Child Therapists in California

Find the best child therapists in California. The below are child therapists who specialize in emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges among children. While these child therapists focus on the child as their primary client, they may also conduct therapy with the whole family or with parents separately in order to best support the child. They have been vetted by the Zencare team for offering high quality, clinically rigorous care.

131 Matching Child Therapists with Availability

Bria  Howard-Roth's profile picture
Vetted

Bria Howard-Roth

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Family issues - Gender identity & transgender health - Life transitions - Parenting - Relationship issues
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Ashley  Rollerson's profile picture
Vetted

Ashley Rollerson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Trauma - Mood disorders - Artists' mental health - Adolescent mental health
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Christine Donlon Cailler's profile picture

Christine Donlon Cailler

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Artists' mental health - Codependency - Depression - Relationship issues - Trauma
 In-person & online
Shannon C Mong's profile picture
Vetted

Shannon C Mong

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Relationships and Attachment - Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health - Neurological & Learning Differences - Parenting - Life transitions - Caregiver stress & support
Online only
Paula E. Bruce, Ph.D. & Associates's profile picture
Vetted

Paula E. Bruce, Ph.D. & Associates

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Custody issues - Medical professionals' mental health - Race & cultural identity - Relationship issues - Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) - Entrepreneur mental health
 In-person & online
Anna  Kosoff's profile picture
Vetted

Anna Kosoff

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Adolescent mental health - Child mental health - Stress management
 In-person & online
Katharine  Putman's profile picture
Vetted

Katharine Putman

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Relationships - Trauma - Anxiety - Depression - Grief - Life transitions
 In-person & online
Andrea  Guttman's profile picture
Vetted

Andrea Guttman

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Burnout - Self-esteem - Parenting - Stress management - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Jane  Shomof's profile picture
Vetted

Jane Shomof

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Drug addiction & abuse - Life transitions - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Relationship issues
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Jennifer  Kashani's profile picture
Vetted

Jennifer Kashani

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Relationships - Career counseling - Depression - Anxiety - Trauma - Work stress
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Desiree  Vega's profile picture
Vetted

Desiree Vega

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Trauma - Anxiety - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Childhood trauma - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Women's issues
 In-person & online
Haley  Myers's profile picture
Vetted

Haley Myers

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Family issues - Parenting - Trauma - Emotion regulation
 In-person & online
Guidance Teletherapy Family Counseling's profile picture
Vetted

Guidance Teletherapy Family Counseling

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Depression - Anxiety - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Sexual harassment & assault - Career counseling - Stress management
Online only
Nugent Family Counseling Center's profile picture
Vetted

Nugent Family Counseling Center

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

ADHD - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Functional Medicine
 In-person & online
Erin  Kronlund's profile picture
Vetted

Erin Kronlund

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Trauma - PTSD - Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) - Spirituality & religion - Panic attacks / panic disorder - Mindfulness
Online only

Next available consults:

Deeper Than Color: Social Justice & Strength-Based Psychotherapy and Consulting's profile picture
Vetted

Deeper Than Color: Social Justice & Strength-Based Psychotherapy and Consulting

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Racism, oppression, and discrimination
 In-person & online
Fuller Life Concepts, Inc's profile picture
Vetted

Fuller Life Concepts, Inc

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Child mental health - Depression - Trauma - Childhood trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Jonathan  Newsum's profile picture
Vetted

Jonathan Newsum

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Addiction - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Developmental disorders - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Nadeshda  Hernandez's profile picture
Vetted

Nadeshda Hernandez

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Mindfulness - Relationships - Career success - Self-esteem - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Parenting
 In-person & online
Kelly  Rein's profile picture
Vetted

Kelly Rein

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Adolescent mental health - Parenting - College & graduate student mental health - Family issues - Communication issues - Life transitions
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Alexander  Tarrant's profile picture

Alexander Tarrant

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Artists' mental health - Depression - Existential crisis & challenges - Trauma - Life purpose & meaning
 In-person & online
Transcend Anxiety's profile picture
Vetted

Transcend Anxiety

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Mindfulness - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - Psycho-spiritual growth - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
 In-person & online
Rowan Octavia Lommel's profile picture
Vetted

Rowan Octavia Lommel

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Couples counseling - Life transitions - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Women's issues - Life purpose & meaning - Self-care
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Charlie William Taylor's profile picture

Charlie William Taylor

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Relationship issues - Self-esteem - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Nicole  Lemaster's profile picture

Nicole Lemaster

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma - Depersonalization & derealization - Mind-body connection
 In-person & online
Kelly Noelle Lewis's profile picture
Vetted

Kelly Noelle Lewis

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Trauma - Relationship issues - Self-esteem - Body image - Life transitions
Online only
The Blue Clinic's profile picture
Vetted

The Blue Clinic

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Couples counseling - Psychological evaluations & testing
 In-person & online
Nekolas  Milton's profile picture

Nekolas Milton

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Child mental health - Communication issues - Depression - Race & cultural identity - Trauma
Online only
Moriah N Manning's profile picture

Moriah N Manning

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

ADHD - Anxiety - Autism spectrum disorder - Child mental health - Depression - Loss, grief, and bereavement
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Josh  Greene's profile picture
Vetted

Josh Greene

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Anxiety - Depression - Identity development - Life transitions - Shame - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

31-60 of 131 providers who match your search criteria

FAQs about how to find a child therapist in California

How do I find a child therapist in California?

Find a child therapist near you in California on Zencare. Narrow your search by using filters like insurance, therapy budget specialty, and provider identity. Mental health professionals on Zencare are vetted for their extensive experience treating individual adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. Explore each potential child therapist profile to learn more about their specialties, and watch an introductory video to get a sense of their personality. Book a free initial call to find the right child therapist for you!

