# Child Psychologists in Los Angeles > Psychologists and group practices across LA who work with kids and teens, with what each one focuses on, what some charge, and how to get care covered. A child psychologist is a licensed mental health professional with a doctorate, usually a PhD or PsyD, who treats children and teens with therapy and does psychological testing for questions like ADHD, autism and learning problems. In Los Angeles you’ll find them in solo and group practices from Santa Monica and the Valley to Pasadena and Torrance. Self-pay therapy at practices on this list runs $150 to $300 a session, and some take insurance. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication; a psychiatrist does. By Summerground, updated October 12, 2026. ## At a glance - A psychologist has a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and does therapy and testing. LMFTs and LCSWs have at least a master’s degree and do therapy. In California, psychologists can’t prescribe medication. - Check any license on the state’s DCA License Search: psychologists are licensed by the Board of Psychology, LMFTs and LCSWs by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. - State-regulated health plans must offer a non-urgent appointment with a psychologist or therapist within 10 business days, or help you get one in or out of network. - On Medi-Cal, call your health plan or LA County DMH’s 24/7 Help Line at 800-854-7771. Plans cover therapy and, when it’s needed, psychological testing. - Self-pay therapy at practices on this list runs $150 to $300 a session; out-of-network practices give superbills you can send to your plan. ## 15 child psychologists and practices in Los Angeles From the Westside to the Valley, Pasadena and the South Bay. Some focus on therapy, some on testing, and many do both. The order isn’t a ranking. ### 1. CARE-LA (Child Anxiety Reduction Experts) West LA · 10323 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90025 A child psychology clinic in West LA that specializes in anxiety, including generalized and social anxiety, OCD, school refusal, separation anxiety and panic, along with ADHD and trauma. Its team of more than 25 clinicians sees preschoolers (3 to 5), school-age kids, teens, parents and families, and includes an in-house child and adolescent psychiatrist for when medication may help. It also runs social skills groups, matched by age and need, for kids with social anxiety, ADHD or autism. - Ages 3 and up, plus parents - Anxiety, OCD and school refusal - In-house child psychiatrist - Social skills groups - Website: https://www.care-la.com/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/century-city/care-la-child-anxiety-reduction-experts.md ### 2. WaveMind Clinic West LA · 1849 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 543, Los Angeles, CA 90025 A team of licensed psychologists focused on childhood anxiety, OCD, selective mutism and behavior problems, using CBT, exposure therapy, PCIT and ACT, with parents as partners. Individual therapy is for ages 2 to 25. There’s an intensive outpatient program for youth with more severe OCD and anxiety, a play-based selective mutism program, parent coaching that can be virtual, and diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments. You can book a free first call. - Ages 2–25 - Selective mutism program - Intensive outpatient program (IOP) - Free consultation call - Website: https://wavemindclinic.com/ - Phone: 310-299-8319 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/west-la/wavemind-clinic.md ### 3. Swan Psychology Beverly Hills · 195 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Anna Swan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist board-certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical child and adolescent psychology, with 15 years of experience. She treats children, teens, young adults and parents dealing with anxiety and related problems using cognitive behavioral therapy: learning coping skills, then using them while gradually facing feared situations instead of avoiding them. She sees families in person in Beverly Hills and by video in California and New York. - ABPP board-certified, child and teen - CBT and exposure for anxiety - Video sessions in CA and NY - CA license PSY31086 - Website: https://swanpsychology.com/ - Phone: 415-475-9516 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/beverly-hills/swan-psychology.md ### 4. Child & Family STEPS Beverly Hills · 9461 Charleville Blvd, Suite 334, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 The practice of licensed clinical psychologist Holly Paymon, PhD, which works only with children from birth to age 8 and their families, using games, art, storytelling and play. It offers parent-child (dyadic) therapy for ages 0 to 8 on attachment, communication, development and emotion regulation, individual therapy for ages 5 to 8, parenting support, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), including for ADHD and anxiety in young children. - Birth to age 8 only - Parent-child (dyadic) therapy - PCIT - Parenting support - Website: