Therapists for Toddlers in California
I believe that every person has the potential to change and grow in spite of life's challenges. My background is in trauma and grief, which I view as the primary stressors manifesting in anxiety, depression, and difficulty functioning in day-to-day life. I support my clients in growing beyond their negative life experiences so they can experience confident hope as they move forward in life. I enjoy working with people of all ages, and I maintain specialty training for early childhood (birth - 5) and teens.
I believe that every person has the potential to change and grow in spite of life's challenges. My background is in trauma and grief, which I view as the primary stressors manifesting in anxiety, depression, and difficulty functioning in day-to-day life. I support my clients in growing beyond their negative life experiences so they can experience confident hope as they move forward in life. I enjoy working with people of all ages, and I maintain specialty training for early childhood (birth - 5) and teens.
Is your child or adolescent defiant? Angry? Aggressive? Disrespectful? Hyper? Impulsive? Inattentive? Having challenges at school? Exhibiting signs of ADHD? On the Autism Spectrum? Exhibiting mood symptoms such as anxiety or depression? I can help! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. I have spent my career focusing on helping families with children and adolescents with a variety of symptoms and behaviors and/or have experienced trauma.
Is your child or adolescent defiant? Angry? Aggressive? Disrespectful? Hyper? Impulsive? Inattentive? Having challenges at school? Exhibiting signs of ADHD? On the Autism Spectrum? Exhibiting mood symptoms such as anxiety or depression? I can help! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. I have spent my career focusing on helping families with children and adolescents with a variety of symptoms and behaviors and/or have experienced trauma.
After 27 years as a licensed clinician, I still love my job! I am a Stanford fellowship-trained Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist and my focus areas include: anxiety disorders (including OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder), depression, relationship issues, child behavior problems (defiance, tantrums, aggression, etc), parenting, neurodevelopmental issues (such as Autism, ADHD, Tic Disorders), life decisions/transitions, family issues, work/school problems, academic coaching (learning strategies), crisis intervention, and others. I offer a free 15-30 minute consultation session to explore if we are a good fit.
After 27 years as a licensed clinician, I still love my job! I am a Stanford fellowship-trained Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist and my focus areas include: anxiety disorders (including OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder), depression, relationship issues, child behavior problems (defiance, tantrums, aggression, etc), parenting, neurodevelopmental issues (such as Autism, ADHD, Tic Disorders), life decisions/transitions, family issues, work/school problems, academic coaching (learning strategies), crisis intervention, and others. I offer a free 15-30 minute consultation session to explore if we are a good fit.
You want the best for your child and you’re doing your best. But despite your love and care, you’re noticing signs that your child is struggling. Big emotions, behavioral outbursts, or changes in mood or performance can leave you feeling overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of how to help. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, family transitions, or social/emotional challenges, and they need a safe, supportive space to process. You want guidance, practical tools, and reassurance that healing is possible. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
You want the best for your child and you’re doing your best. But despite your love and care, you’re noticing signs that your child is struggling. Big emotions, behavioral outbursts, or changes in mood or performance can leave you feeling overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of how to help. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, family transitions, or social/emotional challenges, and they need a safe, supportive space to process. You want guidance, practical tools, and reassurance that healing is possible. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
I'm Leanne Richter the therapist behind Serenity in Strides Counseling. I'm thrilled to share my passion for integrating horses and mental health. Horses have an incredible ability to mirror our emotions, provide unconditional support, and teach us valuable lessons in trust, connection, and mindfulness.
I grew up riding horses and teaching riding lessons to kids and have spent the last 15 years as a therapist assisting individuals with their mental health needs. I have advanced training in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, trauma focused therapy and equine assisted therapy through Natural Lifesmanship.
I'm Leanne Richter the therapist behind Serenity in Strides Counseling. I'm thrilled to share my passion for integrating horses and mental health. Horses have an incredible ability to mirror our emotions, provide unconditional support, and teach us valuable lessons in trust, connection, and mindfulness.
I grew up riding horses and teaching riding lessons to kids and have spent the last 15 years as a therapist assisting individuals with their mental health needs. I have advanced training in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, trauma focused therapy and equine assisted therapy through Natural Lifesmanship.
I am a specialist in neuro-psychoeducational assessment for individuals of all ages. I have extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, or have learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns. I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. Follow up therapy and behavior coaching sessions are also offered.
I am a specialist in neuro-psychoeducational assessment for individuals of all ages. I have extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, or have learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns. I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. Follow up therapy and behavior coaching sessions are also offered.
If you have not had much success so far with therapy and feel that the suggestions have not helped to shift things in your life, I may be a good fit for you. I can help you explore what is contributing to your feeling stuck and overwhelmed and move beyond it towards real healing. I work with children, teens, parents, adults and families. Being a parent myself, I can often bridge gaps between children and parents.
Chronic pain is now understood in a new and amazing way. If you have struggled with chronic pain and experience hopelessness around it, know that there is much hope. Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a powerful new tool.
If you have not had much success so far with therapy and feel that the suggestions have not helped to shift things in your life, I may be a good fit for you. I can help you explore what is contributing to your feeling stuck and overwhelmed and move beyond it towards real healing. I work with children, teens, parents, adults and families. Being a parent myself, I can often bridge gaps between children and parents.
Chronic pain is now understood in a new and amazing way. If you have struggled with chronic pain and experience hopelessness around it, know that there is much hope. Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a powerful new tool.
