Child and Teen Therapists in Houston
Last reviewed: October 2026
Kids don't usually say "I need therapy." They show it: tantrums, school refusal, sleep problems, withdrawing, or big changes after a move, divorce or loss. Child therapists are trained to work at a child's level, often through play for younger kids and through talk and skills for teens.
Below are 10 Houston practices, split into play therapy for younger children and counseling for teens, in no particular order.
How we chose: independent practices in the Houston area whose own website has a dedicated child, play therapy or teen page, that describe their approach, and that look active. No paid placements. Details come from each practice's website as of October 2026.
Play therapy for younger children
Katy Counseling
Katy
Play therapy for ages 0 to 12: anxiety, behavior, trauma, divorce, ADHD, OCD and grief, with parents involved. Many play therapy models plus EMDR and TF-CBT. Registered Play Therapists on staff. In person and online, Monday to Saturday including evenings. Out-of-network, with low-cost sessions available with interns.
Heights Family Counseling
Heights
Child-centered play therapy for big emotions, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, divorce, anger and social struggles. Also sand tray, expressive arts and filial therapy (coaching parents to do special playtimes at home). In person and virtual. Free phone consultation.
The SafeSpot Counseling and Play Therapy
Galleria area (Woodway Dr)
Play therapy for ages 3 to 12 and neuroaffirming therapy for teens. AutPlay, sandtray, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy for parents of kids 3 to 8, and parent coaching.
B Well Counseling Center
Greenway Plaza area
Child-centered play therapy for big emotions, anxiety, behavior changes, trauma and family transitions. Also a 10-session parent program for parents of kids 2 to 10.
Connections Child and Family Center
The Woodlands, Spring/Klein, Houston
Play therapy for ages 3 to 12 with parent coaching and regular check-ins, usually 10 to 20 weekly sessions. LCSW, LMFT and LPC clinicians.
Grief Recovery Center
Greater Heights (North Loop)
Play therapy for ages 3 to 12 for loss, moves, family changes, stress, anxiety and behavior. Spanish-speaking therapist available. In person and online. Takes Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare/Optum.
Restoring Hope Counseling
Champions, Montrose, Cypress
Play therapy for outbursts, aggression, anxiety, school refusal and school performance. The practice also sees teens and families.
Teen counseling
Houston Family Psychology
Spring Branch area
Teen anxiety, depression, social and school pressure, identity, family conflict and OCD. CBT, DBT-informed skills, ERP and I-CBT, led by a clinical psychologist. Teens and young adults to 22. In person and telehealth. Private pay with superbills. Free 15-minute consult.
Malaty Therapy
Memorial (Katy Fwy), serves much of greater Houston
Teens 13 to 18 with anxiety, depression, burnout, bullying, self-esteem, trauma, grief, substance use and ADHD. LGBTQIA+ affirming. Trauma-informed with family involvement. In person and online. Takes UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna and BCBS.
The Resilience Center of Houston
Midtown, Pearland, Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands
Teen school stress, social anxiety, bullying, social media, self-harm, substance use, behavior, and divorce or blended-family adjustment. Five offices plus telehealth in Texas.
What to look for in a child or teen therapist
- Ask how parents are involved. For young kids, the best results usually include parent sessions or coaching.
- Check training. RPT (Registered Play Therapist) means extra play therapy training. For teens, ask about experience with their specific issue.
- Ask about confidentiality for teens. Teens open up more when they know what stays private and what doesn't.
- Talk to the school too. If problems show up at school, ask if the therapist can coordinate with teachers or counselors.
FAQ
Young children express feelings through play more easily than words. A play therapist uses toys, art and sand tray to help children work through emotions and practice new ways of coping.
Most practices offer it for roughly ages 3 to 12. Teens usually do talk-based therapy with skills practice.
Therapists usually agree on ground rules with the family. Day-to-day details stay private, but safety concerns are always shared with parents.
Some do, including several on this page. Others are out-of-network and give superbills.