https://childfamilysteps.com/ - Phone: 310-363-0026 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/beverly-hills/child-and-family-steps.md ### 5. Dr. Andrea Brard Santa Monica A UCLA-trained clinical psychologist who works with children and teens with autism, ADHD and anxiety, especially those who struggle with meltdowns, rigidity or challenging behavior at home or school. She’s a clinical trainer and consultant in AIM HI, a UCLA-developed treatment for reducing challenging behavior in autistic children, and her care is structured and parent-mediated, with clear strategies for meltdowns and noncompliance. She’s based in Santa Monica and offers in-home sessions. - Autism, ADHD and anxiety - AIM HI trainer and consultant - Parent-mediated approach - In-home sessions - Website: https://www.drandreabrard.com/ - Phone: 818-792-6485 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/santa-monica/dr-andrea-brard.md ### 6. Kesher Psychological Services Pico-Robertson and Encino · 1150 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 A practice led by clinical psychologist Adi Soffer, PsyD, for children, teens, young adults and parents dealing with OCD, anxiety, ADHD, autism, learning differences and behavior problems. It offers ERP for OCD and anxiety, parent support with practical behavior strategies, and psychological and psychoeducational assessments for autism, ADHD and learning disorders, in English and Hebrew. It’s out of network: a 50-minute session with Dr. Soffer is $300, and sessions with associate therapists are $200. - $300 a session with Dr. Soffer - $200 with associate therapists - Out of network; superbills given - English and Hebrew - Second office in Encino - Website: https://www.kesherps.com/therapy-los-angeles - Phone: 310-745-4730 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/cheviot-hills/kesher-psychological-services.md ### 7. Michelle Levy, PhD Westwood and Encino A licensed clinical psychologist who works with children’s anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior and traumatic stress, and offers parenting support. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy along with mindfulness and body-centered techniques. She trained at Texas Children’s Hospital and UCLA, is a clinical assistant professor at UCLA, and trains therapists around the country in Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), an evidence-informed treatment system. - Anxiety, depression, behavior, trauma - Parenting support - UCLA clinical faculty - Website: https://michellelevyphd.com/ - Phone: 818-405-2676 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/westwood/michelle-levy-phd-westwood.md ### 8. Pediatric and Adolescent Psychology Associates Sherman Oaks · 15409 Dickens St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 A group of clinical psychologists in Sherman Oaks, known as PAPA, who work with children and families. Services include individual and family therapy, social skills groups, assessment, parenting help and parent support groups. One of its psychologists, Robert Kretz, PsyD, works most with explosive anger, oppositional behavior and parent-child conflict, and does psychoeducational testing, including Independent Educational Evaluations for local school districts. - Group of clinical psychologists - Social skills groups - Parent support groups - Testing, including IEEs - Website: https://papapsych.com/ - Phone: 818-986-4362 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/sherman-oaks/pediatric-and-adolescent-psychology-associates.md ### 9. Dr. Carrie Jacobs Encino A clinical psychologist in Encino who sees children, teens and adults, with practical strategies and emotional support for anxiety, school struggles and other emotional and behavioral needs. The practice offers teen anger management therapy that helps teens build emotional awareness, communicate better and handle conflict, and it works closely with families along the way. - Children, teens and adults - Teen anger management - Anxiety and school struggles - Website: https://www.drcarriejacobs.com/child-therapy-encino - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/encino/dr-carrie-jacobs.md ### 10. Our Kids Developmental Services Pasadena · 65 N Madison Ave, Suite 310, Pasadena, CA 91101 A Pasadena practice of licensed clinical psychologists, one specializing in pediatric neuropsychology, plus a marriage and family therapist, serving children, teens and young adults. Services run from diagnostic evaluations and neuropsychological assessments to CBT, case management, parent training and IEP support, in person or by telehealth. It’s a preferred provider for Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and Anthem Medi-Cal, and gives superbills you can send to other plans. - Takes Anthem Medi-Cal - Self-pay therapy: $150–$250 a session - Autism assessment: $2,500 self-pay - Neuropsych assessment: $5,000 self-pay - IEP support - Website: https://ourkidsontheweb.com/ - Phone: 626-240-4854 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/our-kids-developmental-services.md ### 11. Starleaf Psychological Services Pasadena A