Play Therapy Therapists in California

Play Therapy is a child-centered therapy approach that uses play to help children express emotions, process trauma, and build coping skills. Through toys, art, and storytelling, this therapy engages children in a safe and supportive environment that nurtures emotional and social growth. With 7 play therapists in California, families can access expert care tailored to the unique needs of children navigating behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below that specializes in play therapy is welcoming new clients, providing timely, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate support to help children thrive.

Jessica Pelaez

Jessica Pelaez, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
¡Hola! Hi, my name is Jessica Pelaez. I am a bilingual licensed clinical social worker and I have been providing therapy for six years. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work. I was born to Guatemalan immigrant parents and experienced many challenges and mental health struggles growing up. I believe my life experiences led me to pursue my education in the mental health field and because I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. I have had a passion in helping people since I was a little girl. When I was in Kindergarten my teacher took me and my class to visit a senior center. I remember that I sang and served cupcakes to the seniors. That was the first time I experienced the power of compassion and my passion in helping others feel happier. The best part of being a therapist is when I have the honor to celebrate clients progress no matter how small that accomplishment is.
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Claire McNally

(she/her)

Claire McNally, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$140/session
LPCC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hey, I’m Claire! I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. During my time with clients, I aim to provide a safe space through a client centered approach where we work together with what you bring to therapy. I work from a lens of creativity — meaning each session will be unique to the client by incorporating their strengths and interests in order empower them to find a meaningful way of expression that feels comfortable and safe. I lead with empathy and my belief that people are capable of change and can use our strengths to navigate life’s bumps. I earned my master’s in Early Childhood Mental Health in 2021 at San Diego State University. While my experience has been primarily with children, adolescents and transitional aged youth, ranging from ages 0-21, I am also passionate about working individually with caregivers and parents as well and supporting them throughout navigating parenthood.
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Emily Novokmet

(she/her)

Emily Novokmet, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Emily Novokmet and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, living in Los Angeles. I have been practicing therapy for four years and have worked in the mental health field for nine. My goal is to cultivate authentic connection with my clients so that they feel seen and heard for who and where they are. Warmth and empathy are at the core of everything I do in the therapeutic space.
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Safiya Tormo

Safiya Tormo, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
11110 Los Alami...
Welcome! My name is Safiya Tormo and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I'm here to support you and help you make progress on your healing journey. I aspire to provide a safe environment where you feel understood and accepted. I work with adults, birth to five, children, adolescents, and families. I utilize a trauma informed and holistic approach that recognizes the mind, body, and spirit connection and I seek to treat the whole person, so that you can make real change.
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Dr. S Judah

Dr. S Judah, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LMFT
35 years of experience
Virtual
I specialize in developing positive relationships with clients using mutual respect, trust, and transparency to assist clients in getting to the place that they desire to be. As an experiential therapist, it is my job to help you get in touch with the deeper parts of yourself by helping you identify the root cause of the issue, explore negative cycles, access feelings (both superficial and underlying), redefining the problem to help you to connect with disowned aspects of yourself. In this way, we can develop a plan that alleviates the root cause of the issue. In therapy sessions, we look at feelings, body sensations, thoughts, and behavior. The experiential therapy process helps clients feel, explore, and expand upon experiences through various techniques that include dream analysis, personal history, interpersonal relationships, motivations, self-esteem, hopes, and dreams. Dr. S. Judah
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Katie Nerelli

(she/her)

Katie Nerelli, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LMFT
18 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in northern California. I have spent almost two decades providing a safe space for children and families to grow, heal, express feelings, build attachments, learn respectful communication skills, and fill their toolboxes with coping strategies. My approach is down to earth, compassionate and non-judgmental. It is my deep belief that healing happens through connection. You and your family don't have to do this alone.
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Alina Whitmore

(she/her)

Alina Whitmore, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LP
15 years of experience
Virtual
Are you looking for a provider who specializes in working with young children who display difficult-to-manage behaviors? Are you desiring a stronger and more positive relationship with your child? Does your child struggle behaviorally or show difficulty adjusting to the birth or presence of a new sibling? Early intervention is essential to helping young minds thrive, and it’s not too late to get the help your family needs. If your child is displaying temper tantrums, depression, anxiety, clinginess, hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, defiance, or any other challenging behaviors, then seeking professional help may be a great next-step for you and your family. Disruptive behaviors can lead to familial/ marital distress, increased parental distress, and can negatively impact a child’s ability to learn and develop meaningful connections with others. Our team also includes professionals who are trained in addressing issues related to maternal and paternal mental health, postpartum complications, birth trauma, and mental health challenges experienced throughout the perinatal period.
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Explore more California Therapists by:

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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by California rather than a city like LA?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.
Play Therapy Therapists