Navigating the emotional landscape of childhood and adolescence can be tough, both for kids and their parents. Whether your child is grappling with anxiety, adjusting to a major life transition, or facing behavioral challenges, finding a therapist who truly connects
The Growing Need for Child and Teen Therapy
The demand for youth mental health services has never been higher, with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues on the rise among children and teens. Parents are increasingly seeking professional support to help their children develop coping skills, navigate social pressures, and build emotional resilience. In Broward County, a diverse range of therapy practices has emerged to meet this need, offering everything from play therapy for younger children to specialized teen counseling. These practices often blend evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with creative expression, ensuring that care is both effective and engaging for young clients.
How We Ranked These Providers
Our rankings are based on a combination of factors that matter most to parents: the range of specialized services offered (such as anxiety treatment or parenting support), the use of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, the accessibility of the practice (including telehealth options and free consultations), and the overall reputation for creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for both children and their families.
Here's a quick look at how these five Broward County therapy practices compare, highlighting their core strengths and what makes each one unique.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Bayview Therapy | Comprehensive teen counseling with multiple locations |
| Broward Therapy Group | Teens with behavioral and emotional roadblocks |
| Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD | Experienced child psychologist for individual and group sessions |
| Blooming Path Counseling – Child & Teen Therapy in Broward County Florida | Family-centered care with a free initial consultation |
| Family Therapy Group of Weston | Diverse therapist team with intensive therapy options |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Child and Teen Therapy Practices
#1 Bayview Therapy
A screenshot of the Bayview Therapy website.
Bayview Therapy stands out for its comprehensive, multi-location presence in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation, making it highly accessible for families across Broward County. They offer a dedicated teen counseling program that uses a collaborative, strength-based approach to improve communication between adolescents and their parents. The practice also provides specialized services like EMDR therapy for kids and first responder child counseling, showing a deep commitment to diverse needs. Their team of experienced therapists creates a safe, non-judgmental space where teens feel comfortable opening up about their experiences.
#2 Broward Therapy Group
A screenshot of the Broward Therapy Group website.
Broward Therapy Group in Davie, FL, excels at addressing a wide spectrum of teen challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, and behavioral issues. They focus on helping teens develop healthy coping skills to replace negative patterns like acting out or poor decision-making. The practice also offers specialized services such as ADHD/Autism evaluations and executive functioning coaching, which are invaluable for teens with neurodevelopmental differences. Their approach is particularly strong for parents who feel frustrated or hopeless, as they work collaboratively with the whole family to foster lasting change.
#3 Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD
A screenshot of the Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD website.
Dr. Lisa Saponaro brings over a decade of experience as a licensed child psychologist serving Plantation, Davie, and Weston. She provides both individual and group therapy for children dealing with issues like divorce, anxiety, anger, and self-esteem. Her nurturing, therapeutic environment helps young clients uncover the root causes of their negative behaviors and build personal strength. Dr. Saponaro's practice is ideal for parents seeking a highly experienced, PhD-level clinician who can offer deep psychological insight and tailored treatment plans.
#4 Blooming Path Counseling – Child & Teen Therapy in Broward County Florida
A screenshot of the Blooming Path Counseling website.
Blooming Path Counseling offers a warm, evidence-based approach specifically for children and teens in Broward County, with a strong focus on anxiety, life transitions, and behavioral challenges. They incorporate play therapy for younger children and conversation or creative expression for teens, making sessions engaging and age-appropriate. A key differentiator is their commitment to working alongside both the child and parents, providing practical tools to use at home. They also offer a free 15-minute consultation call, making it easy for families to see if the practice is the right fit before committing.
#5 Family Therapy Group of Weston
Family Therapy Group of Weston provides a broad range of services for kids, adolescents, and teens, including specialized tracks for anxiety, depression, and ADHD testing. Their team of diverse therapists, including bilingual options, ensures that families from various backgrounds feel understood and supported. They emphasize helping parents determine the right kind of therapy for their child's specific emotional outbursts or difficulty calming down. The practice also offers intensive therapy services and EMDR intensives for those needing more focused, accelerated treatment.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for Your Child
Start by identifying your child's primary challenge: is it anxiety, a major life transition, or behavioral issues? Look for a practice that specializes in that area. Consider the therapeutic approach—some kids thrive with play therapy, while teens may prefer talk-based or creative methods. Don't underestimate the importance of location and availability; a practice with multiple locations or telehealth options can make scheduling much easier. Finally, take advantage of free consultations, like the one offered by Blooming Path Counseling, to gauge the therapist's rapport with your child and your family.
Streamlining Your Search with Automation
To find the best therapist for your child, start by using a search engine with targeted queries like 'child teen therapy Broward County.' Review the top results and visit each practice's website to check for specialization in your child's specific needs, such as anxiety or behavioral challenges. Use online directories or local parenting groups to read reviews and get firsthand recommendations. Finally, schedule initial consultations with your top two or three choices to see which therapist and environment feel like the best fit for your family.
Your Next Step Toward Support
Finding the right therapist is a personal journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Each of these five Broward County practices offers unique strengths, from the comprehensive teen programs at Bayview Therapy to the family-centered, evidence-based care at Blooming Path Counseling. Start by identifying what matters most to your family—whether it's a specific therapeutic approach, location, or a free initial consultation—and take that first step. Your child's mental health is worth the investment, and the right support can make all the difference.