practice for neurodivergent children, teens and young adults, led by Dr. Jade Starleaf, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in autism, pediatric OCD, ADHD and anxiety and is herself the parent of a neurodivergent child. It does evaluations for autism (using the ADOS), ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities, mood and anxiety, and giftedness or twice-exceptional profiles, each with a feedback session. Therapy includes CBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP), plus groups. - Autism evaluations with the ADOS - CBT and ERP therapy - Gifted and 2E testing - Support groups - Website: https://starleafpsych.com/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/starleaf-psychological-services.md ### 12. David Lorentzen, PsyD Pasadena · 299 N Euclid Ave, Suite 500, Pasadena, CA 91101 A licensed psychologist in downtown Pasadena who sees children, teens, families and adults, and does psychological testing for learning disabilities and ADHD. With kids he commonly treats ADHD, OCD, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, Tourette’s and other tic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and trauma. He also helps with self-esteem, school behavior, friendships, bullying and divorce, runs groups, and is a former camp director at Tom Sawyer Camps. - Therapy plus LD and ADHD testing - Tourette’s and tic disorders - Groups offered - Website: https://www.davidlorentzen.com/child-therapy-pasadena - Phone: 818-523-4628 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/david-lorentzen-psy-d.md ### 13. Patricia A. Engert, PhD South Pasadena · 719 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 A licensed clinical psychologist at Psychology Resource Consultants in South Pasadena who offers individual, group and family therapy for children, teens and young adults dealing with depression, anxiety, attention problems, social difficulties, grief, bullying and school struggles. The practice runs social skills groups from elementary school through young adulthood, consults with parents, teachers and schools, and does assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD and autism. - Social skills groups - Therapy and assessment - Works with teachers and schools - Phone extension 105 - Website: https://www.dr-patricia-engert.com/ - Phone: 626-403-3500 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/south-pasadena/patricia-a-engert-phd.md ### 14. Complete Family Services Torrance · 25550 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 316, Torrance, CA 90505 A Torrance clinical psychology practice led by Corinne Hickson Barez, PhD, who has practiced in Torrance for more than 30 years. It does psychoeducational, neuropsychological, ADHD and autism evaluations on site, including for girls and kids who mask their symptoms, plus therapy for children and teens with anxiety, mood problems and school refusal. It knows Torrance Unified’s IEP and 504 processes, and offers reunification therapy for families after separation or conflict. - Evaluations done on site - ADHD and autism assessment - Knows TUSD’s IEP and 504 process - Reunification therapy - Website: https://www.completefamilyservices.com/ - Phone: 310-375-8665 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/torrance/complete-family-services.md ### 15. Dr. Carol A. Francis & Associates Torrance · 3655 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 A Torrance psychology practice led by Carol A. Francis, PsyD, that serves the whole South Bay, from the Beach Cities and Palos Verdes to San Pedro, Carson and Long Beach. With children and teens it uses play therapy, sand tray, symbolic play and other creative approaches for anxiety, depression, self-esteem and trauma, and behavioral or cognitive therapy for behavior problems at home or school. - Play and sand tray therapy - Behavioral and cognitive therapy - Serves the South Bay and Long Beach - Website: https://www.drcarolfrancis.com/children-and-teen-therapy - Phone: 310-543-1824 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/torrance/dr-carol-a-francis-and-associates.md ## Psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist? Three kinds of licensed professionals treat children’s mental health in California, and the letters after a name tell you which one you’re seeing. - **Psychologist (PhD or PsyD).** Needs a doctoral degree and a license from the [Board of Psychology](https://www.psychology.ca.gov/). Under California law, psychologists assess, diagnose and treat, and they give and interpret psychological tests, such as evaluations for ADHD, autism and learning disabilities. - **Therapist (LMFT or LCSW).** Marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers have at least a master’s degree and are licensed by the [Board of Behavioral Sciences](https://www.bbs.ca.gov/). They do therapy, often for the same worries that bring families to a psychologist. - **Psychiatrist (MD or DO).