Find a trusted child therapist in your area. Learn how pediatric therapy works and how to choose someone your child will connect with.
What is a children’s therapist?
A children’s therapist, also called a child or pediatric therapist, is a licensed mental health professional who supports kids and teens through emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Whether your child is struggling with big feelings, adjusting to a major life change, or just needs extra support, a therapist trained in pediatric care can help them navigate those growing-up moments.
Rather than relying solely on conversation, many providers use age-appropriate, engaging methods (like playing, art, or creative activities, and child-friendly talk therapy) to help kids open up, process emotions, and build resilience.
Having a neutral, trusted adult to talk to can also be really great for children who find it hard to talk to parents, teachers, or peers about what they’re feeling.
Children who work with a therapist trained in children’s mental health can focus on:
- Anxiety, depression, or mood challenges
- Behavioral outbursts or frequent meltdowns
- ADHD and executive functioning struggles
- Trauma, grief, or major life disruptions
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Family changes like divorce, blending households, or relocation
Certifications and specializations for children’s therapy
If you are looking for a therapist for your child, you may want to consider therapists who have additional training in pediatric mental health.
Here are a few certifications or identifiers that can make a children’s therapist stand out:
Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™)
Awarded by the Association for Play Therapy, this credential ensures the therapist has advanced training in using play as a therapeutic tool. Especially helpful for younger children who may not be able to express emotions clearly. There are many different subsects here, including Directive and Non-Directive, Child-Centered, and Theraplay.
Child and adolescent psychology focus (PhD/PsyD)
These therapists have in-depth training in child development, emotional regulation, and how mental health presents differently in children. They’re especially skilled at adjusting their approach based on age, stage, and individual needs.
Family or school-based therapy training
Therapists with this background are trained to work not just with the child, but also within the home and school, which have a great impact and influence on a child’s life. This helps create consistency and support across all areas of the child’s life.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Designed specifically for children who have experienced trauma, TF-CBT blends cognitive and behavioral strategies with trauma-sensitive techniques. It helps kids process painful experiences and develop healthy coping skills in a structured, supportive way.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship through guided, live coaching sessions. This method is especially effective for children with behavioral issues, as it empowers parents with practical tools to support emotional and behavioral growth.
Child/adolescent clinical internships or fellowships
Indicates the therapist has spent significant time working directly with children or teens during training (with supervision), and they’re comfortable and experienced in age-appropriate communication and care.
Pediatric counseling CE courses
Shows a commitment to continued learning in child-specific issues such as anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, or social skills development. Therapists stay up to date on the latest research and tools to support young clients effectively.
How to know if your child might need therapy
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger that doesn’t improve
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities
- Avoiding school or struggling with attendance
- Difficulty coping with major life changes (e.g., divorce, death, relocation)
- Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
- Changes in sleep, eating habits, or academic performance
- Expressing hopelessness or making concerning statements (even as jokes)
Therapy can help children make sense of big feelings, build confidence, and learn healthy ways to cope when troubled times come their way.
Some signs to watch for include frequent sadness, anxiety, or anger that doesn’t seem to go away. You might notice your child withdrawing from family or friends, avoiding school, or losing interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Big life changes (like divorce, family deaths, or a big move) can also be hard for kids to process on their own.
Don’t forget physical changes, too! Other clues could be stomachaches or headaches without clear causes. Changes in sleep or appetite, or a noticeable drop in school performance, can also indicate something is going wrong emotionally.
If your child expresses hopelessness or talks about wanting to disappear (even jokingly), it’s recommended that you take those moments seriously.
How to find a child therapist near you
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse with your child before asking for help. If something feels off, reaching out to a qualified children’s therapist can be a gentle first step toward helping your child feel more supported and understood.
Local children’s therapist resources
Not sure where to start? Local resources can be the best option to begin with.
Pediatricians, school counselors, and family doctors are trained to watch for symptoms and help parents make sense of them, and to possibly recommend a professional who can help!
If your child is in school, the guidance office or social worker can sometimes help coordinate care or offer resources tailored to your area.
Online directories and telehealth
If in-person care is limited or you’d prefer more options, online directories make it easy to find licensed child therapists in your state. Whether combing through Therapy Waypoint or checking out parent forums, there are ways to find the right therapist for your child.
You can also hop on a few telehealth sites to check out specialists for children or teens who may want to have therapy sessions at home from their laptop or phone. Here are a few trusted online sources to try:
- Teen Counseling (part of BetterHelp)
- Rula (for children and families)
- Talkspace
- Doctor on Demand
- Teladoc Health
You can also call your insurance provider or visit their website to search for in-network therapists who specialize in children’s mental health.
How to choose the right therapist for your child
Finding the right fit matters just as much as finding the right credentials. A good children’s therapist will make your child feel safe, seen, and heard. Trust your instincts and theirs.
Remember: these therapy sessions are for your child, not for you.
While it’s natural to want to stay involved, your child may need space to open up without feeling like a parent is listening in or influencing what they say. That’s why it is important that their therapist becomes a neutral, trusted adult.
If they don’t feel safe, understood, or respected in the space, it’s okay to keep looking until you find the right fit. Finding someone they like and connect with can make the process much smoother and more effective.
Here are a few more tips for parents looking to find the right therapist for their children:
- Find someone with pediatric experience. Not all therapists work with kids—look for someone who specializes in child or adolescent mental health and uses age-appropriate techniques.
- Ask about their therapeutic approach. Some therapists use play therapy, CBT, or involve the whole family. Ask how they typically work with children and whether they include caregivers in the process.
- Schedule a consultation first. Many therapists offer a brief call to help you get a feel for their style. Use it to ask questions and see if it feels like a good fit.
- Include your child in the decision. When possible, let your child meet the therapist and share how they feel. This helps build early trust, especially with older kids and teens.
- Be patient. The first few sessions are often about getting comfortable. It might take time for your child to open up, and that’s totally normal. Progress is often slower with children.
Ready to take the first step?
You’re not expected to have all the answers, but reaching out is a smart first move. Whether your child is struggling, acting out, or just needs a little extra support, a caring therapist can make a lasting difference.
Start by exploring trusted directories, asking your pediatrician for a referral, or reaching out to a local mental health center. The right support is out there, and your child deserves it!
Sources
- Association for Play Therapy. "Credentials Information." https://www.a4pt.org/page/CredentialsInfo
- Building Blocks Therapy. "How to Build a Strong Therapeutic Relationship with Your Child's Therapist." Building Blocks Therapy Blog. https://www.buildingblockstherapy.org/blog/how-to-build-a-strong-therapeutic-relationship-with-your-child-s-therapist
- Cleveland Clinic. "Signs Your Child May Need a Therapist." Cleveland Clinic Health. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-your-child-may-need-a-therapist
- Coral Care. "Pediatric Therapy: What Is It?" Coral Care Blog. https://www.joincoralcare.com/blog/pediatric-therapy-what-is
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). "Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)." https://www.nctsn.org/
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). "About PCIT." PCIT International. https://www.pcit.org/
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