Child Therapists in Fairfax, VA
See all therapists in FairfaxWaitlist for new clients

Damian Ayala
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
With over 12 years of providing quality professional mental health services to
children
, teenagers, adults, and families, I look forward to helping my clients thrive in the midst of incredibly challenging situations. It has been said that life is a beautiful struggle. Often, the struggle - whether it arises from life transitions, loss, trauma, or everyday stressors - overshadows the beauty of life. It is in these times I seek to walk alongside my clients and provide the space and time for them to develop insight and skills, grieve losses, process traumas, and rediscover joy and hope.

Yasmeen Al-Suqi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have worked with immigrant populations for nine years addressing issues that include trauma, domestic violence, parent-
child
relational, family reunification, at risk adolescent behavior, anger management, youth substance use, gang prevention, sex trafficking prevention, academic underachievement, anxiety, and depression.
For many immigrants, emigrating to the United States can be an exciting experience filled with anticipation, hope, and the start of a new chapter in their life. However, this experience can also bring with it challenges such as acculturative stress, anxiety, depression, and new and old trauma. At times, it is difficult to know how to address these challenges. Seeing a therapist is usually the first step to getting the support and guidance needed to successfully navigate stressors related to acculturation.

Constantina N. Kass
PhD, NCSP
Verified
Verified
I am here to help
children
, teens and their parents develop well-being during these very stressful times. Raising
children
is hard; raising
children
who have ADHD, relationship difficulties, anxiety, learning issues, and/or depression is even harder. Parents need help and so do their kids. Therapy and coaching offer a venue to express feelings, practice new skills, and establish new ways of connecting with one another. I have also traveled extensively and completed my doctoral research on acculturation, academic stress, and burnout and have a unique interest and skill set in serving families returning to the US from abroad.

Deborah O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you or your family going through a tough time? Are behaviors or situations becoming unmanageable? In my office you will find a safe, nonjudgmental response to dealing with the complexities of your life. The aim is to address painful crisis and move toward developing coping strategies to increase peace & the happiness you deserve. My treatment approach is to help with solutions. Individual therapy, play therapy, parent support, and academic consultation is what I provide. In my practice I work with
children
, adolescents, and adults. There are several therapists in the office who can assist if I am booked.

Grace Song
Pre-Licensed Professional, DMin, QMHP-C, MS
Verified
Verified
Looking for a therapist for your
child
? or parenting? Have more than 17 years of experience working with
children
and families in the education and mental health field. Majored in
child
psychology and developmental psychology at graduate schools, and social work in a doctoral course. Not only focused on the
child
as an individual but also supportive systems to provide effective therapeutic sessions with holistic approaches. Areas of competency include but are not limited to;
children
with emotional difficulties, developmental disorders, ASD(autism spectrum disorder), and social skills training and counseling for parents/guardians.

Emily Claus
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I am a license eligible clinical psychologist who specializes in working with
children
, adolescents and adults. I'm trained in play and individual therapy for issues ranging from anxiety and mood disorders to ADHD, autism spectrum and other behavioral disorders. Some of specialties include psychological trauma (sexual/physical abuse, neglect) and LGBT issues. I also conducts psychological evaluations and assessments to help develop a more clear mental health diagnosis. I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed her clinical internship at Pennsylvania Counseling Services.

Liz Mathews-Jolley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
With years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, parents, teens and
children
, I can offer you direction in overcoming obstacles to improve life functioning for you or your
child
.
Are you or someone you love feeling down and having difficulty engaging in activities? Do you or someone you love avoid things that seem interesting for lack of confidence or anxiety? Is the behavior of a family member impacting the whole family? Is your relationship with your partner seemingly falling apart? Challenges with depression, anxiety and behavior impact all areas of life (school, work, relationships with family, peers, partners) and often limit potential. Working together we will discuss your goals and determine your needs to effectively manage life functioning.

Deborah Lawton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression/mood disorders, trauma, abuse & neglect,
child
behavior & parenting, self-harm, veterans issues, relationships, anger, attachment, stress, & gender identity.
Change is hard. And it takes courage. As a therapist I create a safe space, free of judgment, where your pain and suffering can be accepted, understood - and healed. My approach builds on the strengths and resiliency of my clients. I will not try to fit you into a single theoretical framework. Our work is based on thorough assessment and tailored to your individual needs, integrating the best of evidence-based therapeutic methods.

Myriam Goldin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified
Verified
I am a founding partner of Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education, LLC. Gil Institute is a private group practice committed to providing evidence- and practice-informed mental health services for traumatized
children
, youth, and adults. My clinical career has focused on facilitating emotional healing for at-risk
children
and adolescents exposed to multiple traumatic experiences. I have worked in various clinical and educational settings in the Northern Virginia area providing guidance and support to bilingual and bi-cultural
children
(and families) experiencing socio-emotional and educational challenges.
Fairfax, VA 22031

Mary Moussa
MA, NCC, LPCs, CSACs
My philosophy is that clients are able to reclaim alienated parts of themselves, the inner
child
that has been hurt, when the counseling relationship feels safe, when there is both quiet listening and non-judgmental support, empowering feedback, and an experience of collaboration with the therapist.
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, witnessed, and engaged in determining their life path. Yet, loneliness, identity struggles, and shame alienate us from our authentic self. My passion is supporting clients as they uncover their real self, their original self before shame and trauma, and find ways that feel authentic for healing and moving forward in life. I am interested in supporting the whole person – emotional, developmental, and life-transitions.

