Who Are the Best Child Therapists in Los Angeles?

Looking for support for your child? At Diversified Therapy LA, Troi Jefferson, AMFT, APCC is a trusted partner for children, teens, and families navigating emotional or behavioral challenges, contributing to their overall mental health. Troi specializes in working with children, especially in early childhood, who are experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, and school or family transitions. When she works with children in therapy, she focuses on creating a warm, safe space where they feel genuinely seen, accepted, and empowered to express themselves authentically. She understands that kids don’t always communicate through words—sometimes they speak through play, creativity, movement, or even silence. Troi meets them exactly where they are, whether that's on the floor building a Lego house, drawing out a difficult memory, or simply sitting beside them during a tough moment. Her approach is rooted in patience, trust, and emotional safety.

Troi also works closely with parents and caregivers, helping them understand their child’s emotional world, which is a crucial aspect of family therapy, and empowering them to create more nurturing and responsive environments at home. Through regular check-ins, collaborative planning, and open communication, she ensures that caregivers feel supported and included every step of the way. Troi believes that healing happens in relationships, and that children thrive when the adults around them feel confident and connected.

Thinking your child might need help?  Book your free call  with us to explore whether our practice could be the right fit for your family.

5 highly recommended Los Angeles child therapists

Finding the right child therapist can be overwhelming—there are many talented clinicians in the area, and it’s important to find someone who truly connects with your child and understands your family's needs. Below are five highly recommended child therapists in Los Angeles and surrounding areas who offer in-person or telehealth services. Each therapist brings a unique approach and set of strengths to their work with children and families.

1. Troi Jefferson, AMFT, APCC

Troi Jefferson is a skilled associate therapist with training in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. She practices child and adolescent therapy for those experiencing anxiety, grief, school difficulties, and behavioral challenges. She brings a warm, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to therapy. In my experience, Troi excels at building trust with children who are often slow to open up, using approaches including cognitive behavioral techniques. Her sessions are grounded in play, creativity, and emotional safety. Troi also partners with caregivers to foster deeper understanding and consistent support at home, which can significantly boost the self-esteem of children making her work deeply impactful for the entire family system.

2. Amit Dave, AMFT

Amit Dave is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Encino, CA. Amit is skilled in working children, making him a great resource among pre-licensed therapists. His therapeutic approach often integrates CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. Amit’s calming presence helps children feel at ease, and his collaborative style ensures parents are engaged and supported throughout the therapy process. He is a great choice for families seeking structure, clarity, and compassion.

3. Leonel Gonzalez

Leonel Gonzalez is an Associate Therapist who brings deep empathy to his work with children and teens. Leonel has a natural ability to build rapport and supports clients in navigating self-esteem, emotional regulation, behavioral issues, and family conflict. Leonel utilizes a family systems approach and incorporates play and talk therapy techniques to help children understand their feelings. Leonal is also especially skilled at working with neurodiverse children. His warmth and clinical insight make him a trusted resource for many parents.

4. Shireen Shahidi, LMFT

Shireen Shahidi is an Associate Therapist who offers a deeply compassionate approach to therapy. Shireen specializes in trauma-informed care and works with children and teens in dealing with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal issues. She has an incredible ability to hold space for both children and their caregivers, helping families move from conflict to connection through intentional, thoughtful therapy.

5. Ava McEachern, AMFT

Ava McEachern is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who provides telehealth sessions to clients across California. Ava brings creativity, mindfulness, and a warm presence into her work with children, often incorporating mindfulness exercises to enhance their experience and boost their self-confidence. Ava excels at creating a space where kids feel free to express themselves without judgment. Her sessions often involve art, storytelling, and movement - allowing children to process their experiences in developmentally appropriate ways.

FAQs about child therapy

• How do I know if my child needs a therapist?

  It can be difficult to know whether your child’s behaviors or emotions are cause for concern. Some common signs that a child might benefit from therapy include excessive worry or sadness, persistent tantrums or aggression, withdrawal from friends or activities, academic struggles, or sudden changes in behavior. Parents might also notice disruptions in sleep or appetite, or physical sensations like frequent stomachaches and headaches without a medical explanation. These could signal underlying emotional challenges. If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks or interfere with daily life, therapy could be a helpful next step towards uncovering the root cause. When in doubt, reaching out for a consultation is a great way to determine whether therapy might be supportive. Talking with a therapist can help clarify what’s developmentally typical and what may need more focused support.

