Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in Bell Gardens, CA.

Find a child psychologist or a counselor who specializes in therapy and assessment for children in Bell Gardens, California.


Cristina Cano, M.S., LMFT
Child Therapist

Cristina Cano, M.S., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90703 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

The developmental stage of parenting a young child is unpredictable and at times chaotic although simultaneously it is the greatest blessing. Parents go thru an adjustment period while learning how to be parents and provide that child with all their needs. Childrearing has its numerous challenges and yet it is the most important role and individual can commit to when becoming parents.

Terry Anderson, M.S., Psy.D, LMFT
Child Therapist

Terry Anderson, M.S., Psy.D, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92831 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

One of my specialties is working with elementary age (and adolescents). A child or young person's struggles with difficult feelings and unhelpful behaviors can impact the rest of his or her life. Addressing these challenges during the child's critical developmental years can rebalance and set the stage for a happier and healthier future. I have a special feeling for young people in distress, and feel my professional and life experience has enabled me to be especially attuned to their feelings, needs, and pain. I have over 13 years experience working with children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Please feel free to call.

Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW
Child Therapist

Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Psychotherapist

In 91106 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Young children greatly benefit from play therapy, which is a professional form of psychotherapy. I work with children ages 3 puberty and up that will significantly restructure behaviors that will provide relief to parents and caregivers. Structure & consistency is key and disclipline needn't be cruel or overly harsh as many parents have questioned to me through the 30+ years that I have worked with their children. My techniques are based on research with what is called in psychotherapy, evidenced-based-practices; this allows relief knowing that your child will receive help from procedures & practices that have been proven to work, as long as parents or caretakers are invested towards change.

Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT
Child Therapist

Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91030 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

I utilize developmentally appropriate, play therapy to gain knowledge and understanding of how young children perceive themselves and their world. Older children, tweens and adolescents benefit from therapeutic activities and talk therapy, as vehicles for gaining insight and self-understanding. I have provided therapy, on campus at a K-8th grade school and previously worked as a Certified Child Life (Development) Specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. As a mother, I deeply empathize with parents whose children are experiencing difficulties and welcome your questions and concerns regarding the therapeutic process for your child.

Kristen Caron, MA, MFT
Child Therapist

Kristen Caron, MA, MFT

Licensed Psychotherapist, Eating Disorder Specialist

In 90212 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Adolescents age 12-18. For over 20 years, I have worked with adolescents/teens. Navigating adolescence can be extremely challenging. Some areas of treatment are ( but not limited to) exploration of developmental issues, self-esteem, managing academic stress, understanding relationships with family and friends, developing a healthy sense of self and communication skills in a social media age.

Larry Goodman, MA, MFT, MBA
Child Therapist

Larry Goodman, MA, MFT, MBA

Marriage Family Therapist (MFT)

In 90210 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

I have worked with young children, 4-12, for over 20 years in K-5 school settings, private practice and in a facility treating abused children. Whether using play therapy, sand tray or simply meeting a child at their level and engaging him or her, I create a sense of safety and trust that, by itself, can create change. An important aspect of working with children includes sessions with parents to better understand and develop new ways to deal with the concerns that brings you and your child in for treatment. See my website, Child-Teen-Counseling.com.

Michelle Harwell, LMFT
Child Therapist

Michelle Harwell, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90041 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, which creates a secure environment where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and boundaries, and work through their problems. The process of spontaneous play allows children to resolve the psychological tensions created by stressful events in a child’s life. Children are able to face difficult events because they are using familiar language and reactions where they have control of the play. The new scripts and schema that children create in the Play Therapy room are then generalized to their external environments.

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.
Child Therapist

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.

Coach/Change Agent/Consultant

In 90712 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Many times, child therapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldn’t be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducing brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

David Silverman, LMFT
Child Therapist

David Silverman, LMFT

Free 20 minute phone consult

In 90045 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

I have years of experience treating children in pre-school through middle school. I worked in schools and at home with oppositional children, kids with learning delays, who "act out," tantrum, do not handle transitions in activity well. I have worked with violent children, academic underachievers, children with separation anxiety, bedwetting, and children who eat non-nutritional objects. Applied Behavior Analysis is oftern used to create ground-rules that reinforce acceptable behavior and discourage negative behaviors. It's important that extended family (and teachers, and caretakers, if possible) be on the same page. A united front is essential to positively modify children's behaviors

