedness), neurocognitive (e.g., general cognitive decline vs dementia), and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma).
We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
Our evaluation services are targeted for children and adults with various neurodevelopmental (e.g., ADHD, Learning differences, Autism, giftedness), neurocognitive (e.g., general cognitive decline vs dementia), and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma).
Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner?
For twenty years I have worked in public, private and charter schools. I do detailed assessments to evaluate student learning, behavioral and emotional strengths and challenges, and then consult to schools. I love seeing kids learn to thrive in the classroom, on the playground, and at home.
Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner?
For twenty years I have worked in public, private and charter schools. I do detailed assessments to evaluate student learning, behavioral and emotional strengths and challenges, and then consult to schools. I love seeing kids learn to thrive in the classroom, on the playground, and at home.
I'm happy to address any concerns with one's child (of any age), including but not limited to: effective discipline strategies while maintaining positive relations; healthy co-parenting; stress of parenting; helping children through separation or divorce; best approaches in helping children manage/ease clinical conditions (anxiety, trauma, adjustment, mood disorders, ADHD, etc).
I have over 30 years of experience working with Children, Adolescents and Families and over 15 years as a clinical supervisor and Post Doctoral Resident Training Director. The last 26 years I worked in an integrated care/HMO setting which was invaluable, and I bring this breadth of experience with me in my own practice.
I'm happy to address any concerns with one's child (of any age), including but not limited to: effective discipline strategies while maintaining positive relations; healthy co-parenting; stress of parenting; helping children through separation or divorce; best approaches in helping children manage/ease clinical conditions (anxiety, trauma, adjustment, mood disorders, ADHD, etc).
I have over 30 years of experience working with Children, Adolescents and Families and over 15 years as a clinical supervisor and Post Doctoral Resident Training Director. The last 26 years I worked in an integrated care/HMO setting which was invaluable, and I bring this breadth of experience with me in my own practice.
Everyone experiences difficulties at times, including problems that we create for ourselves and troubles we have in responding to the opportunities and challenges in life. These may be problems in love or work, symptoms such as phobias, panic attacks, or extreme shyness, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic reactions, or self-destructive impulses.
Everyone experiences difficulties at times, including problems that we create for ourselves and troubles we have in responding to the opportunities and challenges in life. These may be problems in love or work, symptoms such as phobias, panic attacks, or extreme shyness, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic reactions, or self-destructive impulses.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior?
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Children heal best through a secure relationship with a parent, and parents deserve help on their end too.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior?
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Children heal best through a secure relationship with a parent, and parents deserve help on their end too.
With over 20 years of experience, I work with children, teens, and adults facing emotional and relational challenges.
My practice is inclusive and affirming of diverse identities and experiences. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing, and offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP)—supportive, sound-based tools for nervous system regulation.
With over 20 years of experience, I work with children, teens, and adults facing emotional and relational challenges.
My practice is inclusive and affirming of diverse identities and experiences. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing, and offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP)—supportive, sound-based tools for nervous system regulation.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as individual adults.
My approach is collaborative, integrating psychodynamic, person-centered, and systems theories. I foster a healing space where clients can reconnect with themselves, tune into their inner needs, and gain insight into their experiences. This process empowers them to make meaningful life changes, reduce symptoms, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as individual adults.
My approach is collaborative, integrating psychodynamic, person-centered, and systems theories. I foster a healing space where clients can reconnect with themselves, tune into their inner needs, and gain insight into their experiences. This process empowers them to make meaningful life changes, reduce symptoms, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships.
Welcome! I’m Acacia Hasina Chidi, I am known to help inspire change in individual’s lives and relationships. Experience has demonstrated to me that change is possible and necessary. If you are ready to initiate change, I’d like to work with you through the process of therapy which can allow you to grow, and realize aspects of yourself you may not be aware of, or that you are aware of, but have been unable to manage. Years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and specialized groups have enabled me tools and techniques that help people achieve a deeper understanding of relational patterns needing repair.
Welcome! I’m Acacia Hasina Chidi, I am known to help inspire change in individual’s lives and relationships. Experience has demonstrated to me that change is possible and necessary. If you are ready to initiate change, I’d like to work with you through the process of therapy which can allow you to grow, and realize aspects of yourself you may not be aware of, or that you are aware of, but have been unable to manage. Years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and specialized groups have enabled me tools and techniques that help people achieve a deeper understanding of relational patterns needing repair.
