Child Psychologist in Orange County, CA
Child & Family STEPS provides specialized and accessible psychological care for families throughout Orange County. We understand that OC parents are deeply committed to providing the best opportunities for their children, from navigating the excellent school systems to fostering well-being within its vibrant, family-centric communities.
Our practice offers the expertise of a specialized child psychologist, made conveniently available to you right in your Orange County home.
We are proud to extend our services to families from Irvine to Newport Beach, offering expert, confidential therapy that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Our Approach to Child Therapy
Our therapeutic philosophy is centered on creating a warm, insightful, and trusting partnership with you and your child. We know that children communicate, learn, and heal through the natural language of play. By using engaging, evidence-based techniques like guided storytelling, creative arts, and interactive play, we help your child:
- Build a vocabulary for their emotions and experiences.
- Develop resilience and effective problem-solving skills.
- Increase their confidence and strengthen their connection with others.
This dedicated and child-focused approach ensures your child receives high-quality, specialized care without the need to travel, allowing them to feel secure and comfortable in their own familiar environment.
Specialized Psychology Services for Orange County Children

Dyadic Parent-Child Interventions
(0-8 years)
Utilizing therapeutic techniques aimed at improving attachment, communication, development, and emotion regulation within the parent-child dyad.

Individual Therapy with Children
(5-8 years)
Supporting children with identifying emotions, teaching coping skills for managing big feelings, and understanding and navigating social interactions.

Parenting Support
(Parents/family)
Helping parents and families learn strategies to support child development, address co-parenting conflict and parenting stress, and improve family dynamics and communication.

Behaviors & Emotion Regulation
We help children who are struggling with tantrums, aggression, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors.

Trauma/Stress
We offer trauma-informed therapy to help children and families process traumatic/stressful experiences and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment.

Early Development & Neurodevelopmental Disorders
We address challenges in early childhood such as sleep concerns, potty training, and difficulties with communication and social interactions.
A Supportive Partnership with Orange County Parents
We believe that lasting change happens when parents are empowered and involved. Our practice is built on a strong, collaborative partnership with you. We work as a team to:
- Help you gain a deeper understanding of your child’s unique temperament and needs.
- Equip you with practical, effective strategies to use every day.
- Foster a more joyful, connected, and resilient family dynamic.
This partnership ensures that you feel confident and supported, and that the benefits of therapy are integrated into the heart of your family life in Orange County.
Meet Dr. Holly Paymon
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Holly is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to serving families throughout Orange County. She provides specialized infant and early childhood mental health services (ages 0-8), making her expertise accessible to families from Irvine to Newport Beach.
Dr. Holly focuses on creating strong foundations by addressing the needs of children early on. She recognizes the importance of early experiences in shaping a child’s well-being and is committed to supporting Orange County families in building strong, secure relationships.
Contact Us
FAQs about Child Therapy in Orange County
Are your services available to families in Orange County?
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges that affect their daily life, therapy may be beneficial. Signs can include difficulty regulating emotions, behavioral issues, social withdrawal, or developmental delays.
Will I participate in my child's therapy?
Will I participate in my child's therapy?
How do I prepare my child for their first therapy session?
How often will my child need to attend therapy?
The frequency of sessions depends on your child’s specific needs and our agreed-upon treatment plan. Typically, sessions are held weekly to maintain continuity and progress.
Do you offer support for parents as well?
Absolutely. I provide guidance and strategies to help you in your parenting role, offering support that can enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a parent. I am also a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy provider and offer live coaching to support parents with practicing skills learned.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 310-363-0026 or emailing us at drpaymon@childfamilysteps.com. We’ll start with a free consultation call to discuss your needs and determine if our services are a good fit for your family.