Child and Adolescent Therapy

There's help for what they're going through.

They Don’t Have To Figure It Out Alone Either

A woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing glasses and earrings, is smiling with her eyes closed. She is outdoors with a blurry background of trees and bushes, wearing a black and white striped shirt. The sky is partly cloudy.

If you're looking into therapy for your child or teen, something has probably been going on for a while. Maybe they're anxious, withdrawn, or acting out. Maybe something happened that they can't seem to move past. Maybe you just know something's off, even if you can't name it.

That's enough reason to reach out.

At Ripple Effects, your child's therapist will take time to actually get to know them before diving into anything. No pressure, no rushing to fix things. Just a space where they can start to feel safe — and from there, work through what's been hard.

We see kids and teens in person in Los Alamitos and via telehealth throughout California.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Schedule a Free Consultation

What is Child and Adolescent Therapy?

The Basics

It's one-on-one time with a therapist who knows how to work with young people. Sessions look different depending on your child's age — with younger kids, that might mean play or art; with teens, it's more of a real conversation in a space where they can actually say what's on their mind.

Parents stay involved too. Your child's therapist will find the right balance between giving your child their own space and keeping you in the loop.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Your child's therapist will take time to get to know them before anything else.

The hard stuff is easier with help.

A young girl with natural curly hair sitting on a clear acrylic chair against a plain light-colored wall. She is resting her chin on her hand, smiling slightly, and looking to the side.

What We Actually Do In Session

Approaches

Our therapists use methods that are built for younger clients — not just adapted from adult therapy, but designed with kids and teens in mind.

  • Trauma-Focused CBT — for children and teens who've been through something hard

  • Attachment-Based Therapy — to help your child feel more secure, and to support the relationship between you

  • Play Therapy — a natural way for kids to process emotions and experiences through the language they already speak

  • Mindfulness-Based approaches — to help kids and teens slow down, manage stress, and handle big emotions

  • Narrative Therapy — helping young people change the story they tell about themselves

  • Family Systems — bringing in parents and family when it helps the process

  • …and more.

Contact us to hear more about the approaches and methods we use in therapy.

Is Child and Adolescent Therapy Right For Your Child?

It might be time to reach out if your child:

  • Has been anxious, worried, or fearful in ways that are getting in the way of daily life

  • Seems down, withdrawn, or has stopped caring about things they used to love

  • Is acting out at home or struggling at school

  • Just seems like they're carrying something they don't know how to put down

  • Could use a space that's just for them — no parents, no teachers, no pressure

  • Has been through a loss, trauma, or a major family change

  • Is having a hard time socially — with friendships, bullying, or fitting in

  • Has been self-harming or talking about not wanting to be here

  • Is figuring out questions around gender, sexuality, or who they are

You don't have to wait until things get serious. If something feels off, that's enough.

Schedule a Free Consultation

  • Our therapists have specialized training in working with kids and teens — not just adult approaches scaled down

  • We provide affirming, culturally sensitive care and welcome LGBTQIA+ youth and families

  • Our therapists don't work alone. There's supervision and support behind every session

  • Same-week appointments are available

  • We'll match your child with the right therapist before the first session

  • In-person sessions in Los Alamitos. Telehealth available throughout California

  • We accept insurance and offer sliding-scale fees. See our Fees and Insurance page

Why People Choose Us

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Not sure yet? We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before you commit to anything.

Schedule a Free Consultation

The Process

What to Expect

Step 1

Free 15-Minute Consultation

A young man with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses, wearing a green sweatshirt, sitting on a gray sofa in a living room, talking on a cell phone and working on a silver laptop.

A short call to see if we're a good fit — no pressure, no commitment.

Step 2

Your First Session

A person with a tattoo on their wrist is sitting across from another person holding a clipboard and pen, in what appears to be a counseling or therapy session.

You tell us what's going on, and we talk through your goals.

Step 3

The Work

Two adults sitting on a gray couch engaged in conversation, with a woman speaking and a man smiling, in a modern living room with books and plants in the background.

Sessions are weekly. The work goes at whatever speed makes sense for you.

Session length: 50 minutes

Rate: $160-$200 per session

Insurance accepted | Sliding scale available (see Fees and Insurance for more details)

Ready to get started? Reach out and we’ll schedule a free 15-minute consultation with the therapist of your choice to see if we’re a good fit.

Schedule a Free Consultation