I’m trained in play therapy and drama therapy and work well with children and adolescents.
I also contract with clinics to conduct psychological assessments required in the state of CA when pursuing alternative fertility treatments. My grief speciality supports you in coping with any loss you’ve endured. Email me today and you will be directed to schedule a free consult online quickly!
I’m trained in play therapy and drama therapy and work well with children and adolescents.
I also contract with clinics to conduct psychological assessments required in the state of CA when pursuing alternative fertility treatments. My grief speciality supports you in coping with any loss you’ve endured. Email me today and you will be directed to schedule a free consult online quickly!
I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, curiosity and exploration.
As a seasoned clinician in practice for almost 25 years, my approach is predominantly psychodynamic while integrating one's unique neurobiological factors. Our work together is tailored to address your present concerns in the context of your unique circumstances, psychology, and history. As a clinical supervisor, I've also trained many beginning therapists.
I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, curiosity and exploration.
As a seasoned clinician in practice for almost 25 years, my approach is predominantly psychodynamic while integrating one's unique neurobiological factors. Our work together is tailored to address your present concerns in the context of your unique circumstances, psychology, and history. As a clinical supervisor, I've also trained many beginning therapists.
I specialize in supporting children and individuals through conflict, trauma, and major transitions.
You may be a parent, caregiver, or professional trying to stay strong for everyone while feeling emotionally exhausted. Or you might be navigating personal change, anxiety, or the aftermath of a painful event. Whether you’re facing family conflict, high-stress transitions, or the impact of trauma, you want stability, peace, and a path forward that feels hopeful and real.
I specialize in supporting children and individuals through conflict, trauma, and major transitions.
You may be a parent, caregiver, or professional trying to stay strong for everyone while feeling emotionally exhausted. Or you might be navigating personal change, anxiety, or the aftermath of a painful event. Whether you’re facing family conflict, high-stress transitions, or the impact of trauma, you want stability, peace, and a path forward that feels hopeful and real.
I work with individuals ( children, teens and adults), couples and families.
Starting therapy can be exciting and anxiety provoking. Whether you are hoping to focus on specific concerns, or exploring broader, longer standing challenges, therapy can be helpful in understanding how aspects of one‘s temperament and relational tendencies interfere with living life authentically, and with reaching one’s full potential. By addressing issues in real-time, while also considering the impact of situational factors and past experiences, therapy can be useful in identifying areas of one’s life to examine and evolve. Importantly, effective therapy often promotes resiliency, self-awareness and personal growth.
I work with individuals ( children, teens and adults), couples and families.
Starting therapy can be exciting and anxiety provoking. Whether you are hoping to focus on specific concerns, or exploring broader, longer standing challenges, therapy can be helpful in understanding how aspects of one‘s temperament and relational tendencies interfere with living life authentically, and with reaching one’s full potential. By addressing issues in real-time, while also considering the impact of situational factors and past experiences, therapy can be useful in identifying areas of one’s life to examine and evolve. Importantly, effective therapy often promotes resiliency, self-awareness and personal growth.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Children Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
FAQ - About Child Therapy
When does a child need to see a therapist?
Children naturally experience emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, though, they need support from a professional. A child may benefit from therapy if their emotions or behaviors change significantly within a short period of time. For example, if a child usually spends time with friends after school but begins isolating in their room, further inquiry is warranted. Other areas for concern include altered sleep patterns, lack of appetite, intense anger, irritability, or hopelessness, or developmental regression in young children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking).
What can a child therapist help with?
A therapist can help with any difficult experience a child may encounter growing up, including learning problems or anxiety related to school, relationship challenges with friends or parents, bullying, intense emotions or phobias, divorce and family dynamics, or the death of a pet or loved one. A therapist can help children process their experience and develop coping skills in an age-appropriate way
What therapy types are most suitable for children?
Children can benefit from different forms of therapy, including family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, depending on their condition. Play therapy is a great option for younger children who may not be able to fully articulate their feelings. In this approach, kids play with toys and games while a therapist observes and helps the child express their emotions and develop coping skills.
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 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.