Child Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Child & Family STEPS is a premier practice offering dedicated support to families in Santa Monica. We understand that life in a city known for its active, outdoor lifestyle and progressive educational values comes with a unique set of opportunities and pressures for children’s development. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help your child thrive in the Santa Monica community.
We proudly serve families from Santa Monica and surrounding areas, providing expert child psychology services designed to fit into your busy life.
Our Unique Approach to Child Psychology
Our therapeutic philosophy is built on creating a warm, engaging, and trust-filled space for your child. We know that children communicate and process their world through play. That’s why we use creative, developmentally-appropriate methods, including interactive games, art, storytelling, and imaginative play, to connect with your child. This allows us to help them:
- Explore and understand their feelings.
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Build confidence and resilience.
By meeting your child on their level, we can effectively address their challenges and foster a strong foundation for lifelong emotional well-being.
Specialized Child Psychology Services in Santa Monica
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.
Partnership with Santa Monica Parents
Your involvement is a critical component of your child’s success in therapy. We view our relationship with parents as a partnership. We work hand-in-hand with you to:
- Deepen your understanding of your child’s emotional landscape.
- Equip you with practical tools to use in your daily life.
- Foster positive communication and strengthen your family dynamic.
This collaborative model ensures that the progress made in therapy continues to flourish at home, creating lasting positive change for your child and family.
Meet Dr. Holly Paymon
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Holly is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to serving families throughout Santa Monica. She provides specialized infant and early childhood mental health services (ages 0-8), focusing on creating strong foundations that align with the community’s health-conscious values.
Dr. Holly recognizes the importance of early experiences in shaping a child’s emotional well-being. Her goal is to support Santa Monica families in building strong, secure relationships and equipping them with practical strategies to manage stress and thrive within this active, coastal community.
Contact Us
FAQs about Child Therapy in Santa Monica
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?
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 [email protected]. We’ll start with a free consultation call to discuss your needs and determine if our services are a good fit for your family.