Toddler Therapists in San Diego, CA
Laura Celnar, Child and Parent Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
Raising humans (and being one!) is challenging beyond measure. You plan to parent differently than how you were parented and that seems simple enough...if it weren't for the fact that your baby was up all night, your toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs while decorating his body with the oatmeal you just made him, and your big kid is crying about how none of her clothes feel right on her body and she needs all new clothes, NOW. You told yourself you wouldn't yell today, but it is barely sunrise, and the sun has already set on that goal!
Raising humans (and being one!) is challenging beyond measure. You plan to parent differently than how you were parented and that seems simple enough...if it weren't for the fact that your baby was up all night, your toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs while decorating his body with the oatmeal you just made him, and your big kid is crying about how none of her clothes feel right on her body and she needs all new clothes, NOW. You told yourself you wouldn't yell today, but it is barely sunrise, and the sun has already set on that goal!
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child.
I value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child.
I value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
Carolyn Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
As a human being, I recognize that taking the first step to seek therapy can be a scary yet courageous decision. I aim to provide a comfortable, and welcoming environment for individuals, couples and families by utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and an attachment-based lens. I personally value my role in allowing clients to feel safe and secure to explore, express and develop different ways to find their journey to healing and find their inner strength.
As a human being, I recognize that taking the first step to seek therapy can be a scary yet courageous decision. I aim to provide a comfortable, and welcoming environment for individuals, couples and families by utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and an attachment-based lens. I personally value my role in allowing clients to feel safe and secure to explore, express and develop different ways to find their journey to healing and find their inner strength.
Cassidy O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
I work with children and teens of all ages, and specialize in working with “littles” (ages 0-5), with extensive training in early childhood mental health. I specialize in helping children cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficult life transitions, and often take a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach adaptive coping skills to help kids manage challenges. I approach my work with children by viewing them in the context of the whole family, using a family-systems lens and attachment-based approach to strengthen family relationships and to support parents in developing tools to feel equipped to manage behavioral challenges.
I work with children and teens of all ages, and specialize in working with “littles” (ages 0-5), with extensive training in early childhood mental health. I specialize in helping children cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficult life transitions, and often take a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach adaptive coping skills to help kids manage challenges. I approach my work with children by viewing them in the context of the whole family, using a family-systems lens and attachment-based approach to strengthen family relationships and to support parents in developing tools to feel equipped to manage behavioral challenges.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA. I also hold a master’s and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have over 20 years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a variety of other presenting issues. For the past several years, I have served as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Psychology.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA. I also hold a master’s and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have over 20 years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a variety of other presenting issues. For the past several years, I have served as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Psychology.
James Sharkey @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Hello! I enjoy treating: grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, identity development, LGBTQ+, men’s mental health, relationship infidelity, divorce and separation, co- parenting, and communication development. I work with adults, children, teens, families, and couples. I establish a safe and affirming space, tailoring sessions to address diverse needs. I invite clients to explore their own unique journey and I am here to support you through navigating life's challenges in a self-compassionate and healing manner. I am a sensitive and thoughtful provider.
Hello! I enjoy treating: grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, identity development, LGBTQ+, men’s mental health, relationship infidelity, divorce and separation, co- parenting, and communication development. I work with adults, children, teens, families, and couples. I establish a safe and affirming space, tailoring sessions to address diverse needs. I invite clients to explore their own unique journey and I am here to support you through navigating life's challenges in a self-compassionate and healing manner. I am a sensitive and thoughtful provider.
I’ve spent many years working in children’s mental health, with a strong focus on attachment work, parenting support, and improving emotional regulation. I have a deep understanding of the pain points that children and families often face, particularly when dealing with trauma, attachment issues, and adverse life experiences. I recognize that children communicate in a variety of different ways and meet their needs through an array of therapeutic modalities, such as play therapy, expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems therapy.
I’ve spent many years working in children’s mental health, with a strong focus on attachment work, parenting support, and improving emotional regulation. I have a deep understanding of the pain points that children and families often face, particularly when dealing with trauma, attachment issues, and adverse life experiences. I recognize that children communicate in a variety of different ways and meet their needs through an array of therapeutic modalities, such as play therapy, expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems therapy.
