Child Psychologists Online
Supporting Your Child Through Life's Challenges
Watching your child struggle with anxiety, behavioral issues, or emotional difficulties can be heartbreaking. You may feel helpless as they withdraw, act out, or struggle to express what they're going through—especially when traditional approaches aren't working, and you're unsure where to turn for professional support that truly understands children's unique needs.
Child psychologists and therapists specialize in creating safe spaces where children can express themselves through age-appropriate methods like play therapy, art therapy, and tailored cognitive behavioral approaches. These evidence-based techniques help children develop healthy coping strategies, process difficult emotions, and build resilience—skills that benefit them throughout their lives.
Our children's therapists work collaboratively with families, providing guidance for parents while respecting your role as the most important person in your child's life. Through compassionate, professional support, we help restore family harmony and give children the tools to thrive.
Common Concerns About Children's Therapy
- "Does my child's issue really require professional help?" If your child's emotional state or behaviour is affecting their daily functioning, relationships, or development, speaking with a child psychologist can provide clarity and targeted support.
- "Will therapy make my child feel there's something wrong with them?" Our child psychologists create positive, affirming environments where therapy feels like a safe space for growth, not a response to "problems."
- "How do online sessions work with young children?" Online children's counselling is specially adapted for different age groups, using interactive activities, games, and age-appropriate discussions that engage children effectively in the digital environment.
Not Sure if Online Counselling is Right For Your Child?
Our Quick Quiz Helps You:
- Learn what therapy actually involves
- Understand how it might help you
- Discover what to expect from sessions
- Get clarity on practical matters like costs
Why Choose UK Therapy Guide for Your Child
- Qualified Specialists: All our child therapists and psychologists hold advanced qualifications and are registered with professional UK regulatory bodies.
- Personally Matched: We carefully match your child with the right professional based on their specific needs and challenges.
- Flexible Options: Choose between online sessions for convenience or in-person therapy with a child therapist near you.
- Compassionate Approach: Our therapists use child-centered methods that honour your child's unique personality and experiences.
- Parent Support: Receive practical guidance to help you support your child's progress between sessions.
How it Works
Share Your Preferences
Complete our brief placement form to tell us about your needs, schedule preferences, and what you're looking for in a therapist.
Free Consultation Call
Have a friendly chat with our placement specialists who'll take the time to understand your situation and match you with the perfect therapist for your needs.
Begin Your Journey
Meet your carefully matched therapist and start working together through regular sessions to achieve your therapeutic goals.
Meet Our Child Psychologists in the UK
Finding the right child psychologist shouldn't be complicated. Our placement team personally knows every therapist in our network, ensuring we can match you with someone who truly understands your needs.
Why we recommend Mariam
Mariam brings 18 years of experience across NHS and private settings, offering compassionate, culturally aware support to individuals, couples, and families. Her integrative, client-centred approach helps clients navigate emotional and relational challenges, with a strong focus on systemic therapy, social justice, and building lasting resilience.
With 18 years of diverse experience in clinical, therapeutic, and leadership roles across inpatient, crisis, community, and psychiatric intensive care settings, I have worked with individuals, children, young people, couples,...
With 18 years of diverse experience in clinical, therapeutic, and leadership roles across inpatient, crisis, community, and psychiatric intensive care settings, I have worked with individuals, children, young people, couples, and families facing various mental health and neurodivergent challenges both in NHS and private sectors.
As a UKCP-registered and AFT accredited Systemic & Family Psychotherapist and NMC registered Mental Health Nurse, I adhere to these professional regulatory bodies’ ethical standards.
I am committed to promoting mental health well-being, social justice, and anti-stigma initiatives through high-quality, intersectional care. With significant leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams, complex caseloads, and service delivery, I have contributed to improving parity of esteem for mental and physical health, embedding this within organisational culture and practice.
My approach is compassionate, culturally competent, and rooted in a deep understanding of the social and environmental factors influencing mental health. I am experienced in risk management and evidence-based frameworks to enhance care outcomes for individuals and families. I use an eclectic integrative, evidence-based approach that prioritises collaboration, non-oppressive methods, and client safety.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy, professional development coaching, and systemic consultations, working with diverse clients across independent, private and organisational health/social care sectors.
Whether you’re seeking long-term therapy, family intervention, or mental health consultancy, I am dedicated to supporting you in building resilient, supportive networks and improving your mental health and well-being.
