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Child Psychologist Near Me: Find Trusted Child Therapy and Mental Health Support on Sofia Health

Children and adolescents often face emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges that can impact their well-being and future success. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, trauma, or school-related stress, a licensed child psychologist can help. If you’re searching for a trusted child psychologist near me, Sofia Health makes it easy to find and book qualified professionals who specialize in child and adolescent therapy, behavioral support, and mental health services.

What is a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist is a mental health professional trained in diagnosing and treating emotional, social, behavioral, and developmental issues in children and teens. They often work with families to support a child’s mental and emotional health and offer evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Child psychologists may offer:

1. 1-on-1 therapy for children

2. Group therapy sessions

3. Parenting support and education

4. Play therapy

5. Behavioral therapy

6. Family counseling

Many of these services are available both in-person and virtually, giving families flexibility and access to care no matter where they live.

What Does a Child Psychologist Do?

A child psychologist helps children manage emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges through therapy and counseling. They work closely with families to support the child's overall well-being.

When Should I Take My Child to See a Psychologist?

If your child shows signs of emotional distress, behavior problems, academic struggles, or social difficulties lasting more than a few weeks, it may be time to seek help.

What Conditions Do Child Psychologists Treat?

Child psychologists commonly treat anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression, trauma, behavioral disorders, and social skill issues.

Can My Child See a Psychologist Online?

Yes, many child psychologists at Sofia Health offer secure, virtual sessions that are convenient and effective.

How Do I Prepare My Child for Therapy?

Explain that the psychologist is there to help, and let your child know they can share their feelings in a safe space. Most therapists use age-appropriate tools like games or stories to help children feel comfortable.

How Long Does Therapy Last?

Therapy duration varies depending on the child’s needs and progress. Some children benefit from a few sessions, while others may need ongoing support over several months.

What is the Difference Between a Child Therapist and a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree and can perform psychological testing, while a therapist may have a master’s degree. Both can provide therapy, depending on licensure.

How Much Does a Child Psychologist Cost? 

Cost is often a consideration when choosing mental health services. Visit our full Child Psychologist Pricing Guide to understand:

1. Average session costs

2. Factors affecting pricing (location, experience, session type)

3. Insurance and out-of-pocket payment options

4. Value of early intervention and consistent therapy

This guide helps parents make informed decisions and feel confident about investing in their child's mental health.

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional who studies the mind and behavior. They may provide therapy, conduct research, or teach in academic settings. The APA recognizes 54 specialties, including clinical, organizational, and behavioral psychology.

What is Child Psychology?

Child psychology is a branch of developmental psychology that focuses on the mental, emotional, social, and physical development of children, primarily during infancy and early childhood. It is one of the most studied and important specialties in the field of psychology.

Why is Child Psychology Important for Child Development?

Child psychology is important because it helps parents and teachers understand how children think, feel, and develop. It provides insight into emotional, social, and behavioral changes that children often can’t express. Child psychologists also play a crucial role in identifying issues like anxiety, learning delays, or autism early, allowing for timely intervention and support.

What Conditions Do Child Psychologists Treat?

Child psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental issues in children and adolescents. They also provide support during life transitions, school difficulties, or family challenges.

Conditions child psychologists commonly treat:

1. Abuse and Trauma – Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect

2. Anger Management – Chronic irritability or aggressive behavior

3. Chronic Illness Support – Coping with medical diagnoses or treatments

4. Family Issues – Divorce, separation, or household conflict

5. Developmental Disorders – Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, communication disorders

6. Behavioral Disorders – Oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder

7. Eating Disorders – Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder

8. Grief and Loss – Coping with death or major loss

9. Identity and Self-Esteem Issues – Including body dysmorphic disorder

10. Mental Health Conditions – Anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, PTSD

11. Social Challenges – Difficulty with friendships or peer interaction

12. Sleep Disorders – Insomnia, nightmares, sleep-related anxiety

13. Life Stressors – Moving, changing schools, or other big transitions

Common Reasons to See a Child Psychologist

Parents may consider therapy when their child experiences persistent emotional or behavioral difficulties. Common issues treated by pediatric psychologists and child mental health providers include:

1. Child anxiety disorders

2. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

3. Autism spectrum disorder

4. Childhood depression

5. Emotional dysregulation

6. Grief and loss

7. Social skill deficits

8. Academic stress or school refusal

9. Trauma or PTSD

10. Bullying

Licensed child behavioral therapists use age-appropriate techniques to help kids manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and thrive socially and academically.