** A medical doctor who can prescribe medication; psychologists can’t. See our guide to [child psychiatrists in Los Angeles](https://summerground.com/guides/child-psychiatrists-los-angeles). Match the professional to your question. If you need to understand what’s behind your child’s struggles, a psychologist’s evaluation can help. If you already know and need help day to day, a psychologist or a licensed therapist can do the therapy. If you’re wondering whether medication would help, talk with a psychiatrist or your pediatrician. Some kids end up seeing more than one, and CARE-LA, on this list, has a child psychiatrist in house. ## How to choose a child psychologist Fit matters as much as credentials. Use a first phone call to ask: - Do you work with kids my child’s age, and with problems like theirs (anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavior)? - What approach do you use for that problem, and how will we know it’s working? Practices on this list name approaches such as CBT, exposure therapy, ERP, PCIT and parent training. - How will parents be involved? - Do you also do testing, or will you refer us elsewhere? - Are you in network with my plan? If not, what does a session cost, and do you give superbills? - With my consent, will you talk with my child’s school, pediatrician or psychiatrist? - Are sessions in person, by video or at home? > Check the license before you book: search the name on the state’s [DCA License Search](https://search.dca.ca.gov/), which covers psychologists, LMFTs and LCSWs. Some psychologists are also board-certified in clinical child and adolescent psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), like Anna Swan, PhD, on this list. ## Finding one in network, and what it costs Start with your plan: call member services or search its directory for psychologists who see children, then call the offices to check they’re taking new patients. Some plans let you book directly; others need your doctor or the plan to approve a referral first. If your plan is regulated by the state, the rules are on your side: - **Wait times.** The plan must offer a non-urgent appointment with a non-physician mental health provider, such as a psychologist or therapist, within 10 business days. If it can’t, it must help you get an appointment with another provider, in or out of network ([DMHC](https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/YourHealthCareRights/TimelyAccesstoCare.aspx)). - **Equal coverage.** It must cover medically necessary mental health treatment, can’t charge higher copays or deductibles for it than for physical care, and must arrange out-of-network coverage when care isn’t available in network ([DMHC](https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/GettheBestCare/BehavioralHealthCare.aspx)). If you hit a wall, file a grievance with your plan, then call the Department of Managed Health Care Help Center at 1-888-466-2219. Out of network, you pay the practice and send your plan a superbill for any out-of-network benefits. Self-pay prices posted by practices on this list: - **Therapy:** $150 a session with a master’s-level clinician or $250 at the doctoral level at Our Kids Developmental Services; $300 for a 50-minute session with Dr. Adi Soffer, or $200 a session with an associate therapist, at Kesher Psychological Services. - **Testing:** $2,500 for a targeted autism assessment and $5,000 for a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at Our Kids. ## On Medi-Cal: your health plan or LA County DMH Medi-Cal covers mental health care for kids, and there’s no wrong door: you can start with your health plan or with the county. 1. **Call your Medi-Cal health plan**, such as L.A. Care, Health Net or Kaiser Permanente, at the number on your card. Plans cover mental health evaluations, individual, group and family therapy, and psychological and neuropsychological testing when it’s clinically needed. On this list, Our Kids Developmental Services in Pasadena takes Anthem Medi-Cal. 2. **Or call the LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH)** 24/7 Help Line at 800-854-7771. After a screening, your child gets an appointment for an assessment with a county clinic or an agency DMH contracts with. 3. **Or look up clinics yourself** in the [DMH Provider Directory](https://dmh.lacounty.gov/pd/). For children and teens under 21, the county must provide medically necessary services, which for kids means anything that corrects, supports or improves a mental health condition. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help, and your doctor, your child’s school or a family member can refer your child. The county has to offer a first appointment within 10 business days of a non-urgent request. > While you wait, LA County DMH points families to two free programs: Brightlife Kids, for families with children 0 to 12, and the Soluna app for ages 13 to 25 ([DMH](https://dmh.lacounty.gov/get-help-now/)). ## Questions parents ask ### What does a child psychologist do? A child psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats emotional, behavioral and learning problems in children and teens. That can mean weekly therapy, such as CBT for anxiety or parent training for behavior, or a psychological evaluation that uses tests and interviews to answer