Therapy Offered
- Client Centred Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Person Centred Therapy
- Relational Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Creative therapy
Speciality areas
Qualifications
- MSc in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy
- MSc in Medical Anthropology
- BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing (RMN)
- AFT-Accredited and UKCP-Registered Systemic & Family Psychotherapist
Session Fees
| Session Type | Online & Phone | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | £65 | - |
| Couples | £85 | - |
| Family | £115 | - |
| Adolescent | £65 | - |
| Child | £65 | - |
Why we recommend Emmy
Emmy is a highly qualified therapist who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her expertise in complex trauma, neurodiversity. Emmy creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space, and tailors her integrative approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
I provide individual sessions for children, adolescents and adults as well as sessions for couples and families. I am a registered counsellor with the BACP and in the final stages...
I provide individual sessions for children, adolescents and adults as well as sessions for couples and families.
I am a registered counsellor with the BACP and in the final stages of training as a Doctor of Counselling Psychology.
I believe the foundation of effective counselling is to ensure that a good therapeutic relationship is developed and that clients feel empowered throughout the therapeutic process. As a neurodivergent therapist, I understand the importance of a welcoming, accepting, and non-judgmental space.
As an integrative practitioner, I draw upon relational psychodynamic counselling, systemic therapy, CBT and third-wave approaches. I do not believe that a one size fits all, therefore throughout the therapeutic process, I will draw upon different styles of working, collaborating with you to build the right toolbox to support your needs.
My primary areas of experience are working with complex trauma and individuals who have learning difficulties, social-emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) as well as neurodiversity, such as autism and ADHD. Other areas of experience include working with attachment difficulties, abuse, OCD, sexual assault, sexual and criminal exploitation, self-esteem, sexuality, gender identity, depression, anxiety, PTSD and health anxiety. I have also worked with people who are experiencing family, school or work-related issues, as well as providing counselling to young people in specialised schools.
Overview of therapeutic approaches:
Integrative therapy: This brings together elements of different types of therapies, no single approach is used, each person is considered as a whole, and counselling techniques must be tailored to their individual needs and personal circumstances.
Relational Psychodynamic Therapy: This is a form of therapy that focuses on the relationships between people. It is based on the idea that our relationships with others are shaped by our past experiences and the way we see ourselves. There is a focus on unconscious processes that impact present behaviour, thoughts, and feelings, with the aim to enable self-awareness.
Systemic Therapy: This form of therapy looks to address people not only on the individual level but also to identify patterns within an individual’s relationships. In this type of therapy, the focus is on how an individual is part of a larger unit or system, for example, a couple, a family, an organisation, or a community.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: This focuses on challenging and changing thoughts and behaviours.
Third-wave CBT approaches: These approaches emphasise; mindfulness, emotions, acceptance, relationships, values and goals.
Person-centred: This is a non-directive approach to talking therapy, with a core focus on the person.
Therapy Offered
- Behaviour Therapy
- Child Therapy
- Client Centred Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Integrative Child Therapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Person Centred Therapy
- Psychoanalytic Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Relational Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
Speciality areas
Qualifications
- Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Studies
- Post Graduate Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Studies
- Counselling Certificate
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
Session Fees
| Session Type | Online & Phone | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | £110 | - |
| Couples | £110 | - |
| Family | £110 | - |
| Adolescent | £110 | - |
| Child | £110 | - |
Understanding the Role of a Child Psychologist
Child psychologists are doctoral-level professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a range of psychological conditions affecting children, from anxiety and depression to developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. They employ evidence-based methodologies including standardized testing, clinical interviews, and specialized therapeutic techniques to support children's mental health needs. Unlike general therapists, child psychologists have specific expertise in developmental psychology and pediatric mental health conditions, making them uniquely qualified to address complex psychological issues in young people.
Child psychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations of a child's developmental milestones, cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and social behaviors through various assessment methods. Their advanced training enables them to identify and diagnose conditions that may be overlooked in standard healthcare settings, working collaboratively with pediatricians, educators, and families to coordinate holistic care plans.
How Children's Therapy Works
Children's therapy differs significantly from adult approaches, using age-appropriate methods like play therapy, art therapy, and specially adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These techniques help children express feelings they may struggle to verbalize while building emotional regulation skills and healthy coping strategies. Sessions typically last 50 minutes, with therapists creating structured yet flexible environments that feel safe and engaging. Parents are often integrated into the therapeutic process, receiving guidance on supporting their child's progress between sessions.
Play therapy allows child therapists to gain insights into a child's unresolved emotions and foster communication skills through symbolic play. For children experiencing anxiety or depression, specially adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps them reframe negative thought patterns and develop effective coping mechanisms. These evidence-based approaches are tailored to the child's developmental stage, ensuring that therapeutic interventions remain accessible and engaging.