Olivia Rosillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Ansiedad, depresion, vacio interno; son respuestas emocionales al desapego familar. Familias multicuturales en proceso de adaptacion, se ven expuestas a estas emociones y a las conductas sintomáticas que les corresponden. Apoyo a mis clientes en la búsqueda de sus fuerzas internas hacia la salud y la felicidad. Anxiety, depression, internal emptiness, are emotional responses to family detachment. Multicultural families in the process of assimilating to mainestream culture, are exposed to these emotions and consequently to their symptoms. My therapeutic strategy involves supporting clients as they find their own sources of strength
Ansiedad, depresion, vacio interno; son respuestas emocionales al desapego familar. Familias multicuturales en proceso de adaptacion, se ven expuestas a estas emociones y a las conductas sintomáticas que les corresponden. Apoyo a mis clientes en la búsqueda de sus fuerzas internas hacia la salud y la felicidad. Anxiety, depression, internal emptiness, are emotional responses to family detachment. Multicultural families in the process of assimilating to mainestream culture, are exposed to these emotions and consequently to their symptoms. My therapeutic strategy involves supporting clients as they find their own sources of strength
Kelly Ann Riley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, parents, and families. Play Therapy is my preferred modality as children communicate more freely using play, My professional experience includes helping children whose parents are involved in the process of divorce and I am trained in Co-Parenting, which is a specialization that addresses parenting issues that arise from divorce. Recognizing the significant impact that parental separation can have on a child’s well-being, I work closely with parents to facilitate healthy communication and co-parenting strategies to help foster emotional resilience for their children.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, parents, and families. Play Therapy is my preferred modality as children communicate more freely using play, My professional experience includes helping children whose parents are involved in the process of divorce and I am trained in Co-Parenting, which is a specialization that addresses parenting issues that arise from divorce. Recognizing the significant impact that parental separation can have on a child’s well-being, I work closely with parents to facilitate healthy communication and co-parenting strategies to help foster emotional resilience for their children.
Hello! I am Christina Chopin, a certified IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback practitioner and a self-proclaimed “brain geek”. I have a passion for helping individuals shake their unhelpful thought patterns, find a sense of clarity and help them to see how malleable and flexible their brain really is. Through my own journey suffering from a serious car accident and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), I understood quickly the impact that expertise and connection have when people are struggling with medical and mental health issues. And the impact microcurrent neuro feedback can have.
Hello! I am Christina Chopin, a certified IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback practitioner and a self-proclaimed “brain geek”. I have a passion for helping individuals shake their unhelpful thought patterns, find a sense of clarity and help them to see how malleable and flexible their brain really is. Through my own journey suffering from a serious car accident and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), I understood quickly the impact that expertise and connection have when people are struggling with medical and mental health issues. And the impact microcurrent neuro feedback can have.
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Hello, I'm Ariana (she/her/ella). I'm a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and family systems who are experiencing life stressors, the aftermath of trauma, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or early childhood (0-5 years of age) social/emotional/behavioral concerns. I take a strength - based approach and work to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to share their range of feelings and thoughts while they work to reconnect to themselves and others.
Hello, I'm Ariana (she/her/ella). I'm a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and family systems who are experiencing life stressors, the aftermath of trauma, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or early childhood (0-5 years of age) social/emotional/behavioral concerns. I take a strength - based approach and work to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to share their range of feelings and thoughts while they work to reconnect to themselves and others.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
THEdetour
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92195
Waitlist for new clients
My passion is to help people find that moment in their lives when they can truly love themselves and tap into their internal strength. I didn't always have that, and I know how hard it is to find. I also recognize that I couldn't have achieved happiness on my own. I would love to be a part of your support network as you move forward in your journey towards happiness. I specialize in military life, veterans, domestic violence, child abuse, relationship work and parenting. This comes from education that I have received and life experiences.
My passion is to help people find that moment in their lives when they can truly love themselves and tap into their internal strength. I didn't always have that, and I know how hard it is to find. I also recognize that I couldn't have achieved happiness on my own. I would love to be a part of your support network as you move forward in your journey towards happiness. I specialize in military life, veterans, domestic violence, child abuse, relationship work and parenting. This comes from education that I have received and life experiences.
