Child therapy and child psychologists in Newport Beach, Orange County

Therapy for Children Ages 5–12 and Their Parents in Newport Beach, California

The parents who come to us know their child well. They know the warmth, the humor, the way their child lights up. What they're seeing lately doesn't fit: meltdowns over small things, a stomachache every school morning, a teacher's note about focus, a child who has gone quiet. By the time they call, they've tried what they know, and they want to understand what is really going on.

What helps most is a clinician who takes the time to understand your child, and a plan that includes you. Children change fastest when the adults around them know how to help, so parents are part of the work from the first meeting.

At OC Psychology Center, children are seen by one of our child and family psychologists or therapists in our private Newport Beach office.

What we help with

Some concerns are easy to recognize. Others are more subtle. Parents may seek therapy when a child is struggling with:

• Anxiety, worry, or fears

• Sadness or withdrawal

• ADHD or attention difficulties

• Meltdowns, defiance and big emotions

• Friendships and social difficulty

• Family changes: divorce, a move, a new sibling, a loss

• Screens and hard-to-break habits

If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is typical for your child's age, the consultation is a good place to start.

How we work with children

Children rarely talk their way to feeling better. Through play, drawing and conversation, they show us what is hard for them, and we help them find words for it and new ways to cope. Alongside your child's sessions, we meet with you to share what we're learning and to give you specific ways to respond at home.

Our approach draws on cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and behavior, parent coaching, and a psychodynamic understanding of what a child's behavior is communicating. We choose what fits your child rather than applying one method to every family.

What child therapy looks like at OC Psychology Center

01 · Consultation

• a complimentary 15-minute call to hear what you're seeing and whether therapy, an evaluation or both would help.

02 · Parent meeting

• we begin with you: your child's history, what you've noticed, and what you hope will change.

03 · Getting to know your child

• the first sessions build trust and help us understand your child.

04 · Ongoing sessions

• regular sessions with your child, with parent meetings built in.

05 · Reviewing progress

• we revisit goals together and adjust. Therapy ends when the gains are holding at home and at school.

When an evaluation helps

Sometimes the question is why. If ADHD, a learning difference or anxiety may be part of the picture, a psychological evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation can clarify it before or alongside therapy, so treatment is aimed at the right problem.