Does insurance cover therapy in California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover therapy. However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. If the child therapist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the child therapist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee at the time of therapy session. If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan, you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a child therapist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. Note that services designed to treat topics which are not diagnosed mental health conditions, such as couples counseling and life coaching, are not typically covered by health insurance. The potential mental health provider must also be a licensed therapist in your state for the insurance company to cover services.

How do I find an affordable child therapist in California?

Many child therapists offer a sliding scale, or a range of session fees based on financial need to clients who would not otherwise be able to afford typical therapy rates in California. If you are struggling to pay for therapy, consider asking for a sliding scale, looking for an in-network child therapist, or seeking services through a local agency, college counseling center, or hospital.

How can I make an appointment with a child therapist in California?

Start your search for an appointment with a child therapist in California on Zencare. Many mental health professionals located in California require clients to have an introductory call before booking a full appointment online. In this free call, the prospective child therapist will ask about your goals for treatment, and make sure that their skills, specialized training, and scope of private practice are a match for your mental health issues. At the same time, you should assess if you feel comfortable talking with the child therapist, as studies show that the most important determinant of successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. After an initial call, you’ll typically be given the option to book an appointment with the child therapist, or continue your search if it’s not a good fit. At the initial session, you’ll likely discuss the therapeutic process and determine goals for your personal growth. Common therapy goals include learning effective coping strategies to deal with negative feelings, increasing self-awareness, and gaining a deeper understanding and insight into relationship patterns.

How can I find a child therapist in California who sees clients after hours?

Find a child therapist who sees clients after hours on Zencare. Many child therapists in California offer appointments outside of traditional business hours. Simply filter by Office Hours under More Filters to choose the time of day that works best for you, whether that be early morning before work, in the evenings, or even over the weekend. After hours sessions are a good option for busy individuals, couples, and families dealing with hectic schedules and who need a flexible option for their mental health care.

How do I find a child therapist in California who offers in-person sessions?

Find a child therapist who offers in-person sessions on Zencare. Many child therapists in California have resumed offering in-person sessions; you can filter by “In-Person” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for in-office sessions. You can also search by map to find providers in California near you. While some clients prefer in-person sessions because they offer a safe, neutral ground for the session to take place, for the widest range of child therapist options, consider expanding your search to also include providers licensed in your state who offer telehealth, or therapy sessions via remote video call.

How do I find a child therapist in California who offers online sessions?

Find a child therapist who offers online sessions on Zencare. Most child therapists in California continue to offer appointments online; you can filter by “Online” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for teletherapy sessions. In order to see a child therapist, they must be licensed to provide online sessions to clients living in your state. Online therapy is different from text therapy, or asynchronous therapy; online therapy offers the same consistent relationship with a local California child therapist that an in-person session would, with sessions taking place via phone or a video sessions through a secure teletherapy platform. Online therapy sessions are a convenient way to find a child therapist near California without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

Where can I get mental health therapy in California?

Start your search for mental health therapy in California on Zencare. Many child therapists are quality-vetted for excellence in clinical care. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it might be time to seek professional support in the form of counseling services, couples therapy, or psychiatric medication management. There are a wide range of private practice child therapists to choose from in California; consider narrowing your search by criteria like insurance carrier, therapy budget, specialty, or provider identity to find a great fit!

How can I start therapy in California?

Start your search for a great child therapist in California on Zencare. First, consider any logistic limitations, like how far you are willing to travel outside of California or if you are open to online sessions with a local provider. Also consider how much your therapy budget is, and when you are available for therapy. Then, make a list of priorities for your ideal child therapist: do they match your identity, or have expertise in a specific area like anxiety or depression? There is no one reason to start therapy; many individuals in California go see a therapist when they need help to move forward through a difficult time, cope with symptoms of a mental illness such as a mood disorder, navigate life transitions, process relationship difficulties or improve their behavioral health. Use your priorities to filter on Zencare by insurance, speciality, and availability. Look through a few provider profiles to find the child therapist you might click with, watch their introductory videos, and book a free call to find a great personal fit!

What kinds of mental health providers are available in California?

There are many different kinds of mental health providers available in California, including psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors. As long as the provider is licensed in your state, the factor that matters most to therapy outcomes is the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship you build with your therapist. Common types of therapy provided in California include cognitive therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and insight-oriented therapies like psychodynamic therapy. Other providers offer a blend of techniques for a more interpersonal, holistic approach. Some mental health therapists in California also offer specialized treatment services, like couples therapy, premarital counseling, and family therapy. While most California providers are qualified to treat general challenges, like depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem, for concerns such as substance abuse, personality disorders, and eating disorders, consider seeking expert care. Together with your child therapist, you’ll build a treatment plan that addresses your reasons for seeking therapy and monitor progress toward your wellness goals and overall well being.

How does paying for therapy work in California?

There are several options for paying for therapy in California. For many people, the most affordable way to seek mental health services is to look for a provider who is in-network with your insurance. Due to high demand and low availability, in-network providers often have long waitlists; to widen your options and start therapy sooner, you might also consider looking for an out-of-network provider. When you see an out-of-network child therapist in California, you can ask for a sliding scale if you are unable to afford their typical session fees, or seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you have a PPO or POS plan. For clients who have an insurance plan with a high deductible and low medical costs, therapy costs are often comparable when you see a child therapist in- or out-of-network. While paying for therapy can be a substantial investment, it’s also a great way to improve relationships, boost self-esteem, address symptoms of mental illness, and ultimately live a happier, more self-directed life.

Static Google Map showing locations of in-person providers