My passion is working with children who have co-occurring medical conditions and behavioral health symptoms. I’m here to help support families through some of the most difficult times. I focus on providing evidence based treatment that focuses on learning and developing skills to help change mindset and help to build new goals all while moving towards what’s most important to my patients! I’m here to support during the acute phase of a new diagnosis all the way through treatment. Another specialty of mine is sleep, whether it’s your child or teen who is having issues staying/falling asleep or feeling anxious about going to sleep
My passion is working with children who have co-occurring medical conditions and behavioral health symptoms. I’m here to help support families through some of the most difficult times. I focus on providing evidence based treatment that focuses on learning and developing skills to help change mindset and help to build new goals all while moving towards what’s most important to my patients! I’m here to support during the acute phase of a new diagnosis all the way through treatment. Another specialty of mine is sleep, whether it’s your child or teen who is having issues staying/falling asleep or feeling anxious about going to sleep
I use a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative approach to help individuals identify, clarify, and overcome challenges in their lives. My particular areas of expertise are perinatal and reproductive mental health, parenting, trauma, and grief and loss. I am passionate about supporting individuals across the transition to parenthood, particularly when that transition has been marked by extra challenges.
I use a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative approach to help individuals identify, clarify, and overcome challenges in their lives. My particular areas of expertise are perinatal and reproductive mental health, parenting, trauma, and grief and loss. I am passionate about supporting individuals across the transition to parenthood, particularly when that transition has been marked by extra challenges.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
I am Lucineh Shagrikyan (Lucy), licensed marriage and family therapist. My therapeutic philosophy is to provide opportunities for creative play, which I believe is an integral part of human development and fosters inner-wisdom and resilience. I have a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education (Parenting Specialization) and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with families and children/adolescents with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Emotional Dysregulation. Part of my practice is devoted to family planning, parenting support and life transitions.
I am Lucineh Shagrikyan (Lucy), licensed marriage and family therapist. My therapeutic philosophy is to provide opportunities for creative play, which I believe is an integral part of human development and fosters inner-wisdom and resilience. I have a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education (Parenting Specialization) and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with families and children/adolescents with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Emotional Dysregulation. Part of my practice is devoted to family planning, parenting support and life transitions.
Hello! I'm Dr. Diana Robbins. I am a California-licensed clinical psychologist specializing in high-quality evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with anxiety, OCD, and related conditions. At San Diego Anxiety and OCD Center (SDAOC), you receive psychological services uniquely targeted to your concerns.
At SDAOC, help and support is available in person or from the comfort and convenience of your home. In-person services are provided in a modern and therapeutic setting in Mission Valley. Telehealth sessions are available throughout California via secure video conferencing.
Hello! I'm Dr. Diana Robbins. I am a California-licensed clinical psychologist specializing in high-quality evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with anxiety, OCD, and related conditions. At San Diego Anxiety and OCD Center (SDAOC), you receive psychological services uniquely targeted to your concerns.
At SDAOC, help and support is available in person or from the comfort and convenience of your home. In-person services are provided in a modern and therapeutic setting in Mission Valley. Telehealth sessions are available throughout California via secure video conferencing.
As a licensed psychologist, my clinical experience is with individuals, children, adolescents, and families dealing with stressful and agonizing life events. In addition, my professional expertise also includes providing psychological testing and evaluations, psycho-educational assessments, and immigration evaluations.
As a licensed psychologist, my clinical experience is with individuals, children, adolescents, and families dealing with stressful and agonizing life events. In addition, my professional expertise also includes providing psychological testing and evaluations, psycho-educational assessments, and immigration evaluations.
Healing is a journey, and every client deserves to feel cared for in a safe, supportive environment. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults facing a wide range of challenges, including chronic depression, self-harm, trauma, and psychiatric hospitalizations.
I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. It is a privilege to partner with my clients as they navigate healing, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Healing is a journey, and every client deserves to feel cared for in a safe, supportive environment. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults facing a wide range of challenges, including chronic depression, self-harm, trauma, and psychiatric hospitalizations.
I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. It is a privilege to partner with my clients as they navigate healing, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Jo works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Jo believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Jo works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Jo believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
My deepest wish is for you to know that you have everything you need in order to be happy RIGHT NOW. You are enough. And if you have a partner, you deserve happiness as a couple. Has something in your life led you to believe this isn’t true? My passion is to support you in healing the wounds of the past, fostering a loving relationship with yourself and with others, and becoming comfortable in your own skin. If you are a parent of a child who is in need of support I want to be able to support your entire family in working together to find the best path for all of your happiness and success.
My deepest wish is for you to know that you have everything you need in order to be happy RIGHT NOW. You are enough. And if you have a partner, you deserve happiness as a couple. Has something in your life led you to believe this isn’t true? My passion is to support you in healing the wounds of the past, fostering a loving relationship with yourself and with others, and becoming comfortable in your own skin. If you are a parent of a child who is in need of support I want to be able to support your entire family in working together to find the best path for all of your happiness and success.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
I create a safe space for your child to know they are not alone with their thoughts and feelings. I help families develop a deeper understanding of their child's behaviors and experiences. Taking the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.
I create a safe space for your child to know they are not alone with their thoughts and feelings. I help families develop a deeper understanding of their child's behaviors and experiences. Taking the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.
Hi, my name is Chanel Bigelow, and my practice is called Channel The Waves Therapy Services. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced severe trauma through my roles as a foster/adoptive parent, social worker, and a therapist. I currently provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families, specializing in reducing anxiety, alleviating depression, and treating trauma-related symptoms.
Hi, my name is Chanel Bigelow, and my practice is called Channel The Waves Therapy Services. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced severe trauma through my roles as a foster/adoptive parent, social worker, and a therapist. I currently provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families, specializing in reducing anxiety, alleviating depression, and treating trauma-related symptoms.
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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.