Naphtali Roberts, MA, LMFT
Child Therapist

Naphtali Roberts, MA, LMFT

Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91020 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Young children respond well to play, art and music, and these activities can help them in expressing their strong feelings, while also developing new, healthier ways of coping with their experience. Children and their parents often enjoy the benefits of therapy in addressing behavioral issues, life transition, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, Sexual abuse, aggressive or defiant behavior, difficulty with peer relationships and learning issues, like ADHD. The focus of my work with young children is to help them thrive again. If you’re wondering whether your young child may benefit from therapy, I invite you to contact me, as I would be more than happy to speak with you about your concerns and how we might best address them in support your child.

John Kane, LMFT
Child Therapist

John Kane, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90036 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

After 11 years of working with children, I find it more effective to work with you, the parent. This is not because you are responsible for the way your child is behaving or what your child is going through, but because you have the most positive power and influence in your child's life. If I can use what I know through education and experience to empower you the parent to connect to your child, it will be more impactful and long lasting than if I spend therapy sessions with them. Your child will also find healing through their relationship with you, increasing trust, and strengthening your relationship for the present and future. You will have your Parenting Power back, stronger than ever!

Christian Holmes, AMFT, EMDR, CSAT-C
Child Therapist

Christian Holmes, AMFT, EMDR, CSAT-C

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

In 91210 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Studies show that our most important years of development are between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. Often what is learned here shapes us the rest of our lives. As any parent knows, a lot can happen in one year with a child, much less five. Fear, trauma, abuse and bullying can have a lasting effect on a child if it goes unaddressed. In my work with your child I will not only help them overcome tough moments but also build resilience for future challenges. If your child is suffering from in emotional or behavioral problems, I'd love to help. You don't have to go it alone.

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD
Child Therapist

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

In 92648 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Your child or teen deserves the best. There are many therapists in Orange County, most of them with only masters degrees. Only the top 1% go on to achieve a PhD, doctoral training, and pass national and state board examinations to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Need help with your child or teen? Make an appointment with Dr. Nikolaidis, call and text 24/7, (949)791-7127.

Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS
Child Therapist

Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS

Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90807 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

For about 7 years I only worked with children in my practice. The rest of my practice has been split working with adults and with kids. With kids, its all about their instinct and comfort. If they sense that the therapist isn't comfortable or experienced with kids, they won't engage in the therapy process. I use a variety of techniques working with children, depending on their age. For smaller children, art therapy and play therapy can be very successful for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that it takes the focus off of them and they feel more at ease to talk and be open. For older children who can handle "talk therapy", using simpler language can be effective.

Seema Sharma, SEP, EMDR, AASECT, PhD-c
Child Therapist

Seema Sharma, SEP, EMDR, AASECT, PhD-c

Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

In 91101 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

(For Children 12+) Is your child struggling to express themselves or facing emotional challenges? Are you worried about their behavior or sudden mood changes? Look no further! Our dedicated team of experienced child therapists is here to support your child on their journey to emotional well-being and personal growth. I understand the unique needs of children and adolescents. My compassionate approach creates a nurturing and safe environment where your child can freely express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Through a variety of evidence-based techniques and play therapy approaches, I tailor each session to meet your child's specific needs and developmental stage

Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT
Child Therapist

Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

In 90266 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Too often therapies are not targeted at children's age levels. I specialize in play therapy with young children. Play therapy is an opportunity for children to express feelings, emotions or trauma in a safe environment. Developmentally, children are not able to adequately express their feelings or experiences in words. Through play therapy, the therapist can interact and help the child to express and heal important feelings related to their experiences. I have specialized doctoral clinical training in play therapy and child therapy. I have found play therapy, combined with family therapy, to be an effective technique to help children with anxiety, trauma, depression, and behavioral problems.

Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT
Child Therapist

Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90501 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

We offer a range of services for young children including those who are going through their parents divorce to being at risk for developmental delays, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and individuals with adaptive functioning needs and behavioral challenges. Our approach integrates meeting the child where they are at with a mixture of play therapy and evidence-based practices from the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) depeing on the needs of each client and family.