Online vs. In-Person Children's Therapy
Online children's therapy has proven equally effective as traditional in-person sessions for many conditions, with studies showing comparable outcomes in reducing anxiety symptoms. Digital platforms allow child psychologists to use interactive tools, games, and visual aids that particularly engage tech-savvy young people. Online sessions eliminate travel time, reduce school absences, and allow children to participate from familiar home environments—often resulting in more open communication. However, some situations may benefit from in-person therapy, especially for very young children or those with specific needs requiring physical observation.
Finding the Right Child Therapist in the UK
The therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective outcomes in children's therapy. When selecting a child therapist near you, consider their specific qualifications (HCPC registration for psychologists or BACP accreditation for therapists), experience with your child's particular challenges, and therapeutic approach. UK Therapy Guide simplifies this process by personally matching families with appropriate specialists based on the child's needs, personality, and your preferences regarding session format. Our network includes child therapists across the UK, ensuring families can access support regardless of location.
When evaluating potential child psychologists, verify their credentials through recognized regulatory bodies like the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for psychologists or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) for therapists. Look for professionals with specific experience in your child's particular challenges, whether that's anxiety, trauma response, or neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
- What signs indicate my child might benefit from seeing a child psychologist?
- Common indicators include persistent changes in behavior or mood, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, declining school performance, sleep disturbances, increased aggression, excessive fears, or difficulty recovering from traumatic events. Children often express emotional distress through behavioral changes rather than words, so these signs warrant professional evaluation, particularly if they persist for more than a few weeks or significantly impact daily functioning.
- What's the difference between a child psychologist and a child therapist?
- Child psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological conditions in children. They can conduct formal assessments and diagnostic testing. Child therapists (including counselors and clinical social workers) usually have master's-level qualifications and focus primarily on providing therapeutic interventions rather than formal diagnosis. Both professionals are qualified to deliver children's counselling, but psychologists have additional training for complex cases requiring diagnosis and specialized treatment plans.
- At what age can children begin therapy?
- Children can benefit from therapy at almost any age, with approaches adapted to their developmental stage. Even young children can engage in play therapy, while older children benefit from more interactive and verbal therapeutic approaches. Our child psychologists specialize in different age ranges, from childhood through adolescence, ensuring age-appropriate support.
- How does online therapy work for children?
- Online therapy sessions are specially designed to engage children through secure video platforms. Child therapists use digital tools, interactive games, drawing capabilities, and screen-sharing to facilitate therapeutic activities suitable for children's developmental stages. Parents may need to assist with technical setup, particularly for younger children, but therapists are experienced in maintaining engagement and connection through digital sessions.
- How long does children's therapy typically last?
- The duration varies depending on the child's needs and the nature of their challenges. Some children benefit from short-term interventions (6-12 sessions) for specific issues like mild anxiety or adjustment difficulties. More complex situations may require longer-term support spanning several months. Your child's therapist will discuss timeframes and regularly review progress with you.
- Will I be involved in my child's therapy sessions?
- Parent involvement varies based on your child's age, the therapeutic approach, and specific circumstances. For younger children, parents often participate in portions of sessions and receive guidance on supporting therapeutic goals at home. With older children and adolescents, therapists typically respect their growing need for privacy while still keeping parents informed about overall progress and ways to support treatment goals.
- How much does child therapy cost in the UK?
- With UK Therapy Guide, sessions with qualified child therapists typically range from £60-£120 depending on the practitioner's qualifications, specialization, and session format. Some practitioners offer sliding scale fees based on family circumstances. We're transparent about costs before sessions begin, with no hidden fees or long-term commitments required.
- Can my child access therapy through the NHS?
- Yes, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide NHS therapy, but waiting lists are often lengthy (sometimes 6-18 months). Many families choose private therapy through UK Therapy Guide to access a child therapist near you more quickly, typically within days rather than months.
- What therapeutic approaches are most effective for children?
- Evidence-based approaches for children include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, art therapy, and family therapy. For anxiety and depression, CBT has strong research support, while play therapy is particularly effective for younger children. Trauma-focused CBT helps children process difficult experiences, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy improves family dynamics. Your child's therapist will recommend approaches based on their specific needs and developmental stage.
- How do I explain therapy to my child?
- Frame therapy in positive, age-appropriate terms, describing it as a place where they can talk about their feelings and learn helpful skills. For younger children, you might describe the child psychologist as someone who helps kids with big feelings or worries through talking and activities. Older children benefit from honest conversations about how therapy provides tools to manage challenges. Emphasize that many children see therapists and that it's a sign of strength to talk about feelings, not a punishment or indication that anything is "wrong" with them.