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Best Child And Teen Therapists in University Place, WA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in University Place: Child Study & Treatment Center, RP Score 60/100; 3.0★ from 31 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 16

    Most-reviewed: Mindful Therapy Group - Seattle - Southcenter, 292 Google reviews at 4.0★, the most of 32 ranked; ranked #16.

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

32 University Place child and teen therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 4 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 32 rated practices.

Most of this list also appears on the Child and teen therapists in Tacoma ranking. See Child and teen therapists in Tacoma

Top 10 child and teen therapists in University Place 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 University Place at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Child Study & Treatment Center603.0★ (31)Lakewood, 4 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Northwest Relationships604.7★ (12)Tacoma, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
3Siobhan Budwey PhD PLLC584.2★ (5)Olympia, 21 mi away——
4LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakewood WA564.7★ (81)Lakewood, 4 mi away——
5Puyallup Child and Teen Therapy564.1★ (9)Puyallup, 12 mi away——
6Winona Wallace, Counselor544.9★ (12)Tacoma, 3 mi away——
7Stanford Stringham, Counselor544.5★ (13)Tacoma, 3 mi away——
8LightHeart Mental Health Therapists and Psychiatrists - Tacoma534.0★ (27)Tacoma, 3 mi away——
9Deanne Caron, Counselor535.0★ (6)Tacoma, 3 mi away——
10Kay Kessel-Hanna, Counselor535.0★ (7)Lakewood, 4 mi away——

The 32 best child and teen therapists in University Place, 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.

  2. #2 Northwest Relationships

    Based in Tacoma, 3 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews, 3 mi from University Place.

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

    • 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 10 AM–6 PM
    Address
    5702 N 26th St Ste b, Tacoma, WA 98407
    View profile for Northwest Relationships(253) 292-1216

  3. #3 Siobhan Budwey PhD PLLC

    Based in Olympia, 21 mi away

    58/100RP 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 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    324 W Bay Dr NW Ste 220, Olympia, WA 98502
    View profile for Siobhan Budwey PhD PLLC(360) 972-5127

  4. #4 LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakewood WA

    Based in Lakewood, 4 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 81 Google reviews, 4 mi from University Place.

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

    • 4.7★ from 81 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6210 75th St W Ste 100, Lakewood, WA 98499
    View profile for LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakewood WA(253) 752-7320

  6. #6 Winona Wallace, Counselor

    Based in Tacoma, 3 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 12 Google reviews, 3 mi from University Place.

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

    • 4.9★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2420 S Union Ave Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98405
    View profile for Winona Wallace, Counselor(253) 201-3831

  7. #7 Stanford Stringham, Counselor

    Based in Tacoma, 3 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 13 Google reviews, 3 mi from University Place.

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

    • 4.5★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2420 S Union Ave Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98405
    View profile for Stanford Stringham, Counselor(253) 201-3831

  9. #9 Deanne Caron, Counselor

    Based in Tacoma, 3 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, 3 mi from University Place.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2420 S Union Ave Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98405
    View profile for Deanne Caron, Counselor(253) 201-3831

  10. #10 Kay Kessel-Hanna, Counselor

    Based in Lakewood, 4 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, 4 mi from University Place.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6210 75th St W Ste 100, Lakewood, WA 98499
    View profile for Kay Kessel-Hanna, Counselor(253) 579-0830

  11. #11 Olympic Psychology Services

    Based in Tacoma, 5 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.3★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    711 Court A Unit 114, Tacoma, WA 98402
    View profile for Olympic Psychology Services(253) 269-6063

  12. #12 Amy Dwyer, Counselor

    Based in Lakewood, 4 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, 4 mi from University Place.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6210 75th St W Ste 100, Lakewood, WA 98499
    View profile for Amy Dwyer, Counselor(253) 579-0830

  13. #13 PNW Virtual Health

    Based in Tacoma, 5 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1015 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
    View profile for PNW Virtual Health(206) 295-3456

  14. #14 Ann Darin-Amos, Counselor

    Based in Artondale, 5 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5201 Olympic Dr Suite 210, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
    View profile for Ann Darin-Amos, Counselor(253) 752-7320

  15. #15 Brennan Champagne, Counselor

    Based in Artondale, 5 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5201 Olympic Dr #210, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
    View profile for Brennan Champagne, Counselor(253) 752-7320

  17. #17 LightHeart Mental Health Therapists and Psychiatrists - Federal Way

    Based in Federal Way, 11 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 114 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 3.8★ from 114 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    33455 6th Ave S Ste 2C, Federal Way, WA 98003
    View profile for LightHeart Mental Health Therapists and Psychiatrists - Federal Way(253) 210-4230

  18. #18 Magnolia Autism Center

    Based in Lakewood, 11 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1570 Wilmington Dr Ste 220, DuPont, WA 98327
    View profile for Magnolia Autism Center(253) 507-7004

  19. #19 Abbie Hambright, Counselor

    Based in Federal Way, 13 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    33930 Weyerhaeuser Way S Ste 220, Federal Way, WA 98001
    View profile for Abbie Hambright, Counselor(253) 550-0734

  20. #20 Ashley Martin, Counselor

    Based in Federal Way, 13 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    33930 Weyerhaeuser Way S Ste 220, Federal Way, WA 98001
    View profile for Ashley Martin, Counselor(253) 550-0734

  22. #22 Infinite Possibilities

    Based in Puyallup, 13 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 3.4★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    11803 101st Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98373
    View profile for Infinite Possibilities(253) 881-1428

  23. #23 Olympia Therapy PLLC

    Based in Tumwater, 24 mi away

    44/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.4★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1534 Bishop Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512
    View profile for Olympia Therapy PLLC(360) 357-2370

  24. #24 Black Space Therapy

    Based in Seattle, 20 mi away

    44/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    View profile for Black Space Therapy(773) 900-7837

  25. #25 Ray Morales, Counselor

    Based in Olympia, 21 mi away

    43/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    500 Columbia St NW Ste 102, Olympia, WA 98501
    View profile for Ray Morales, Counselor(360) 979-2239

How we ranked University Place child and teen therapists

We scored 32 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place: frequently asked questions

Who is the best child and teen therapist in University Place?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked child and teen therapist in University Place, WA is Child Study & Treatment Center with an RP Score of 60/100. It has 3.0★ from 31 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Northwest Relationships (#2) and Siobhan Budwey PhD PLLC (#3) follow. We ranked 32 child and teen therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many child and teen therapists are there in University Place?

RankedPsychologists ranks 32 child and teen therapists serving University Place, WA. 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 University Place work on weekends?

4 of 32 ranked child and teen therapists post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Child Study & Treatment Center (#1), Northwest Relationships (#2) and Mindful Therapy Group - Seattle - Southcenter (#16). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do University Place child and teen therapists have?

The median Google rating among 32 rated child and teen therapists in University Place is 4.8★, with a median of 10 reviews. Mindful Therapy Group - Seattle - Southcenter has the most, 292 reviews, and ranks #16. 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 University Place count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 32 child and teen therapists serving University Place.

More child and teen therapists and University Place pages