Child therapists in San Diego, California CA
Find experienced child therapists in San Diego who provide testing, counseling and support for children, and their families. Our directory features detailed therapist profiles so you can compare specialties, experience, and treatment approaches to find the provider that’s right for you.
Child or Adolescent Issues
Madelyn Alvarez
Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
Growing up comes with many challenges, from school stress and friendship struggles to big emotions and family changes. I specialize in working with children and teens to help them navigate these ups and downs with resilience and confidence. Using play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and practical coping strategies, I support young people in building skills, strengthening relationships, and discovering their inner strengths.
2 Years Experience
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92037
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Azmaira Maker, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience and received my Ph.D. from University of Michigan in both the child and adult tracks. We specialize in children as young as 2 years old and also work with adolescents and college students. We offer assessments for ADHD, learning and memory challenges, executive function, developmental and spectrum issues, giftedness, vocations, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and more. We offer individual and family therapy, in-school and in-home support, neurofeedback, and expressive arts therapy. Our team specializes in a range of modalities including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and motivational interviewing.
28 Years Experience
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92130
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
A Place of Growth
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Providers at A Place of Growth have a great deal of experience working with children and families in therapy utilizing multiple different evidenced-based practices including but not limited to Play Therapy as well as Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Attachment Therapy.
15 Years Experience
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92108
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Dr. Tracy Mallett
Psychologist, Psy.D., L.M.F.T., Licensed Psychologist
Childhood and adolescence can be times of tremendous growth — but also stress, confusion, and emotional challenges. I specialize in helping children and teens navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, school difficulties, peer and family conflict, self-esteem concerns, and adjustment to change.
My approach is collaborative, supportive, and developmentally attuned. I work to create a safe, trusting space where young people can express themselves freely and begin to understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Sessions often include age-appropriate cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), emotional regulation skills, and guided problem-solving — all tailored to the child’s developmental level and individual needs.
Equally important, I work closely with parents and caregivers to strengthen communication and consistency at home. By helping families learn practical tools for support and structure, therapy becomes not just a place for the child to grow, but a foundation for the whole family to thrive.
Whether a child is struggling with school stress, social anxiety, mood swings, or family changes, my goal is to help them build resilience, confidence, and emotional understanding that will serve them for life.
22 Years Experience
Online in San Diego, CA California (Online Only)
Child or Adolescent Issues
Jacqlyn Wax Creviston
Psychologist, M.A. Sports Pysychology; Psy.D Clinical Psychology
Treatment for Child or Adolescent Issues Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore patterns and beliefs in relationships
Anger management skills
Identifying healthy patterns within a relationship
Exploring attachment styles to explore expectations within relationships
6 Years Experience
Online in San Diego, CA California (Online Only)
Child or Adolescent Issues
GRIS ALVES
Counselor/Therapist, Compassionate Inquiry, Trauma Informed Mindfulness Teacher
I work with supporting the parents/caregivers that have children or adolescent with issues.
11 Years Experience
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92104
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Chris 'Bucky' Bateman
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Young people face enormous pressures; academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a safe, relatable space where teens and children can speak honestly about what's hard without fear of judgment. Our therapists connect genuinely with young clients, helping them build emotional regulation, healthier thinking patterns, and stronger relationships at home and school. Parents are included as valued partners in the process.
21 Years Experience
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92037
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Hannah Nyznyk Christian
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #133278
We offer developmentally attuned therapy for children and teens navigating big emotions, behavior changes, and life transitions. Parents are supported as partners in the healing process.
7 Years Experience
In-Person Near San Diego, CA
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Dr. Colette Sinclair
Psychologist, Ph.D, Integrated Medical Mental Health Clinician, Licensed Psychologist
Dr Colette Sinclair holds an additional certification in comprehensive child therapy. She has treated children and adolescents for over 16 years. She uses play based therapy with young children and more sophisticated methods for older children, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
20 Years Experience
In-Person Near San Diego, CA
Online in San Diego, CA California
Child or Adolescent Issues
Diaspora Therapy Group
Marriage and Family Therapist, DSW, LMFT
We support children and adolescents through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed care. We help young people navigate anxiety, emotional regulation, identity development, school stress, and life transitions while partnering closely with caregivers when appropriate. Our approach prioritizes safety, trust, and emotional expression.
7 Years Experience
In-Person Near San Diego, CA
Online in San Diego, CA California
San Diego's identity as a major military and biotech hub creates dual demand for therapists specializing in veteran trauma and PTSD on one hand, and the high-functioning anxiety and burnout of the life sciences industry on the other. The city's large active-duty population at Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton means therapists with military specialty training are consistently sought after, and many practices are specifically oriented toward service members and their families. San Diego's border location and large Latino population drive demand for bilingual therapists and culturally affirming care for immigrant and mixed-status families. Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health provide institutional mental health anchors across the county.
Child therapists in San Diego, California Statistics
Child therapists in San Diego, California average 17 years of experience and charge around $210 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (77%), Family Systems Therapy (54%), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) (47%).
Average years in practice
17 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$210
Accept insurance
46%
Offer sliding scale
53%
Gender ID
| 61% |
Female |
|
| 31% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 3% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 85% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 15% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 77% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 54% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 47% | Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) |
| 39% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 39% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 38% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 36% | Behavioral Therapy |
Ages Served
| 94% | Adult |
| 94% | Teen |
| 71% | Children |
| 67% | Young Adult |
| 56% | Senior |
Client Focus
| 58% | Women |
| 47% | LGBTQ+ |
| 40% | Men |
| 33% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 30% | Black / African American |