questions about ADHD, autism, learning disabilities or giftedness. Many on this list also coach parents or work with schools. In California, psychologists can’t prescribe medication, so they may work with a psychiatrist or pediatrician when medication comes up. ### Child psychologist or therapist: which does my child need? For weekly therapy, a licensed psychologist (PhD or PsyD) and a licensed therapist (LMFT or LCSW) can both be good choices; look for experience with your child’s age and problem. If you need testing, such as an evaluation for ADHD, autism or a learning disability, look for a psychologist. Some group practices have both, like Our Kids Developmental Services in Pasadena, which has psychologists and a marriage and family therapist. ### How much does a child psychologist cost in Los Angeles? Self-pay prices posted by practices on this list run $150 to $300 a therapy session: $250 at the doctoral level or $150 with a master’s-level clinician at Our Kids Developmental Services in Pasadena, and $300 for 50 minutes with Dr. Adi Soffer at Kesher Psychological Services. Testing costs more; Our Kids charges $2,500 for a targeted autism assessment and $5,000 for a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. With insurance, you pay your plan’s copay or coinsurance. ### Does insurance cover a child psychologist? Usually. California requires state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary mental health treatment, with copays no higher than for physical care, and Medi-Cal plans cover therapy and, when it’s needed, psychological testing. If you can’t find a psychologist in network who has openings, a state-regulated plan must offer an appointment within 10 business days or help you get one, in or out of network. Out-of-network practices give superbills you can send in for reimbursement. ### Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD or autism? Yes. Under California law, a psychologist’s practice includes assessment, diagnosis and psychological testing. Several practices on this list evaluate for ADHD and autism, including Starleaf Psychological Services in Pasadena, which uses the ADOS for autism, and Complete Family Services in Torrance. For more options, see our guides to [ADHD testing](https://summerground.com/guides/adhd-testing-for-kids-los-angeles) and [autism testing](https://summerground.com/guides/autism-testing-for-kids-los-angeles) for kids in LA. ### Can my teenager see a therapist without my permission? Sometimes. In California, teens 12 and older may be able to get outpatient mental health treatment or counseling without a parent’s consent if the professional believes they’re mature enough to take part. Parents are still involved unless the professional decides, after talking with the teen, that it would be inappropriate. Ask the practice how it handles your teen’s privacy and what it shares with you. ## How we made this list We searched the web for child psychologists and group practices across Los Angeles County, then kept those whose own websites say they work with children or teens and are led by licensed psychologists. Every detail here comes from those sites or from official sources, checked in October 2026. The order isn’t a ranking; call to confirm insurance, fees and openings. - [California Business and Professions Code 2903 (the practice of psychology)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=2903) - [California Business and Professions Code 2904 (psychologists don’t prescribe)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=2904) - [California Business and Professions Code 2914 (doctoral degree for psychologists)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=2914) - [California Business and Professions Code 4980.36 (LMFT degree)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=4980.36) - [California Business and Professions Code 4996.2 (LCSW degree)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=4996.2) - [DCA License Search (psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs)](https://search.dca.ca.gov/) - [DMHC: Timely Access to Care](https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/YourHealthCareRights/TimelyAccesstoCare.aspx) - [DMHC: Behavioral Health Care and California’s mental health parity law](https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/GettheBestCare/BehavioralHealthCare.aspx) - [LA County DMH: Get Help Now (24/7 Help Line, Brightlife Kids, Soluna)](https://dmh.lacounty.gov/get-help-now/) - [LA County DMH Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Services Member Handbook (July 2026)](https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dmh/1211009_MemberHandbook_English_July2026.pdf) - [LA County DMH Provider Directory](https://dmh.lacounty.gov/pd/) More guides: https://summerground.com/guides/child-psychiatrists-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/adhd-testing-for-kids-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/autism-testing-for-kids-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/social-skills-groups-los-angeles.md. All of them: https://summerground.com/guides.md.