Child Therapy (Ages 4-12)

A young boy running outdoors with a smile, followed by two women and one man.

In-Person in Huntington Beach & Newport Beach · Virtual Throughout California

Child therapy with me is a space where your child can be understood, and where you're included every step of the way, not left in the waiting room.

I'm Andrea D. Schoon, MA, LMFT, and I work with children ages four through twelve across Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Orange County who are navigating anxiety, big emotions, behavioral struggles, school concerns, or a hard family transition.

My Approach to Child Therapy

Children change fastest when parents are part of the process, not on the sidelines waiting for it to work. I include you throughout: you'll get guidance and practical strategies to use at home, not just updates after the fact.

Therapy for your child isn't something that happens while you wait outside. We work as a team.

Andrea Schoon sitting in her child therapy office with toys on a table

Signs Child Therapy Could Help

If this sounds like your family right now, there's a place to start making sense of it together.

"I just don't understand what my child wants or needs."

"The meltdowns are getting harder to manage."

"My child seems anxious or withdrawn, and I don't know how to help."

"School keeps calling about the same behavior."

"I want to understand what's underneath this, not just stop it."

Concerns Child Therapy Can Help With

  • Anxiety and frequent worries

  • Emotional outbursts and anger

  • Sadness or withdrawal

  • Difficulty following directions

  • Behavioral concerns

  • School avoidance

  • Friendship struggles

  • Low confidence

  • Difficulty coping with change at home or school

Child therapy office decorated with a vase of colorful flowers, games, and stationery.

What Changes With Child Therapy

Most families notice their child developing healthier ways to express emotion, better coping skills, and more confidence, along with fewer difficult moments at home and school. Parents often describe finally understanding what's underneath their child's behavior, and feeling more confident supporting them through it.

This work takes time and looks different for every child.

What to Expect in Child Therapy

Our first session focuses on understanding your child's strengths, challenges, and what's going on at home. Therapy is engaging and developmentally appropriate, built around your child rather than a fixed script.

I draw on play therapy, along with cognitive-behavioral and family systems approaches, depending on your child's age and what they respond to.

This work goes best when the whole family is ready to be part of the process. It's probably not the right fit if the goal is for me to fix your child without your involvement.

  • 50-minute sessions, in person only, usually weekly to start

  • At my Huntington Beach or Newport Beach office; parent consultations can be virtual or in person

  • Private pay, with superbills available if you have out-of-network benefits

  • A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is the first step

Start Child Therapy in Huntington Beach or Newport Beach

If you're ready to talk, I'd love to hear from you. Call 714-421-6115 or email andreaschoon@gmail.com, and let's set up a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. I respond within one business day.

Questions About Child Therapy

What is child therapy?

Child therapy is developmentally appropriate, engaging work between me and your child, built around what they're going through, with you closely involved throughout.

Do I need to sit in the waiting room during sessions?

No. I include you throughout the process, not just at drop-off and pick-up. You'll get guidance and practical strategies to use at home between sessions.

Is child therapy in person, or can we do virtual sessions?

Child sessions are in person only, at either my Huntington Beach or Newport Beach office. Parent consultation sessions can be virtual or in person, whichever works better for your schedule.

What ages do you work with for child therapy?

I work with children roughly ages four through twelve. If your child is a teenager, teen therapy might be a better fit. Feel free to reach out and we can figure out what makes sense together.

Do you accept insurance?

I don't bill insurance directly, but I provide superbills on request so you can seek reimbursement if your out-of-network benefits allow it.