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Best Child And Teen Therapists in Watertown, MA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Watertown: NESCA Newton, RP Score 72/100; 4.4★ from 13 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 12 PM.

  2. 13

    Most-reviewed: Thrive Boston Counseling and Psychotherapy, 171 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 149 ranked; ranked #13.

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

149 Watertown child and teen therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 72 open Saturdays and 31 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 149 rated practices.

Top 10 child and teen therapists in Watertown 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 Watertown at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1NESCA Newton724.4★ (13)Newton, 1 mi awaySatOverall
2Cambridge Health Alliance: Child & Adolescent Services725.0★ (3)Cambridge, 4 mi away——
3Crown Adolescent Health: Teen Mental Health Treatment Massachusetts704.9★ (43)Newton, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
4Karin Maria Hodges, Psy.D., PLLC684.4★ (7)Concord, 11 mi awaySat · Sun—
5Coman Psychological and Educational Assessment Group (CPEAG, Inc.)674.4★ (7)Braintree, 13 mi away——
6Crown Adolescent Health: Teen Behavioral Health Treatment Massachusetts665.0★ (24)Woburn, 10 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Launch Psychological Associates664.4★ (7)Wakefield, 11 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8Dr. C. Paula Krentzel, Ph.D.665.0★ (3)Framingham, 13 mi away——
9Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Watertown654.5★ (66)WatertownSat · Sun · Evenings—
10Ravi H. Gatha, Ph.D.643.7★ (3)Needham, 7 mi away——

The 149 best child and teen therapists in Watertown, 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. Ranked #1 in Watertown

    Based in Newton, 1 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.4★ from 13 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    55 Chapel St #202, Newton, MA 02458
  2. 67/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    35 Braintree Hill Office Pk Ste 301, 3rd Floor, Braintree, MA 02184
  3. 66/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    444 Washington St #401, Woburn, MA 01801
  4. Based in Wakefield, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    591 North Ave Unit 5_1A-A, Wakefield, MA 01880
  5. Based in Needham, 7 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    10 Chestnut St #4, Needham, MA 02492
  6. Based in Lexington, 4 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    363 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421
  7. Based in Lexington, 6 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 90 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 90 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–11 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–9:30 PM
    Address
    1666 Massachusetts Ave Ste 10, 2nd Floor, Lexington, MA 02420
  8. Based in Needham, 7 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    992 Great Plain Ave Ste 22, Needham, MA 02492

Child and teen therapists ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 149 ranked child and teen therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.

child and teen therapists in Watertown, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Brookline Adult and Child Counseling (BACC)605.0★ (12)4 mi
27Mental Health Matters605.0★ (6)4 mi
28Cambridge Eating Disorder Center602.6★ (51)3 mi
29The Mindfulness & Change Group605.0★ (4)In Watertown
30Ellie Mental Health594.6★ (9)6 mi
31Pillars Health Group595.0★ (15)12 mi
32Wellesley Counseling & Wellness, LLC584.6★ (19)8 mi
33The Well Behavioral Health Arlington585.0★ (3)3 mi
34Advocates Community Behavioral Health Center582.8★ (13)3 mi
35Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Quincy584.5★ (89)12 mi
36Boston Children's Brookline573.4★ (16)4 mi
37Neurodiverse Counseling, LLC575.0★ (73)5 mi
38Life Changes Group of Massachusetts573.8★ (4)4 mi
39Northeast Health Services - Newton574.6★ (103)5 mi
40Northeast Health Services - Boston Brighton564.7★ (19)2 mi
41Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Framingham564.3★ (73)13 mi
42Northeast Health Services - Somerville564.5★ (61)4 mi
43Marcus Mental Health Associates564.7★ (91)6 mi
44Through The Forest Counseling of Boston562.5★ (21)6 mi
45DCS Mental Health563.2★ (12)5 mi
46Northeast Health Services - Harvard Square564.6★ (29)3 mi
47Laura Pelton-Sweet, Counselor555.0★ (5)2 mi
48Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness554.5★ (18)13 mi
49Alexandra Miller, Counselor555.0★ (4)2 mi
50Newton Neuropsychology Group554.4★ (47)5 mi

Also serving Watertown

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 Watertown
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Amanda Peacock, Certified IFS Therapist and Coach, LICSW, PCCIn Watertown
Balanced Living Counseling, LLCIn Watertown
Boston Neurodynamics4.9★ (55)In Watertown
Counseling PlaceIn Watertown
Couples Therapy Inc2.3★ (6)In Watertown
Crystal Rachel PHDIn Watertown
Dialogue Therapy CenterIn Watertown
Eating in Peace PsychotherapyIn Watertown
Jean Thomas CounselingIn Watertown
Jill Fieleke, NP5.0★ (5)In Watertown
Kelly Lowery, PsyDIn Watertown
Kopolow Mindy S PhDIn Watertown
Lyn E. Styczynski, PHDIn Watertown
Neuropsychology Education Team5.0★ (1)In Watertown
Northeast Health Services - Watertown4.8★ (26)In Watertown
Shore Pine PsychiatryIn Watertown
Wagner AudreyIn Watertown
Wayfinder Behavioral Health3.0★ (2)In Watertown
William C. Madsen, PHD1.0★ (1)In Watertown
Wolfe Lisa5.0★ (2)In Watertown

How we ranked Watertown child and teen therapists

We scored 149 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown: frequently asked questions

Who is the best child and teen therapist in Watertown?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked child and teen therapist in Watertown, MA is NESCA Newton with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 4.4★ from 13 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 12 PM. Cambridge Health Alliance: Child & Adolescent Services (#2) and Crown Adolescent Health: Teen Mental Health Treatment Massachusetts (#3) follow. We ranked 149 child and teen therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many child and teen therapists are there in Watertown?

RankedPsychologists ranks 149 child and teen therapists serving Watertown, MA. 2 of them are based in Watertown; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 Watertown work on weekends?

72 of 149 ranked child and teen therapists post Saturday hours and 31 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are NESCA Newton (#1), Crown Adolescent Health: Teen Mental Health Treatment Massachusetts (#3) and Karin Maria Hodges, Psy.D., PLLC (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Watertown child and teen therapists have?

The median Google rating among 149 rated child and teen therapists in Watertown is 4.7★, with a median of 9 reviews. Thrive Boston Counseling and Psychotherapy has the most, 171 reviews, and ranks #13. 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 Watertown count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 149 child and teen therapists serving Watertown.