Diana Dahlgren
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in psychological testing and evaluation of
children
, adolescents and adults to assess intellectual, educational, personality, emotional, and behavioral functioning. I offer ADHD, LD, GT (AAP), and ED evaluations for purposes of school placement, as well as special education services and accommodations, including on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT and MCAT. I provide forensic services which include court evaluations and
child
custody evaluations, and therapy services include individual, marital, and family therapy.

Be, Period - A Wellness Co.
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC-R, MA, QMHP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, treating individuals, couples, family & group therapy. I specialize in expressive therapy for
children
and adolescents. I am experienced in applying object-relational, CBT, acceptance and commitment, solution focused, and various therapeutic approaches to assist the client in reaching their goals. I have worked with a variety of mental health conditions including ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Post Traumatic Stress, depression, and more. I'm a graduate of Marymount University and a PhD candidate.

Nichole Venable
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a systemic and attachment-based therapist, I believe we are all looking for connection, belonging, and acceptance. However old we are – infant,
child
, teen, or adult – we need to make sense of what happens to us, inside of us, and in our relationships. Our life experiences shape us in profound ways; our sense of self, and how we manage emotions, respond to stress and connect with others. When life experiences are adverse, our body and brain can make meaning in ways that can cause distress. I help clients connect with their innate ability to change and heal difficult experiences so they can find peace and self-worth at any age.
Waitlist for new clients

Margeaux Stryker Groene
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
Margeaux specializes in
children
, teens, and young adults. She has invested years in mentoring and encouraging middle school and high school students in both group settings and one on one. Issues that Margeaux can help you or your
child
with are anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, bullying, peer pressure, family transitions, and any other big life events or changes.

Fairfax Place Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
We partner with you and your
child
& family to create a therapeutic space where understanding, long lasting relief, and healing are possible.
Members of our community have experienced interpersonal and structural violence, attachment disruptions and loss, prejudice and injustice, and feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our expertise and specialized training provides individualized support that recognizes the uniqueness of each person’s experience in the world. Our clinicians help clients develop insight into how they have come to experience their inner and external worlds somatically, cognitively, and emotionally. We give attention and care to building skills that strengthen resilience, coping, and positive change.

John W. Wires
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I offer preschool,
child
, adolescent, adult and geriatric psychological and neuropsychological testing;
child
, adolescent and adult psychotherapy; behavioral and cognitive treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders; and emotional and cognitive rehabilitation of central nervous system disorders. I perform Fitness for Duty evaluations for those struggling with vocational issues.
Not accepting new clients

Sara Markese
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
In addition to specializing in play therapy, I've spent my career collaborating with psychologists researching and practicing parent-
child
and early
child
treatment at Columbia University.
In my practice, I welcome
child
(age 2+), parent-
child
, adolescent and adult clients to explore their strengths and difficulties within a creative, supportive and collaborative therapeutic space.
I specialize in play therapy with young
children
with emotional, social and behavioral issues, developmental delays, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues, including moves and family changes.
When working with young adults/adults, my training in developmental and
child
psychology informs my understanding of the whole person seeking help in the present. I strongly value the exploration of past experiences and patterns, and specialize in helping clients with traumatic backgrounds or early loss histories.
Waitlist for new clients

Kathy M Stevens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have provided counseling services in a variety of environments, including community Mental Health, hospital, and home-based family service. I currently serve preschool through middle school age
children
who experience adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or developmental delays. Utilizing play therapy and experiential therapy with the
children
, I also encourage family participation in the counseling process. I serve couples and individuals as well. If you need assistance with relationship issues, dealing with depression or anxiety, or simply need a safe, nurturing environment to sort out the stresses of life, please call or send me an email.

Grae Worthington
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , NCC, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a passionate advocate for my clients & have extensive experience working with
children
, adolescents, adults, & families. I specialize in working with populations struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief & loss. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual, but often utilizes Person-centered counseling, Solution-focused Brief counseling, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Rebecca Greene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you feeling more stressed now than ever before? If you struggle with anxiety or depression, you may feel distressed and overwhelmed on a daily basis. If you are trying to cope with loneliness, isolation, or anxiety about the future, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or perhaps your
child
or teen is struggling with new transitions, challenges at school, friendship issues, ADHD, or a serious health diagnosis, and you are unsure of how to help. If these stressors are negatively impacting your quality of life, consider turning to a trusted therapist for support.
See more therapy options for
Child Therapists
Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.
How long are sessions with child therapists?
Children’s therapy sessions can last 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The length of the session may depend on your child’s age and the type of therapy practiced. You can discuss this with therapists you consult and the one you ultimately move forward with.
How do I get a child to agree to seek therapy?
The best approach is to have an open-ended conversation with your child about how they’re doing and what they might be struggling with. When you raise therapy, discuss the concept in an age-appropriate way, for example explaining that a therapist’s job is to help kids handle their hard or uncomfortable feelings. Frame therapy positively, as an opportunity to explore and build emotional skills—it’s an important tool in the toolbox to help kids feel their best.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.