Choosing the right psychologist for your child is a big decision, and it’s normal to want to feel confident in that choice before getting started. At Midtown Psychology, our child psychologists provide evidence-based, individualized care for children and families across New York City, with a focus on building genuine trust and lasting progress.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Child Psychologist?
The right fit involves more than just credentials. Some things worth considering include:
Specific experience treating your child’s area of concern (anxiety, behavior, social skills, etc.)
A strengths-based approach that builds on what your child already does well
Comfort working collaboratively with parents, not just the child alone
Willingness to explain their approach and involve you in treatment planning
A warm, welcoming style that puts your child at ease
A brief consultation call is often the best way to get a sense of whether a psychologist’s style fits your child and family.
How Is a Child Psychologist Different from a Child Therapist or Counselor?
These terms are often used loosely, which can make the distinction confusing for parents. In general:
Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree and are trained in both therapy and psychological assessment
Therapists and counselors may hold a master’s-level license and focus primarily on treatment, not testing
Psychologists are often the ones conducting formal evaluations, such as psychoeducational or gifted assessments
All can provide high-quality, evidence-based therapy, though training and scope of practice can differ
If your child may need testing in addition to ongoing support, working with a psychologist can streamline that process under one provider.
What Conditions Do Child Psychologists Typically Treat?
Child psychologists address a wide range of childhood concerns, including:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and mood changes
Disruptive or oppositional behaviors
ADHD and executive functioning challenges
Social difficulties and peer relationship struggles
School avoidance or school-related stress
Tics and Tourette Syndrome
Autism and other neurodivergent profiles, including twice-exceptional (2e) children
Treatment is tailored to each child’s specific presentation rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
How Involved Will I Be as a Parent in My Child’s Treatment?
Parent involvement is often central to effective child therapy, especially for younger children. Depending on your child’s age and needs, this might look like:
Regular check-ins to discuss progress and strategies to reinforce at home
Parent coaching sessions, including approaches like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Collaboration on how to respond consistently to behaviors between sessions
Updates on treatment goals and any adjustments to the plan
For teens, involvement often shifts to allow more privacy and autonomy, while still keeping parents informed on the broader picture.
What Does the First Appointment with a Child Psychologist Look Like?
The first appointment is primarily focused on understanding your child and family, not making immediate conclusions. It typically includes:
Discussing your concerns, developmental history, and any relevant school or medical information
Learning about your child’s strengths, interests, and resiliency factors, not just areas of difficulty
Explaining what treatment options might fit your child’s specific needs
Answering your questions about the process, timeline, and what to expect going forward
This appointment sets the foundation for a collaborative, transparent treatment plan.
How Do I Know if My Child’s Struggles Need Professional Support or Are Just a Phase?
Some emotional ups and downs are a normal part of childhood development. It may be worth seeking support if you notice:
Struggles that are persistent rather than tied to a specific, temporary stressor
Behaviors that are out of proportion to the situation
Interference with school, friendships, or daily routines
Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches with no clear medical cause
Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite that last more than a few weeks
A lack of improvement despite support at home or school
If you’re unsure, a consultation is a low-pressure way to get an outside perspective before deciding on next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Columbus Circle office as well as virtual appointments, so families can choose whichever format works best.
We work with children, adolescents, and adults, adapting our approach to fit each child’s developmental stage.
You can request a free 15-minute consultation through our website, and our team will typically follow up within 1-3 business days.
Yes. When appropriate and with your consent, we can collaborate with schools to support consistency across home and school environments.