Child Therapists in Washington DC

Finding a therapist who specializes in child therapy can be crucial for supporting young ones through developmental challenges, emotional struggles, and behavioral concerns. With 6 verified child therapists in Washington DC, you can filter by therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues such as anxiety, behavioral difficulties, or family changes. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is welcoming new clients and has upcoming availability, offering timely, compassionate support to help children thrive emotionally and socially.

Availability updated: 5/22/2026

Open-minded
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+2
My name is Cha Peterson, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and challenges with emotions like anger and feeling overwhelmed. I take a person-centered and practical approach, blending understanding with tools you can use in your day-to-day life. My goal is to create a space you feel heard, respected, and supported-while also helping you build skills to move forward with confidence. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and you don't have to have everything figured out to begin. We'll work together at your pace to understand what's going on and what meaningful changes looks like for you.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Greetings, I am a licensed mental health clinician licensed in Maryland, DC and Virginia with over seven years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My approach to therapy is holistic and strength-based, focusing on helping clients navigate and resolve a wide range of life’s challenges. By drawing upon each individual’s unique strengths, I work to foster resilience and encourage a continuous journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My goal is to create a supportive environment that empowers clients to uncover deeper insights, develop effective coping strategies, and enhance their overall well-being.
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Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
+10
Hi, I’m a bilingual (English and Spanish) social worker from Puerto Rico. I work with children, teens, and young adults, and I’m passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where my clients can feel seen, heard, and valued. I’ve had the privilege of working in both school and clinical settings, supporting clients facing challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, self-harm, and suicidality. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult, especially when life feels overwhelming. My goal is to walk alongside you through those tough moments and help you build the tools to heal, grow, and reconnect with your strengths. I believe that everyone has the capacity for change, and therapy can be a powerful space to rediscover hope and confidence. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally sensitive. Being bilingual allows me to connect deeply with clients in both English and Spanish, helping you express yourself in the language that feels most natural to you. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to find your place in the world, I’m here to offer support, understanding, and guidance. Together, we’ll work toward healing and building the life you want — one step at a time.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Mood Disorders
Sexual Abuse
+14
Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon D. Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years. My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies at Frostburg State University. I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you. At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients. I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships. **I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED **Individuals & families ONLY at this time.
VirtualAvailable
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Solution oriented
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Note: I am currently only taking new clients who are seeking shorter term therapy experience (expected to end by mid-August), using a solutions-focused approach. Welcome to the next step in your journey of healing! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience working with a wide range of people from all walks of life. I specialize in working with individuals seeking to recover from trauma, learning to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, people struggling in their relationships, and difficult life transitions. It is my privilege to work with you toward achieving your therapeutic goals.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
ADHD
Anger Management
+10
Hello, My core belief is that all people are created equal; therefore, everyone has equal right to leave to their fullest potential. I earned my master’s in social work from University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD in 2010. I have Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in MD, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in VA. For more than 10 years, I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), humanistic, person-center, strength-focused therapy and other psychotherapy Intervention to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual or family in diverse therapy environment. I am commented to assist people to live life to their fullest potential because we all have one life to live, and we deserve to be in peace with ourselves. I have worked with people in LGBTQ+ community both in individual and couple session. I am WPATH qualify to write gender affirming surgery letter.
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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by District of Columbia rather than a neighborhood like Adams Morgan?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in District of Columbia. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across District of Columbia from The Navy Yard to Georgetown! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in District of Columbia.

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 Child or Adolescent?

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. For example, your selected specialty, Child or Adolescent, is filtering therapists in District of Columbia that work with patients with similar concerns.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.