Benefits of Working with a Child Psychologist

Early intervention with a qualified child counselor or child therapy coach can:

1. Improve a child’s emotional regulation

2. Boost academic performance

3. Reduce disruptive behavior

4. Strengthen social connections

5. Build resilience and coping skills

6. Support long-term mental health

Whether your child needs help managing stress, building confidence, or navigating life changes, a licensed professional can make a big difference.

Types of Therapy and Support Offered

At Sofia Health, you can book sessions with specialists offering a wide range of therapy types for children and adolescents:

1. Individual Child Therapy (1:1)

One-on-one therapy focuses on a child's specific challenges. This can include talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or play-based approaches, depending on the child’s age and needs.

2. Group Therapy for Kids

Group therapy helps children build social skills and learn coping strategies alongside peers experiencing similar challenges.

3. Family Therapy and Parenting Support

Therapists may work with the whole family to improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a nurturing environment for the child.

4. Online Child Therapy

Virtual child psychologists and therapists offer flexible, HIPAA-compliant video sessions, making it easy to access care from home.

Explore providers who offer these services on Sofia Health.

What to Expect in a Child Psychology Session

At first, the therapist will meet with you and your child to talk. They will ask questions and listen. This helps them learn more about your child and the problem. The therapist will tell you how they can help.

After that, your child will go to more therapy visits. At these visits, your child might:

1. Talk. Talking is a healthy way to express feelings. When kids put feelings into words instead of actions, they can act their best. When someone listens and knows how they feel, kids are more ready to learn.

2. Do activities. Therapists use activities to teach about feelings and coping skills. They may have kids draw or play as a way to learn. They may teach mindfulness and calm breathing as a way to lower stress.

3. Practice new skills. Therapists help kids practice what they learn. They might play games where kids need to wait their turn, use self-control, be patient, follow directions, listen, share, try again, or deal with losing.

4. Solve problems. With older kids and teens, therapists ask how problems affect them at home and at school. They talk about how to solve these problems.

What to Do When a Child Refuses to See a Child Psychologist?

If your child resists going to child psychology sessions, it’s important to approach the situation with patience and planning. Finding the right psychologist and understanding their approach can make a big difference in your child’s willingness to engage.

Steps to take when a child refuses therapy:

1. Choose the Right Psychologist
Look for someone who suits your child’s personality and emotional needs. You may need to try a few before finding the best fit.

2. Evaluate Their Approach
Ask about how they handle resistance, their therapeutic style, and their experience with similar cases.

3. Consider Practical Factors
Location, session length, office environment, and communication style all matter in creating comfort and trust.

4. Understand Confidentiality
Ask what information will be shared with you and how involved you’ll be in the process.

5. Ask for Guidance
Get advice directly from the psychologist on how to encourage your child to attend their first session.

What to Say to a Child Who Refuses to See a Child Psychologist?

When a child refuses to attend therapy, it’s important to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and reassurance. Addressing their concerns and setting clear, honest expectations can help reduce anxiety and resistance.

What to say to a child resistant to counseling:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Ask why they feel hesitant. Validate their concerns without judgment.

2. Clarify Misunderstandings
Reassure them it’s not because they’re in trouble, and therapy is a space to feel better, not to be punished.

3. Explain Confidentiality
For teens, emphasize that what they share is private unless there’s a safety concern.

4. Be Honest About the Purpose
Share why you think therapy can help and how it supports their well-being.

5. Involve Them in Goal-Setting
Let them set their own therapy goals, even if they differ from yours.

6. Describe the Experience
Talk about what sessions will be like and explore the psychologist’s website together to reduce fear of the unknown.

