Child Therapy in Encino, CA
Helping Children Thrive
Warm, developmentally-informed therapy for children — supporting emotional growth, behavioral challenges, and family well-being in Encino and throughout California.
Children Communicate Differently — And That's Okay
Children don't always have the words to express what they're feeling — but their behavior, play, and emotions tell a story. When a child is struggling, it often shows up as acting out, withdrawal, school refusal, anxiety, or changes in sleep and appetite.
Dr. Carrie Jacobs, PsyD, provides compassionate, developmentally-informed therapy for children in Encino, CA. She creates a safe, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves — through conversation, play, and creative expression.
Dr. Jacobs works closely with parents throughout the therapeutic process, providing guidance, psychoeducation, and strategies to support their child's growth at home and at school.
Concerns Dr. Jacobs Addresses in Children
Anxiety & Worry
Separation anxiety, school anxiety, generalized worry, and phobias that interfere with daily life and development.
Depression & Sadness
Persistent low mood, loss of interest in play, withdrawal from friends and family, and expressions of hopelessness.
Behavioral Challenges
Aggression, defiance, tantrums, impulsivity, and difficulty following rules at home or school.
ADHD & Attention Difficulties
Supporting children with attention, focus, and impulse control challenges — and helping families develop effective strategies.
Trauma & Adverse Experiences
Processing difficult experiences including abuse, neglect, accidents, medical trauma, or witnessing violence.
Family Transitions
Helping children navigate divorce, remarriage, blended families, a new sibling, relocation, or the loss of a loved one.
Social Skills & Peer Relationships
Building confidence, empathy, and the social skills needed to form and maintain friendships.
School Refusal & Academic Stress
Addressing the anxiety, avoidance, and emotional barriers that prevent children from engaging fully in school.
Grief & Loss
Supporting children through the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent, or pet — and helping them understand and process grief.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Building a healthy sense of self-worth and identity in children who struggle with confidence, body image, or belonging.
A Child-Centered, Family-Inclusive Approach
Dr. Jacobs uses a warm, child-centered approach that meets each child where they are developmentally and emotionally. She draws from play therapy, CBT adapted for children, trauma-informed care, and family systems approaches. Sessions are engaging, age-appropriate, and always focused on building the child's strengths alongside addressing their challenges.
Parents are an essential part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Jacobs provides regular parent check-ins, psychoeducation about child development and mental health, and practical strategies to reinforce progress at home. She believes that when parents and therapist work as a team, children thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Child Deserves to Feel Safe and Supported
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with Dr. Jacobs to discuss your child's needs and find out how we can help.
Or call us directly: (818) 419-4582