Therapists for Children in Charlottesville, VA
As your therapist, I will guide you to recognize learned patterns of thinking, acting and feeling that may be creating suffering in your life. Together we will explore where and why you learned those patterns and what purpose they served. Once fully understood, you will find the self-compassion and courage to release those learned patterns and cultivate healthier ways of being. Through this process you will find greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways to create healthier relationships with yourself, others and life in general.
As your therapist, I will guide you to recognize learned patterns of thinking, acting and feeling that may be creating suffering in your life. Together we will explore where and why you learned those patterns and what purpose they served. Once fully understood, you will find the self-compassion and courage to release those learned patterns and cultivate healthier ways of being. Through this process you will find greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways to create healthier relationships with yourself, others and life in general.
Keeping up with responsibilities, relationships, and expectations can feel exhausting—especially when rest never quite happens and the next step along your journey feels unclear. Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself may be a sign you’re ready for something deeper than quick fixes. You can begin right where you are—and I will meet you there. We’ll create a calm, supportive space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Together, we slow things down, look beneath the surface, and build a steady foundation that helps restore clarity, confidence, and a sense of wholeness from the inside out.
Keeping up with responsibilities, relationships, and expectations can feel exhausting—especially when rest never quite happens and the next step along your journey feels unclear. Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself may be a sign you’re ready for something deeper than quick fixes. You can begin right where you are—and I will meet you there. We’ll create a calm, supportive space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Together, we slow things down, look beneath the surface, and build a steady foundation that helps restore clarity, confidence, and a sense of wholeness from the inside out.
Dr. Maryfrances Porter is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works from an attachment orientation to treat people facing personal, relationship, and emotional struggles of all kinds. Dr. Porter is committed to allyship. Dr. Porter also offers telehealth for teens and adults in the following locations: AL, AZ, AR, CO, Northern Mariana Islands, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Dr. Maryfrances Porter is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works from an attachment orientation to treat people facing personal, relationship, and emotional struggles of all kinds. Dr. Porter is committed to allyship. Dr. Porter also offers telehealth for teens and adults in the following locations: AL, AZ, AR, CO, Northern Mariana Islands, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
My private practice offers testing services for children, adolescents, and adults.
I provide testing services on weekends, which avoids missing school or work. I do not take insurance but am happy to provide a superbill that you can use to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Payment is required on the date of testing. I also take CareCredit. Costs vary based on the length of the evaluation, but range between $1400-2800.
My private practice offers testing services for children, adolescents, and adults.
I provide testing services on weekends, which avoids missing school or work. I do not take insurance but am happy to provide a superbill that you can use to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Payment is required on the date of testing. I also take CareCredit. Costs vary based on the length of the evaluation, but range between $1400-2800.
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3–21 navigating emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges.
I use Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and child-centered, play-based interventions. I am supervised by a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor as I work toward play therapy credentialing, tailoring sessions to each child’s developmental needs.
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3–21 navigating emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges.
I use Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and child-centered, play-based interventions. I am supervised by a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor as I work toward play therapy credentialing, tailoring sessions to each child’s developmental needs.
When genuine support is paired with a belief in your potential, real and lasting change can take shape. Bryon is a full-time professional School Counselor and a part-time Resident in Counseling. With six years of experience working with individuals and families in school settings, he brings a strong foundation in supporting growth, resilience, and life transitions.
As of 2025, Bryon marked an exciting new chapter, as he is expanded his work beyond public education to support individuals seeking greater clarity, confidence, and direction in their lives.
When genuine support is paired with a belief in your potential, real and lasting change can take shape. Bryon is a full-time professional School Counselor and a part-time Resident in Counseling. With six years of experience working with individuals and families in school settings, he brings a strong foundation in supporting growth, resilience, and life transitions.
As of 2025, Bryon marked an exciting new chapter, as he is expanded his work beyond public education to support individuals seeking greater clarity, confidence, and direction in their lives.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 9 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, grief, and major life transitions.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Simmons College. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and family systems work. I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, focusing on practical tools and emotional insight.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 9 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, grief, and major life transitions.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Simmons College. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and family systems work. I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, focusing on practical tools and emotional insight.
I provide a warm, nonjudgmental approach to support adults, teens, and children in managing life and relationship stress, anxiety, depression, school issues, and trauma.