At San Diego Kids First, we believe that every child is unique and deserves an individualized approach to overcoming social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or academic challenges. Instead of focusing solely on labels, we emphasize understanding each child's strengths and areas for growth. By working collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the child or teen, allowing us to create effective, tailored strategies that foster real and lasting change. Our practice offers a wide range of services for children ages 0-5, school-aged children, and adolescents.
At San Diego Kids First, we believe that every child is unique and deserves an individualized approach to overcoming social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or academic challenges. Instead of focusing solely on labels, we emphasize understanding each child's strengths and areas for growth. By working collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the child or teen, allowing us to create effective, tailored strategies that foster real and lasting change. Our practice offers a wide range of services for children ages 0-5, school-aged children, and adolescents.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation issues, social or peer-related difficulties, substance use, gender or identity issues, and challenges with school and/or family relationships. I also enjoy supporting clients through the significant life transitions associated with adolescence and young adulthood. I strive to create a safe space for my clients that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, and opportunities for growth, creativity, and humor.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation issues, social or peer-related difficulties, substance use, gender or identity issues, and challenges with school and/or family relationships. I also enjoy supporting clients through the significant life transitions associated with adolescence and young adulthood. I strive to create a safe space for my clients that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, and opportunities for growth, creativity, and humor.
Thrive Within Mind San Diego -Lindsay MacMaster
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92119
I’m Lindsay MacMaster PsyD, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the San Diego area. When you work with me, I create a setting that is warm and compassionate, a space that allows you to best connect with what is bothering you. Counseling helps you learn how to become your best self. Your therapist can support you as you lean into life’s most difficult challenges rather than shy away from them.
I’m Lindsay MacMaster PsyD, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the San Diego area. When you work with me, I create a setting that is warm and compassionate, a space that allows you to best connect with what is bothering you. Counseling helps you learn how to become your best self. Your therapist can support you as you lean into life’s most difficult challenges rather than shy away from them.
Seeking a new experience in therapy? I offer a combination of traditional psychodynamic work, CBT and somatic techniques. As an avid researcher, I pull from 30 years of practice and study in various additional psychotherapeutic and health disciplines. Sessions are personalized, combining modalities to fit your specific mental health needs. Sessions can include traditional talk therapy as well as movement-based strategies, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, energy psychology, nutrition and expressive arts. I work with all ages, having had the privilege of treating clients from the age of 4 to 95.
Seeking a new experience in therapy? I offer a combination of traditional psychodynamic work, CBT and somatic techniques. As an avid researcher, I pull from 30 years of practice and study in various additional psychotherapeutic and health disciplines. Sessions are personalized, combining modalities to fit your specific mental health needs. Sessions can include traditional talk therapy as well as movement-based strategies, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, energy psychology, nutrition and expressive arts. I work with all ages, having had the privilege of treating clients from the age of 4 to 95.
I treat children, adolescents, and young adults with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, eating disorders and trauma by changing their mood, thought patterns, acceptance, and the way they approach their struggles. I believe in managing issues from a holistic perspective and that the right support and tools can help impact a positive change. I am also qualified to complete psychological assessments and evaluations.
I treat children, adolescents, and young adults with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, eating disorders and trauma by changing their mood, thought patterns, acceptance, and the way they approach their struggles. I believe in managing issues from a holistic perspective and that the right support and tools can help impact a positive change. I am also qualified to complete psychological assessments and evaluations.
Cultivate: A Counseling Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
Welcome to Cultivate: a warm and inspiring path to wholeness. Here at Cultivate, we understand that there are seasons in each of our lives when we are left feeling out of touch with ourselves, functioning poorly in our relationships, or crippled by anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction. We provide each person we encounter with an inviting and enriching, therapeutic environment, enabling healing both individually and in relationships. Today, get back to living the restored, whole life that you were made for.
Welcome to Cultivate: a warm and inspiring path to wholeness. Here at Cultivate, we understand that there are seasons in each of our lives when we are left feeling out of touch with ourselves, functioning poorly in our relationships, or crippled by anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction. We provide each person we encounter with an inviting and enriching, therapeutic environment, enabling healing both individually and in relationships. Today, get back to living the restored, whole life that you were made for.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Toddler Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
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.