Jeanne Clevenger, PsyD
Child Therapist

Jeanne Clevenger, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

In 91106 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

The inner world of a child is rich with emotion and depth. It can be difficult to watch your child struggle, whether it is socially, academically, or in the home. Child therapy can be beneficial in not only providing current support and problem-solving, but can also serve to be preventative for potential longer-term issues. Young children in particular have a language of their own -- play! I will work with your child using play and art therapy techniques to communicate and develop more effective coping tools to thrive in his or her environment and family.

Rich Painter, M.S., LMFT
Child Therapist

Rich Painter, M.S., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91101 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Is your child going through a difficult time or life transition? They may be stuck in a cycle of mood swings or behavioral reactions. It sounds like your child or adolescent would benefit from counseling, and you have the heart and motivation to get them the help they need. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and offer professional counseling for children, teens, and families. I'm also a certified Family Wellness Instructor. Additionally, I have experience as a student director and teacher and enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults in issues relating to identity and development. If you are ready for your child to begin the healing journey, I am here to help.

Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT
Child Therapist

Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90041 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Most of my work has been done with high schoolers and adolecents; however, I do have experience using play therapy and small groups with K-8th graders. As a mother of a child on the spectrum, I was trained in Greenspan's Floortime Approach. This later helped me with working with children of all ages. Play therapy helps children recreate the worlds they live in and helps me, the therapist, understand where they're coming from.

Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT
Child Therapist

Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91106 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

My practice is specifically focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Working with younger children requires a playful insight and I frequently employ play therapy and games to challenge anger, anxiety, and frustrations. Further, through play I am able to work with children on managing social situations, dissapointments, and develop problem solving techniques. Following these sessions I work closely with parents to train on these behavioral interventions in order to further reinforce in the home environment. This consistency and collaboration allows us to more effectively shape behaviors and booste self esteem beyond the therapy session.

Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Child Therapist

Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT

Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor

Available for Online Therapy

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).

Leandra Wills, MA, MFT
Child Therapist

Leandra Wills, MA, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

In 90266 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Kids Emotional IQ Groups provide the tools for kids to maintain a balanced social-emotional wellness during a very unbalanced time. Kids connect and talk about a range of question prompts to help them connect their brains to their bodies. These facilitated questions and lessons help manage behaviors and emotions. Talking with peers in a group setting help them express and label emotions and recognize others' emotions. It creates a space for empathy and understanding of themselves and their peers.

Melinda Haynes, Multi-Disciplinary Team
Child Therapist

Melinda Haynes, Multi-Disciplinary Team

Family & Children's Counseling Services

In 92801 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Children often lack the verbal and emotional regulation skills needed to express their feelings. Add that to the guilt, shame and fear that comes from believing something may have been their fault, and you have one hurting little kiddo. Child Therapy enters the child's world of play to help him or her identify and process grief, work through trauma issues, express feelings, and develop new coping skills. You can learn more about us at www.HealPlayLove.org

Marylee Nambu, M.A., LMFT
Child Therapist

Marylee Nambu, M.A., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91741 - Nearby to Bell Gardens.

Hello and Welcome! When working with young children, I strive to understand the entire family systems dynamics. The first couple of sessions may include time spent together as a family or child and parent unit. When working with young children, I make use of fantasy play, sandtray play and games. I also assist parents in learning how to respond to their child empathically. If there are behavioral issues, I may make use of some Cognitive Behavioral interventions.



You have found the top therapists in Bell Gardens, CA who specialize in helping children.

Thank you for visiting our California page of licensed child psychologists and child therapists in Bell Gardens, California who are trained and experienced in helping children and youth.  Working with children requires a different skillset from other types of therapy and here you will find therapists who are skilled, patient and experienced. Please note that while all therapists here work with children, not all may be a registered psychologist. You can easily verify this on each profile. Reach out to a child therapist or child psychologist in Bell Gardens today, our contact forms are "open" 24/7.

Bell Gardens is located in Los Angeles County, California. It has a land area of 2.45 square miles and a water area of 0.00 square miles.  The population of Bell Gardens is 43,106 people with 9,496 households and a median annual income of $37,882. .


Therapy Affordability Meter for Bell Gardens, CA

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Counseling in this region can be difficult to afford for many people without insurance. Most people in Bell Gardens are not able to commit to a weekly therapy session without proper budgeting. The good news is that counselors in Bell Gardens may offer sliding scale fees or low cost options. Insurance may cover your sessions as well. Talk to your therapist to learn more. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Bell Gardens public health department.