I use an eclectic approach to therapy, tailored to each person's individual goals. I'm EMDR trained and also use IFS/parts work, DBT, and an attachment-based framework.
When working with children, I use a play therapy-based framework and offer consultation to caregivers regarding behavior and parenting.
I provide a warm, nonjudgmental approach to support adults, teens, and children in managing life and relationship stress, anxiety, depression, school issues, and trauma.
I use an eclectic approach to therapy, tailored to each person's individual goals. I'm EMDR trained and also use IFS/parts work, DBT, and an attachment-based framework.
When working with children, I use a play therapy-based framework and offer consultation to caregivers regarding behavior and parenting.
I support both children and adults navigating ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities, and anxiety.
I work with individuals across the lifespan and from all walks of life, with a special focus on serving the brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) communities. Through specialized training in neurologic music therapy, I provide accessible, strengths-based services that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals with neurologic conditions.
I support both children and adults navigating ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities, and anxiety.
I work with individuals across the lifespan and from all walks of life, with a special focus on serving the brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) communities. Through specialized training in neurologic music therapy, I provide accessible, strengths-based services that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals with neurologic conditions.
Virginia Center for Family Relations, pc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Charlottesville, VA 22901
We work with individuals, couples, marriages, families, adolescents and children.
When looking for a therapist, ask someone who knows the reputation of the therapists in this area. Ask a friend, a family doctor, a pastor, or a professional. They know the best therapist in the area. Don't pick a therapist based solely on what the therapist has written about themselves or on price. This is your life; it's your marriage or your family. 90% of our clients come from "word of mouth". We maintain a respected reputation due to the staff's professional skills and therapeutic effectiveness & reliability - we've been here since 1986.
We work with individuals, couples, marriages, families, adolescents and children.
When looking for a therapist, ask someone who knows the reputation of the therapists in this area. Ask a friend, a family doctor, a pastor, or a professional. They know the best therapist in the area. Don't pick a therapist based solely on what the therapist has written about themselves or on price. This is your life; it's your marriage or your family. 90% of our clients come from "word of mouth". We maintain a respected reputation due to the staff's professional skills and therapeutic effectiveness & reliability - we've been here since 1986.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children.
I work at a group practice, and the number listed is for our intake coordinator who will help you get set up for your first appointment. You can also email me directly. We will have 2 - 4 assessment sessions to explore what you or your child needs help with, after which we will agree on an appropriate treatment plan.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children.
I work at a group practice, and the number listed is for our intake coordinator who will help you get set up for your first appointment. You can also email me directly. We will have 2 - 4 assessment sessions to explore what you or your child needs help with, after which we will agree on an appropriate treatment plan.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying anxiety, self-doubt, past experiences, or patterns that just won’t seem to change. These challenges can impact your relationships, your sense of self, and how you show up day to day. But those patterns don’t define you, and they don’t have to stay the same. In our work together, we’ll begin to uncover what’s beneath the surface, bringing awareness to what’s been holding you back and creating space for real, lasting change.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying anxiety, self-doubt, past experiences, or patterns that just won’t seem to change. These challenges can impact your relationships, your sense of self, and how you show up day to day. But those patterns don’t define you, and they don’t have to stay the same. In our work together, we’ll begin to uncover what’s beneath the surface, bringing awareness to what’s been holding you back and creating space for real, lasting change.
I am a child, teen, and family psychologist and Past-President of the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, with 30+ years of practice.
RESILIENCE is that ability to tolerate challenge and adversity, in whatever form, with strength and purpose. That quality - entailing courage, mindfulness to this moment, and flexibility to deal with unexpected answers and the need to shift gears - may be THE critical challenge, and I am honored to address that with you - whether 2, 19 or 40 years old.
I am a child, teen, and family psychologist and Past-President of the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, with 30+ years of practice.
RESILIENCE is that ability to tolerate challenge and adversity, in whatever form, with strength and purpose. That quality - entailing courage, mindfulness to this moment, and flexibility to deal with unexpected answers and the need to shift gears - may be THE critical challenge, and I am honored to address that with you - whether 2, 19 or 40 years old.
Ivy Road Center for Psychotherapy and Mediation
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Charlottesville, VA 22903
I am a firm believer in evidence based treatments and have extensive training and practice in such. That being said, I recognize that "evidence" is usually based on outcomes of clinical trials with very controlled environments where very specific populations with very specific diagnoses are treated. Thus, I find that I am most effective when adapting, integrating and tailoring treatments to my clients' individual needs.
