Child Therapy in West Hills
Child Therapy in West Hills with Julie Klamon, LMFT
Children take in far more than they can say out loud. They feel the tension in the house. They notice when a parent is stressed or when something at school is not going right, even when no one names it. A child in West Hills might come home from El Camino Real, do their homework, and seem fine, while underneath they are holding worries they have no words for. Child therapy gives your son or daughter a place to work those feelings out with someone trained to hear what kids are really saying.
I have spent more than 20 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and I have worked with hundreds of children. Early in my career I spent years at a Los Angeles agency working directly with children recovering from trauma. That experience taught me how young minds process hard things, and it still shapes how I sit with every child I see.
My office is in Agoura Hills, about 25 minutes from West Hills on the 101 West. For younger children, in-person sessions usually work best, though I do offer virtual sessions for families across California.
Child Therapy for the West Hills Community
West Hills is a family neighborhood. People move here for the quiet streets, the space, and the schools, and they tend to stay. That stability is good for kids, but it does not make them immune to the things childhood throws at them. The children I see from West Hills are dealing with familiar struggles: anxiety about school, trouble making or keeping friends, big feelings that come out as meltdowns or shutting down, and the strain of a parents' separation or a move.
Because the community is spread out and oriented around home and family, a struggling child can feel isolated in ways that are not obvious. A kid who used to ride bikes around the neighborhood and now will not leave their room is telling you something. I meet children where they are and help them build the skills to feel steadier and less overwhelmed, whatever is going on underneath.
My Approach to Child Therapy
Children ages 8 through 10 are in a particular spot. They are old enough to have complicated feelings and to understand cause and effect, but they often do not have the language to describe what is happening inside. So I do not rely only on talking. I use play, art, age-appropriate mindfulness, and therapeutic games to help a child name what they feel and learn what to do with it. You can read more about my general approach on my child therapy page.
Parents are part of this from day one. We begin with a conversation about what you are seeing at home and at school, and I check in with you regularly as we go. Your child's sessions are their own private space, but you will always have the information and the tools you need to support them between appointments.
What Parents Should Know
You do not need to have it all figured out before you call. A lot of parents reach out unsure whether what they are seeing is serious enough to warrant therapy. Here is what I tell them: if something feels off to you, that instinct is worth trusting. A child does not have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Often early support is exactly what keeps a small problem from growing into a bigger one. I am glad to talk through what you are noticing and help you decide whether this is the right step.
Who I Work With
Children Ages 8-10
Parents and Caregivers
Families
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy in West Hills
I work with children ages 8 through 10 for child therapy. Kids in this range are old enough to talk about their feelings but still benefit from creative, activity-based work in session. For children 11 and older, I offer teen therapy, which adjusts to the developmental needs of adolescents.
Look for changes that last more than a couple of weeks. A child who was outgoing and has gone quiet. New trouble at school or with friends. Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause. More anger or tears than usual. A return to younger behaviors like bedwetting. Any of these can be a sign that your child is carrying something they cannot manage on their own.
Yes, parents are an important part of the work. I usually meet with parents at the start to understand what is happening at home and at school, and I check in regularly to share what I am seeing and suggest things to try. Your child's individual sessions stay private, but you stay informed and involved in the overall plan.
Yes. West Hills families are served by LAUSD and charter options, including El Camino Real Charter High School, and academic pressure and social dynamics are common reasons children end up anxious or withdrawn. I help kids build concrete tools for managing worry, friendships, and the everyday stress of school so it stops following them home.
My office in Agoura Hills is about 25 minutes from West Hills via the 101 West. I also offer virtual sessions, though in-person sessions tend to work better for younger children.
In-Person and Virtual Child Therapy Near West Hills
My office in Agoura Hills, CA 91301 is convenient for in-person child therapy near West Hills. I also see families from neighboring communities, including Woodland Hills, CA, Calabasas, CA, and Canoga Park, CA. Virtual sessions are available for families located anywhere in California.
If your child is struggling and you are not sure what to do, a conversation can help. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation and we can talk about what you are seeing and whether therapy is the right next step.