Photo of Amy J Balmanno, MS, NCSP, LEP3747
Amy J Balmanno
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MS, NCSP, LEP3747
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93710
Accepting New Referrals. Do you have concerns about your child's learning or behavior? Are you worried that they may have a learning or developmental disability and need special services or accommodations through school? Do you wonder if they would they benefit from educational counseling to improve school functioning? Do you have/are you a student involved in sports and are interested in obtaining a neuropsychological baseline prior to the season starting? Are you an adult student needing testing for accommodations at your college/university? If you answer yes to any of these questions, I can help you find solutions.
Accepting New Referrals. Do you have concerns about your child's learning or behavior? Are you worried that they may have a learning or developmental disability and need special services or accommodations through school? Do you wonder if they would they benefit from educational counseling to improve school functioning? Do you have/are you a student involved in sports and are interested in obtaining a neuropsychological baseline prior to the season starting? Are you an adult student needing testing for accommodations at your college/university? If you answer yes to any of these questions, I can help you find solutions.
(559) 206-0175 View (559) 206-0175
Photo of Darra L Hirsh, PhD, Psychologist
Darra L Hirsh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93710
I have been in practice over 20 years and I enjoy working with families and particularly children that have suffered trauma or are struggling with issues from divorce, school issues, social issues and more. I also work with adults suffering from anxiety, depression due to issues like divorce, parenting, co-parenting, caretaking, etc.
I have been in practice over 20 years and I enjoy working with families and particularly children that have suffered trauma or are struggling with issues from divorce, school issues, social issues and more. I also work with adults suffering from anxiety, depression due to issues like divorce, parenting, co-parenting, caretaking, etc.
(559) 400-7862 View (559) 400-7862
Toddler Therapists

What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?

Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.

Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?

Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.

What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?

In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.

What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?

What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.