I am a firm believer in evidence based treatments and have extensive training and practice in such. That being said, I recognize that "evidence" is usually based on outcomes of clinical trials with very controlled environments where very specific populations with very specific diagnoses are treated. Thus, I find that I am most effective when adapting, integrating and tailoring treatments to my clients' individual needs.
In response to COVID-19, we are now offering remote talk therapy sessions and supervised neurofeedback home training. The Virginia Center for Neurofeedback, Attachment & Trauma offers the gold standard in QEEG-guided neurofeedback for emotional distress, trauma, PTSD, ADD, creativity enhancement and peak performance training. Services also include psychotherapy, EMDR and LENS neurofeedback.
In response to COVID-19, we are now offering remote talk therapy sessions and supervised neurofeedback home training. The Virginia Center for Neurofeedback, Attachment & Trauma offers the gold standard in QEEG-guided neurofeedback for emotional distress, trauma, PTSD, ADD, creativity enhancement and peak performance training. Services also include psychotherapy, EMDR and LENS neurofeedback.
I also support parents who are navigating complex family dynamics, attachment-oriented concerns, or parent- child relationship challenges.
In our work together, we’ll set clear goals, identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and introduce meaningful change in the life areas where you feel drained or overwhelmed. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I also support parents who are navigating complex family dynamics, attachment-oriented concerns, or parent- child relationship challenges.
In our work together, we’ll set clear goals, identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and introduce meaningful change in the life areas where you feel drained or overwhelmed. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
In my therapy practice, I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, adults, and families to identify and counter unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns and ultimately help them to live happier, more successful lives.
I primarily use cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches in therapy, with the aim of helping individuals to recognize the interplay between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and help them to better manage the stresses of life. I also have extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
In my therapy practice, I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, adults, and families to identify and counter unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns and ultimately help them to live happier, more successful lives.
I primarily use cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches in therapy, with the aim of helping individuals to recognize the interplay between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and help them to better manage the stresses of life. I also have extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
I specialize in helping children, teens, and families who want to feel more connected and engaged in their lives.
As an athlete, business-owner, and mother, I understand the complexities of raising children while also striving for personal goals. I use a relational, strengths-based, and solution-oriented approach to promoting change. I feel so honored to experience life alongside my clients and help them become closer to the people they want to be!
I specialize in helping children, teens, and families who want to feel more connected and engaged in their lives.
As an athlete, business-owner, and mother, I understand the complexities of raising children while also striving for personal goals. I use a relational, strengths-based, and solution-oriented approach to promoting change. I feel so honored to experience life alongside my clients and help them become closer to the people they want to be!
I enjoy working with young children and incorporate play therapy, sand tray, and art-based activities into my sessions with them.
I appreciate working with clients (or parents of clients) who are motivated to make positive changes. If you're seeking reflective support, I may not be the best fit for you. But if you're committed to exploring painful patterns that cause you distress and you're ready to address blocks and habits that no longer serve you, I'm your girl.
I enjoy working with young children and incorporate play therapy, sand tray, and art-based activities into my sessions with them.
I appreciate working with clients (or parents of clients) who are motivated to make positive changes. If you're seeking reflective support, I may not be the best fit for you. But if you're committed to exploring painful patterns that cause you distress and you're ready to address blocks and habits that no longer serve you, I'm your girl.
Taking the step to seek therapy takes courage—and you deserve recognition for prioritizing your mental health. I’m Alex Johnson (she/her), LCSW, with a Bachelors from Oberlin College and a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. With over four years of experience in inpatient, outpatient, and crisis settings, I support clients facing substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. I provide a safe, supportive space to heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges together.
Taking the step to seek therapy takes courage—and you deserve recognition for prioritizing your mental health. I’m Alex Johnson (she/her), LCSW, with a Bachelors from Oberlin College and a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. With over four years of experience in inpatient, outpatient, and crisis settings, I support clients facing substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. I provide a safe, supportive space to heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges together.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
Nearby Children Therapists Searches for Charlottesville
- Bridgewater
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- Keswick
- Louisa
- Orange
- Palmyra
- Ruckersville
- Staunton
- University
- Waynesboro
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.