• What is the difference between a child therapist and a child psychologist?

  A child therapist is typically a master’s level clinician (like an MFT, PCC, or MSW) who provides talk therapy, play therapy, and emotional support to children and families. A child psychologist often holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and may also provide therapy, but is specially trained in psychological testing and assessment. If your child needs a diagnosis, psychoeducational evaluation, or cognitive testing, a psychologist is usually the right fit for addressing potential relationship issues . Child psychologists are especially helpful when a school requires documentation or when parents are seeking an IEP. For ongoing therapy and emotional support, many families work with master's level child therapists who specialize in developmentally appropriate, relational work. In some cases, therapists and psychologists work together to provide complementary care.

• How do I find a good therapist for my child?

  Finding the right therapist involves considering several factors: their experience with children and their history of providing effective treatment, their therapeutic approach, their communication style, and whether your child feels comfortable with them. You might also want to consider logistical aspects like availability, location, and telehealth options. Make sure the therapist is licensed or working under supervision with a licensed clinician. Reading bios, checking online reviews, and asking for referrals can be helpful in identifying therapists who utilize evidence-based treatments. Most importantly, schedule a consultation and ask questions about how the therapist works with kids your child’s age. At Diversified Therapy LA, we offer free consultations to help families explore their options and ensure a strong fit before starting services. A good fit can make a world of difference in your child’s progress.

• How can therapy help my child?

  Therapy can help children build emotional awareness, learn coping strategies, and strengthen their relationships with others. It provides a safe space to explore feelings like sadness, fear, anger, and confusion. Children can learn new skills for managing stress, improving communication, and solving problems. Research has shown that evidence-based approaches such as CBT are effective for treating anxiety and depression in children. A study in Journal of Anxiety Disorders concluded that "cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes in youth with anxiety disorders" (source).

  Another study published in Psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of involving caregivers: "Involving parents in child mental health treatments is generally beneficial and often critical to the child’s progress" (source). In our experience, therapy also helps children build confidence, gain a sense of control over their emotions, and feel more secure in themselves and their relationships, particularly when addressing issues like depression.

• How do I know if your practice is the right fit?

  At Diversified Therapy LA, we prioritize authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and relationship-based care. We believe in working collaboratively with families and adapting our approach to meet each child’s unique developmental and emotional needs, aligning with their treatment goals. We specialize in trauma-informed and play-based interventions, and we work with a wide range of challenges—from anxiety and grief to academic issues and behavior struggles. If you value connection, creativity, and a family-centered approach, we may be a strong fit for your child. We are currently taking new clients and also offer free consultations to help you make an informed decision. During your call, we’ll learn more about your goals and recommend a therapist who aligns with your values and your child’s needs. We welcome your questions and are happy to discuss whether our therapists, including Troi Jefferson, are the right match for your goals.

• What can I expect from the therapy process?

  The therapy process usually begins with an initial intake or assessment session, where your child’s therapist will gather background information and begin building rapport. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and occur weekly. Depending on your child’s age and preferences, sessions may include play, talk, art, or structured activities designed to promote emotional growth. We also schedule periodic parent check-ins to keep you informed and involved, and to collaborate on goals and develop strategies. Over time, therapy supports your child in developing emotional resilience, better communication, and healthier relationships across various aspects of their life. Most importantly, your child will have a consistent, trusted adult to help them process life’s challenges and build tools that last a lifetime.

• How do I get started?

  Starting therapy with us is simple. First, visit our home page to learn more about our services and team. Then, head over to our contact page to request a free consultation. We'll reach out to learn more about your child’s needs and schedule a time to connect. From there, we can determine the best next steps and match you with a therapist who aligns with your family’s goals. We aim to make the process supportive, informative, and easy to navigate. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and get to know us before beginning therapy. Let us help you take that first step toward healing and support.

Start working with a Los Angeles child therapist today

Finding the right support can make all the difference in your child’s life. Whether you're navigating school challenges, emotional distress, or big family changes, working with a skilled child therapist can provide your child with the tools and support they need to thrive in their mental health. At Diversified Therapy LA, we create a safe environment for your family. We're here to walk that journey with you and your kiddos, teenagers, and young adults. Troi Jefferson and our community of trusted colleagues bring warmth, professionalism, and genuine care to every session.

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to begin therapy, let’s talk. Book your free call to take the next step toward supporting your child’s emotional well-being.