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Best Child And Teen Therapists in DeKalb, IL (2026)

24 child and teen therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in DeKalb: Roots to Branches Counseling Services, RP Score 61/100; 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 9

    Most-reviewed: Cedar Tree Counseling, 87 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 24 ranked; ranked #9.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

24 DeKalb child and teen therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 17 open Saturdays and 8 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 24 rated practices.

Top 10 child and teen therapists in DeKalb at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 child and teen therapists in DeKalb at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Roots to Branches Counseling Services615.0★ (6)Aurora, 23 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Rahul Sharma, MD593.9★ (7)Aurora, 22 mi awaySat · Evenings—
3Paula C. Gewarges, DO594.2★ (5)Aurora, 22 mi awaySat · Evenings—
4Parag Merai, MD595.0★ (3)Aurora, 22 mi awaySat · Evenings—
5LivingRite Mental Health Services574.8★ (42)Sycamore, 3 mi away——
6Plum Tree Psychology: Sprout Office564.6★ (11)Saint Charles, 23 mi away——
7Plum Tree Psychology: Bloom Office544.2★ (10)Saint Charles, 25 mi away——
8Bloom Counseling & Therapy545.0★ (85)Saint Charles, 21 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Cedar Tree Counseling514.9★ (87)Geneva, 22 mi awaySat · EveningsMost reviews
10Riverview Counseling Services494.0★ (10)South Elgin, 21 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—

The 24 best child and teen therapists in DeKalb, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  1. Based in Aurora, 22 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 6:30 AM–7:30 PM · Fri 6:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 6:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2285 Sequoia Dr 1st floor, Aurora, IL 60506
  2. Based in Aurora, 22 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 6:30 AM–7:30 PM · Fri 6:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 6:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2285 Sequoia Dr 1st floor, Aurora, IL 60506
  3. Based in Aurora, 22 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 6:30 AM–7:30 PM · Fri 6:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 6:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2285 Sequoia Dr 1st floor, Aurora, IL 60506
  4. Based in Saint Charles, 21 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 85 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 85 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun 10 AM–7 PM
    Address
    2325 Dean St Ste 300, St. Charles, IL 60175
  5. Based in Geneva, 22 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 87 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 87 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 12 PM–9 PM · Tue–Fri 7 AM–9 PM · Sat 7 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2172 Blackberry Dr #202, Geneva, IL 60134
  6. Based in South Elgin, 21 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–4 PM
    Address
    474 Briargate Dr, South Elgin, IL 60177
  7. Based in North Aurora, 22 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–4 PM
    Address
    66 Miller Dr Suite 104, North Aurora, IL 60542
  8. Based in Saint Charles, 24 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 8 AM–6 PM
    Address
    2075 Foxfield Rd Ste 202, St. Charles, IL 60174
  9. Based in Aurora, 24 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1315 N Highland Ave Ste 202, Aurora, IL 60506
  10. Based in Geneva, 23 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8:30 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    28 N 1st St Ste 201, Geneva, IL 60134
  11. Based in Geneva, 23 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8:30 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    28 N 1st St Ste 201, Geneva, IL 60134
  12. Based in Saint Charles, 24 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat closed · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    473 Dunham Rd #100, St. Charles, IL 60174
  13. Based in Geneva, 23 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    22 Crissey Ave #200, Geneva, IL 60134
  14. Based in Saint Charles, 24 mi away

    44/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2035 Foxfield Rd #202, St. Charles, IL 60174
  15. Based in Elgin, 24 mi away

    43/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2130 Point Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123
  16. Based in Saint Charles, 21 mi away

    42/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2435 Dean St Ste B, St. Charles, IL 60175

Also serving DeKalb

20 more child and teen therapists within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked child and teen therapists serving DeKalb
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
A Place Within: For Counseling and Sand/Play TherapyIn DeKalb
Adventure Works of DeKalb County4.7★ (20)In DeKalb
Blackberry Counseling Center5.0★ (4)In DeKalb
Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at NIU5.0★ (1)In DeKalb
Family Service Agency of Dekalb County3.8★ (23)In DeKalb
Healing Crown Counseling5.0★ (3)In DeKalb
Huma Abbas, MD22 mi
Iram M. Qazi, MD1.9★ (9)In DeKalb
KJ Jones Counseling Services, PLLC5.0★ (17)In DeKalb
Life Solutions4.4★ (36)In DeKalb
Life Transitions CounselingIn DeKalb
New Hope Counseling Center5.0★ (2)In DeKalb
Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center DeKalb Health Services Drive2.4★ (52)In DeKalb
Parag Merai, MD20 mi
Phillip Davis, Counselor5.0★ (1)23 mi
Sageful Counseling & Consulting5.0★ (2)In DeKalb
Shawn Garry, Counselor5.0★ (1)23 mi
Valerie Taylor, Counselor5.0★ (2)23 mi
Westside Children's Therapy4.8★ (18)In DeKalb
Wild Willow Wellness & HealingIn DeKalb

How we ranked DeKalb child and teen therapists

We scored 24 DeKalb child and teen therapists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn DeKalb data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a child and teen therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure child and adolescent therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask how much of the work is with the child alone and how much includes parents or caregivers.
  4. For ADHD, learning or autism assessments, ask who does the testing and whether a written report is included.
  5. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a child and teen therapist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is child and adolescent therapy?
  • How do you involve parents, and what do you keep confidential?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Child and teen therapists in DeKalb: frequently asked questions

Who is the best child and teen therapist in DeKalb?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked child and teen therapist in DeKalb, IL is Roots to Branches Counseling Services with an RP Score of 61/100. It has 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Rahul Sharma, MD (#2) and Paula C. Gewarges, DO (#3) follow. We ranked 24 child and teen therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many child and teen therapists are there in DeKalb?

RankedPsychologists ranks 24 child and teen therapists serving DeKalb, IL. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which child and teen therapists in DeKalb work on weekends?

17 of 24 ranked child and teen therapists post Saturday hours and 8 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Roots to Branches Counseling Services (#1), Rahul Sharma, MD (#2) and Paula C. Gewarges, DO (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do DeKalb child and teen therapists have?

The median Google rating among 24 rated child and teen therapists in DeKalb is 4.8★, with a median of 8 reviews. Cedar Tree Counseling has the most, 87 reviews, and ranks #9. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank child and teen therapists?

Each child and teen therapist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do child and teen therapists outside DeKalb count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the DeKalb city center, our service radius for child and teen therapists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can child and teen therapists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are child and teen therapists in DeKalb ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on child and adolescent therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Can a teenager start therapy without a parent?

It depends on where you live. The age at which a young person can agree to outpatient mental health care on their own differs between states and provinces. Ask the practice how it handles consent and what it shares with parents.

Can I see a child and teen therapist online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for DeKalb

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 24 child and teen therapists serving DeKalb.