Toddler Therapists in California
Welcome! I am Dr. Lizzy Fuller, a behavioral therapist specializing in supporting parents and caregivers as they navigate the baby, toddler, and preschool years. These years are full of laughter, fun, and exciting milestones but they can also be riddled with challenges such as navigating sleep, sibling fights, feeding issues, and learning how to help your child develop communication, social skills, and emotion regulation skills.
Welcome! I am Dr. Lizzy Fuller, a behavioral therapist specializing in supporting parents and caregivers as they navigate the baby, toddler, and preschool years. These years are full of laughter, fun, and exciting milestones but they can also be riddled with challenges such as navigating sleep, sibling fights, feeding issues, and learning how to help your child develop communication, social skills, and emotion regulation skills.
Erika M Melendez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
I am a licensed psychologist and my focus has centered around toddler and teen diagnosis and intervention, parent counseling/skills training, and family group psychotherapy. I utilize my background and training in psychodynamic, relational, and attachment-based approaches to therapy, but also appreciate when cognitive and behavioral approaches are needed. Utilizing my skills in psychodiagnostic testing and therapy, I provide individualized treatment and support to children and their families. (Virtual therapy (age 12+), parent training, and testing/evaluations are available. Currently, no availability for in-person therapy cases.)
I am a licensed psychologist and my focus has centered around toddler and teen diagnosis and intervention, parent counseling/skills training, and family group psychotherapy. I utilize my background and training in psychodynamic, relational, and attachment-based approaches to therapy, but also appreciate when cognitive and behavioral approaches are needed. Utilizing my skills in psychodiagnostic testing and therapy, I provide individualized treatment and support to children and their families. (Virtual therapy (age 12+), parent training, and testing/evaluations are available. Currently, no availability for in-person therapy cases.)
From building autonomy through play therapy with your toddler, to identifying and implementing coping skills to combat the inevitable stressors (grief) and stages that we simply can not dodge in life, I level with you and we grow together whether through an individual, pediatric, couple, or family modality.
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
From building autonomy through play therapy with your toddler, to identifying and implementing coping skills to combat the inevitable stressors (grief) and stages that we simply can not dodge in life, I level with you and we grow together whether through an individual, pediatric, couple, or family modality.
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
At Solace Center, we understand that everyone has different needs & life situations, therefore we aim to cater services to best fit your specific needs & offer you the best support we can. We offer individual, family, couples and infant/ toddler therapy. We are currently offering services in person but can pivot to telehealth/telephone to best fit your needs.
At Solace Center, we understand that everyone has different needs & life situations, therefore we aim to cater services to best fit your specific needs & offer you the best support we can. We offer individual, family, couples and infant/ toddler therapy. We are currently offering services in person but can pivot to telehealth/telephone to best fit your needs.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience and work with adults; couples, children, and the infant/ toddler and caregiver.
I imagine you are looking through this list because you've become stuck in something. Something big or small but it feels bad and you want help getting unstuck. It might be something new and unfamiliar or something too well known and you're tired of history repeating itself. I believe history does not have to repeat itself. Emotions can shift and patterns of behavior can change. It's not simple, easy or fast. There is comfort in the familiar and it takes bravery to change. But in the right environment, with the right help, change is possible.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience and work with adults; couples, children, and the infant/ toddler and caregiver.
I imagine you are looking through this list because you've become stuck in something. Something big or small but it feels bad and you want help getting unstuck. It might be something new and unfamiliar or something too well known and you're tired of history repeating itself. I believe history does not have to repeat itself. Emotions can shift and patterns of behavior can change. It's not simple, easy or fast. There is comfort in the familiar and it takes bravery to change. But in the right environment, with the right help, change is possible.
I am interested in creating a safe space for my clients, working collaboratively so that they can reach their full potential as they discover their inner strengths that will allow them to achieve the best possible quality of life I have experience in working with Adults, Teens, and Parenting Issues. My training has led me to be certified in Incredible Years Kids and Incredible Years Toddler program which an Evidenced Based Program to aid kids with behavioral issues, communication, social skills, and self-esteem among other issues. I am Fluent in Spanish and my approach is through a Multicultural lens.
I am interested in creating a safe space for my clients, working collaboratively so that they can reach their full potential as they discover their inner strengths that will allow them to achieve the best possible quality of life I have experience in working with Adults, Teens, and Parenting Issues. My training has led me to be certified in Incredible Years Kids and Incredible Years Toddler program which an Evidenced Based Program to aid kids with behavioral issues, communication, social skills, and self-esteem among other issues. I am Fluent in Spanish and my approach is through a Multicultural lens.
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.
Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
You may be unsure how to manage the demands of parenthood, expecting a new baby, or struggling to parent a difficult toddler.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
You may be unsure how to manage the demands of parenthood, expecting a new baby, or struggling to parent a difficult toddler.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
Are you tired of the power struggles with your toddler or preschooler? Are you navigating life changing events with your child, such as loss, divorce, adoption, moving, traumatic accidents or events? Does your little one have challenges in life with special needs and developmental delays? One of the hardest part of parenting is seeing your child being in pain and feeling like there is nothing you can do to help. I support families with young children to transform what seems like daily survival struggles into thriving in life and in relationships.
Are you tired of the power struggles with your toddler or preschooler? Are you navigating life changing events with your child, such as loss, divorce, adoption, moving, traumatic accidents or events? Does your little one have challenges in life with special needs and developmental delays? One of the hardest part of parenting is seeing your child being in pain and feeling like there is nothing you can do to help. I support families with young children to transform what seems like daily survival struggles into thriving in life and in relationships.
Is your child or teenager struggling with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, avoidance, or trauma? Is your toddler getting stuck in meltdowns or defiance? As a parent, it can be overwhelming to watch your child go through these challenges and feel unsure about how to help. I understand, and I’m here to support you. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can strengthen emotional regulation, improve family communication, and build on your child’s unique strengths.
Is your child or teenager struggling with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, avoidance, or trauma? Is your toddler getting stuck in meltdowns or defiance? As a parent, it can be overwhelming to watch your child go through these challenges and feel unsure about how to help. I understand, and I’m here to support you. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can strengthen emotional regulation, improve family communication, and build on your child’s unique strengths.
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Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
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.
If you or someone you love identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or neuro-divergent then I am happy we found each other! As a previous nurse assistant, teacher ( toddler-12th grade) and childcare director, I have spent over a decade immersed in hands-on research to better study effective evidence based approaches for treating children and their support systems. I use these approaches eclectically to help clients and their families with sensory regulation, behavioral issues, and counsel the client's entire support system to bring balance.
If you or someone you love identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or neuro-divergent then I am happy we found each other! As a previous nurse assistant, teacher ( toddler-12th grade) and childcare director, I have spent over a decade immersed in hands-on research to better study effective evidence based approaches for treating children and their support systems. I use these approaches eclectically to help clients and their families with sensory regulation, behavioral issues, and counsel the client's entire support system to bring balance.
Are you having difficulties getting out of the house with your toddler or preschooler as they have a meltdown over putting their shoes on? Have you ever felt the eyes of strangers watching you as you manage your child’s anger outbursts in the grocery store? Do you ever feel consumed by guilt, worry, or frustration related to raising your child? These challenges can feel debilitating, embarrassing even, but things can get better with the right kind of supports in place.
Are you having difficulties getting out of the house with your toddler or preschooler as they have a meltdown over putting their shoes on? Have you ever felt the eyes of strangers watching you as you manage your child’s anger outbursts in the grocery store? Do you ever feel consumed by guilt, worry, or frustration related to raising your child? These challenges can feel debilitating, embarrassing even, but things can get better with the right kind of supports in place.
Xochitl Yazmin Zaragoza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93711
I have worked with a variety of populations such as domestic violence victims & perpetrators, children ranging from toddler age to teenagers, grief & loss, autism, behavioral issues, transitional life changes, & couple work. I work from an integrative Humanistic & Existential Theoretical approach as my belief is that loss is something that is experienced by everyone during many times in our lives & use nondirective play therapy when working with children & explore any issues that might be present in their lives. I have worked in private practice, agency & school based setting as a therapist & honing in my expertise.
I have worked with a variety of populations such as domestic violence victims & perpetrators, children ranging from toddler age to teenagers, grief & loss, autism, behavioral issues, transitional life changes, & couple work. I work from an integrative Humanistic & Existential Theoretical approach as my belief is that loss is something that is experienced by everyone during many times in our lives & use nondirective play therapy when working with children & explore any issues that might be present in their lives. I have worked in private practice, agency & school based setting as a therapist & honing in my expertise.
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!
Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
She is also skilled in infant and toddler mental health, and offers therapy modalities including psychoanalysis, humanism, DBT, CBT, and family systems therapy.
Katerina Echegaray, LMFT (formerly known as Silvia Karen Flores Uribe) is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a strong foundation in clinical psychology. She graduated from Universidad Franco Mexicana’s Clinical Psychology program in Mexico City and began her career as a licensed clinical psychologist in 1999. In 2000, Katerina moved to the United States, where she later earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from JFK University in California, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
She is also skilled in infant and toddler mental health, and offers therapy modalities including psychoanalysis, humanism, DBT, CBT, and family systems therapy.
Katerina Echegaray, LMFT (formerly known as Silvia Karen Flores Uribe) is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a strong foundation in clinical psychology. She graduated from Universidad Franco Mexicana’s Clinical Psychology program in Mexico City and began her career as a licensed clinical psychologist in 1999. In 2000, Katerina moved to the United States, where she later earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from JFK University in California, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
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I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
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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.