Early Childhood Mental Health Services

Just like physical health, mental health begins at birth. Babies and young children build their emotional well-being through everyday interactions—being comforted when they cry, playing together, and feeling safe and understood.

The early years of life, from birth through age six, are filled with wonder, discovery, and rapid development. These years can also bring big emotions, major transitions, and unique challenges for both children and their caregivers. At the Institute for Girls’ Development, our Early Childhood team specializes in therapy and assessment designed specifically for young children and their families.

Our approach is developmentally informed and relationally focused. We believe that growth and healing happen through safe, supportive relationships. Whether your child is navigating developmental differences, adjusting to change, or expressing emotions through behavior, we are here to help.

We provide services for young children from birth through age six and their caregivers. Many families come to us when their child is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Our team has advanced training in working with neurodivergent children, especially autistic girls and girls with ADHD, who may present in ways that are often misunderstood or missed altogether.

We commonly support families navigating emotional regulation difficulties, sleep and feeding challenges, sensory sensitivities or strong preferences around routines, social hesitation or selective mutism, and the impact of anxiety, trauma, or grief. We also help with transitions such as starting preschool, moving, welcoming a new sibling, or experiencing changes in family structure. Across all of our work, we bring a deep understanding of attachment, trauma, and the unique ways young children express themselves.

Our early childhood services are designed to meet the needs of both children and their caregivers. We offer:

Therapy
We provide play-based, developmentally appropriate therapy in the form of individual child sessions, parent and child sessions, and family therapy. Sessions are typically held weekly and take place in person.

Assessment
We offer developmental and trauma informed assessments to better understand concerns related to emotion, behavior, regulation, or development. These assessments are collaborative and often include input from families, educators, and medical providers.

Consultation and Support
We provide consultation services for parents, schools, and other professionals. Parent-only sessions offer guidance, education, and strategies for managing challenges at home. We often collaborate with the broader care team to ensure continuity and support across settings.

Our clinicians use evidence-based and developmentally grounded models that reflect the unique ways young children grow, relate, and heal. These include:

Child Parent Psychotherapy
A relationship-focused treatment for trauma and attachment challenges

DIR Floortime
A play-based, relational approach that supports developmental progress and co-regulation, especially for children with developmental differences

Play Therapy
A developmentally appropriate way for children to express and process emotions through play

Interpersonal Neurobiology
An approach that integrates brain development and relational science to support emotional resilience

Infant Massage

A warm, nurturing practice using gentle touch and strokes that supports bonding and attachment, helps babies regulate their bodies, promotes development, and benefits caregivers’ emotional well-being and confidence.

All of our work is rooted in trauma-informed and attachment-based practices. We understand that healing and development unfold in the context of secure, attuned relationships.

Caregivers are essential partners in the therapeutic process. Parents are actively involved in their child’s care, whether through direct participation in therapy sessions or regular meetings with their child’s therapist for guidance and support.

We do not expect young children to manage big feelings or meet therapeutic goals on their own. Instead, we focus on strengthening the parent-child relationship and helping caregivers understand their child’s needs with more clarity and confidence. We aim to help families feel more connected and supported as they navigate challenges together.

Our Early Childhood team brings warmth, expertise, and a deep respect for young children and their families. We provide a nurturing space where children can feel safe, express themselves, and grow, and where caregivers can receive thoughtful, compassionate support.

What sets us apart:

• Relationally focused care that centers connection and co-regulation
• Developmentally informed practices tailored to each child’s age and stage
• Neurodiversity affirming support for autistic and ADHD children, especially girls
• Trauma informed services that create safety and promote healing
• Collaborative partnerships with families, schools, and medical providers

Seeking help in the early years doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child—it means you’re taking steps to nurture their emotional health, just like you would for their physical health. With the right support, children can grow, heal, and thrive, and parents can feel more confident and connected in their role. If your child is experiencing challenges, working through a transition, or showing signs of distress, we are here to help. Together, we can build the foundation for lifelong emotional well-being.

To learn more or to schedule services, contact our caring Client Relations team at Intake@IFGD.care or 626-585-8075 ext. 108.  We look forward to connecting with you!