How to Find the Right Child Therapist in San Diego: What Parents Should Know
Why Choosing the Right Therapist Matters
As a parent, it’s not easy to watch your child struggle — whether it’s with anxiety, ADHD, school stress, or big emotions. Finding the right child therapist can feel overwhelming, especially in a city as large as San Diego. You want someone who not only understands child development but also connects with your child and makes therapy feel safe and supportive.
If you’re beginning your search for a child therapist in San Diego or La Jolla, here are some important things to consider.
Look for Specialized Training in Child & Teen Therapy in La Jolla
Not all therapists work with children and teens. Look for someone with training and experience in child psychology, play therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for younger clients.
A therapist who regularly works with kids will know how to engage them at their developmental level and build trust in the process. If you’re looking for a child therapist in San Diego and they say that they see clients of all ages, they likely aren’t specialized in child and teen therapy.
Ask About Approach and Fit
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ask potential therapists how they approach treatment and involve parents in the process. The best fit will be someone who not only helps your child feel comfortable but also partners with you as a parent, giving you strategies to support your child at home.
In-Person vs. Virtual Therapy in San Diego
San Diego families often juggle busy schedules filled with school, sports, and extracurriculars. That’s why many practices now offer both in-person sessions and telehealth options.
In-person therapy may be the best fit if your child benefits from being in a calm, structured office environment, especially younger kids who engage well with play-based approaches.
Virtual therapy can be a great option for teens, who are often comfortable with technology. It also makes therapy more accessible for families who live farther from La Jolla or elsewhere in San Diego County. If you have a teen that is transitioning to college in California, we are able to continue seeing them as our therapists are licensed in California.
We offer both virtual and in-person San Diego counseling at SoCal Child Psychology. Our child therapists are trained in strategies that help keeps kids and teens stay engaged in-person and virtually. Having both options gives families flexibility and makes it easier to stay consistent with sessions.
Understanding San Diego Schools and Support Systems
One unique aspect of choosing a therapist in San Diego is the importance of understanding the San Diego local school system. Whether your child attends San Diego Unified, a private school in La Jolla, or another district in North County, you want a therapist who can help you:
Navigate IEPs and 504 plans
Communicate effectively with teachers and school counselors
Provide documentation or recommendations for accommodations
Understand the academic pressures and culture of local schools
Our therapists regularly collaborate with schools and daycares in San Diego to ensure that your child is supported everywhere they are. Dr. Carrie Jackson regularly provides trainings to local organizations and educational supports, such as Fusion Academy.
Child Psychological Testing in San Diego
At SoCal Child Psychology, we have a team of therapists and psychologists. Our child psychologist is able to complete psychological testing, if your child or teen may benefit from one. Psychological testing can be helpful for kids, teens, and families who are navigating a variety of challenges, such as school accommodations.
It’s important to know that psychological testing completed by a licensed child psychologist in San Diego can be used to support your child’s eligibility for school accommodations. While San Diego Unified and other local districts will usually conduct their own assessments before creating an IEP or 504 Plan, a private psychological evaluation provides valuable documentation that schools take seriously.
In many cases, private ADHD testing or learning evaluations in La Jolla and San Diego can highlight needs that may not have been fully captured by the school’s testing. Parents often find that having a detailed, independent evaluation makes it easier to advocate for services, extended time on tests, or classroom supports.
Why Families Choose SoCal Child Psychology
At SoCal Child Psychology in La Jolla, we specialize in supporting children and teens with anxiety, ADHD, and school-related challenges. Families across San Diego trust us for both therapy and psychological testing because we provide:
A warm, family-centered approach
Evidence-based therapies like CBT
Specialized ADHD evaluations and learning assessments
Parent-focused support and guidance
Collaboration with local schools to advocate for your child’s needs
If you’re looking for the right child therapist in San Diego or La Jolla, you don’t have to navigate the search alone. At SoCal Child Psychology, we help children, teens, and families feel more confident, connected, and supported.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how child therapy in San Diego can make a difference for your family.