7. Offer a Trial Period
Suggest attending a few sessions and reassess after. This gives them a sense of control.

8. Allow Therapist Choice
If the connection isn’t strong after a few visits, offer the option to try another therapist.

What Should You Not Say to a Child Who Refuses to See a Child Psychologist?

When encouraging a child to see a psychologist, it’s important to choose your words carefully. Negative language or misleading explanations can create fear, shame, and resistance toward therapy.

What not to say to a child about counseling:

1. Avoid Blaming Language
Don’t say things like, “You’re going because you’re bad.” This creates shame and discouragement.

2. Don’t Frame the Psychologist as Punishment
Never make it seem like therapy is a consequence for bad behavior.

3. Don’t Position the Psychologist as a Parental Tool
Children should feel like the therapist is on their side, not just there to "fix" them for their parents.

4. Avoid Lying or Being Vague
Don’t trick or mislead them into going. Kids value honesty and will quickly lose trust if they feel deceived.

5. Don’t Force Without Listening
Dismissing their concerns without addressing them can lead to greater resistance and anxiety.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Psychology Appointment

Preparing your child for a psychology consultation is essential to easing their nerves and ensuring a positive experience. Here’s how to support them based on their age and developmental stage.

Tips to prepare your child for a therapy visit:

1. Ages 4–7

- Keep explanations simple and reassuring.

- Emphasize it’s a safe place to talk about feelings, not a medical exam.

- Assure them you’ll stay nearby during the visit.

2. Ages 8–10

- Begin discussions about a week in advance.

- Let them ask questions about the visit (duration, what to bring, etc.).

- Help them write down questions for the therapist if needed.

3. Ages 11–13

- Involve them in selecting the therapist by offering 2–3 choices.

- Reassure them that they can switch therapists if they feel uncomfortable.

- Respect their privacy—avoid asking what they plan to discuss.

How to Choose the Right Child Psychologist

When looking for a child psychologist near me, consider:

1. Credentials & Licensure: Look for licensed clinical child psychologists or board-certified therapists.

2. Specializations: Match the provider’s expertise with your child’s needs (e.g., ADHD, autism, trauma).

3. Session Format: Choose between in-person or online therapy.

4. Parent Involvement: Some providers offer parent coaching or family involvement.

5. Approach: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, or family systems therapy may be used.

Use filters on Sofia Health to find providers by location, specialty, format, and availability.

How to Find a Child Psychologist Near You

Finding the right child psychologist is key to ensuring your child receives the mental health care they need. Whether your child is dealing with behavioral issues, anxiety, or emotional challenges, these steps can guide you in accessing professional help.

Steps to find a child psychologist:

1. Consult Your Pediatrician
Ask for referrals; pediatricians often work closely with behavioral health specialists.

2. Contact Local Mental Health Centers
Call behavioral health hospitals or community clinics and request to join waitlists if needed.

3. Utilize School Resources
Inquire if your child can speak with the school counselor or nurse, especially if mental health affects school performance.

4. Ask for Personal Recommendations
Friends or family members who’ve had similar experiences can provide trusted referrals.

5. Seek Immediate Help for Crisis Situations
Visit the emergency room if your child poses a risk to themselves or others; hospitals can provide urgent care and follow-up referrals.

Book a Child Psychologist on Sofia Health

Sofia Health is a trusted wellness marketplace where you can browse, compare, and book top-rated child psychologists near you. Our platform offers:

1. Flexible scheduling

2. Practitioner reviews

3. Virtual and in-person options

4. Specialists for anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more

Ready to find the right child psychologist? Start your search and book now.

Sources:

Sofia Health

Very Well Mind

BOLC

Aventis

Cleveland Clinic

KidsHealth

Melbourne Child Psychology

Wellframe

NAMI

APA

NIH

Child Mind

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.