Deerfield Beach, FL · Ages 5 to 12 · Trilingual
Child Therapist near Deerfield Beach
Play-based, trauma-informed therapy for Deerfield Beach children with Najla Sallum, LCSW, at the west Boca Raton office, a short drive up the road.
- Florida LCSW #SW19846 · 14+ years of clinical practice
- Sessions in English, Português or Español
- In person in Boca Raton, or by secure video anywhere in Florida
- Confidential and HIPAA-compliant
A child in Deerfield Beach who is struggling rarely says so in words. Parents notice it instead: a stomachache every school morning, tears over small things, a sudden quiet after a move, a separation or a loss. Play therapy works with the way children actually communicate. Toys, drawing, stories and games give a child a safe way to show what they cannot yet explain, and give the therapist a way to help.
Najla Sallum is a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker (SW19846) with more than 14 years of clinical practice. She works with children and their parents in English, Português and Español, which matters in Deerfield Beach, where many families raise their kids between two languages. Children are seen in person at the west Boca Raton office, just across the county line.
What child therapy can help with
- Anxiety, worry and school refusal
- Big feelings, meltdowns and trouble calming down
- Divorce, separation and a new blended family
- Grief after the loss of a person or a pet
- Early trauma, handled gently and at the child's pace
- Growing up bilingual and bicultural
Signs it may be time to talk to someone
Every child has hard weeks. It may be worth a conversation when a change lasts longer than a few weeks or starts getting in the way of school, sleep, friendships or family life. Parents often mention headaches or stomachaches before school, sleep that falls apart, a return to younger behavior, pulling away from friends, or outbursts that feel out of proportion.
You do not need to be sure. The first phone call is free, and part of its job is to help you decide whether therapy is the right step now.
Parents are part of the work
The first session is with parents only: history, what you are seeing at home, and what you hope will change. After that, sessions are with your child, and you get regular check-ins with practical strategies to use at home between sessions. A parent can share history in Portuguese or Spanish while a child plays in English, and that is welcome here.
Getting here from Deerfield Beach
The office is not in Deerfield Beach. It is at 9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33428, in west Boca Raton near the Broward line, and most Deerfield Beach families find it a short drive. Play therapy is strongest in person, so most children are seen at the office. Limited telehealth is available for some older children. Weekday appointments run from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Sessions are private pay. You receive a superbill you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, if your plan offers it.
How to get started
- STEP 1Free phone consultation
A short call to talk through what is going on and whether this is a good fit.
- STEP 2Parent session
Parents meet Najla first to share history, concerns and goals.
- STEP 3Child sessions and check-ins
Play-based sessions at your child's pace, with regular parent updates.
Frequently asked
Is the office in Deerfield Beach?
No. Children are seen in person at the west Boca Raton office, 9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33428, which sits close to the Broward County line and is a short drive from Deerfield Beach.
What ages do you see for child therapy?
Play therapy is for children roughly ages 5 to 12. Teens are seen in individual therapy. If you are not sure which fits, ask on the free consultation call.
Is child therapy in person or online?
Play therapy works best in person, so most sessions happen at the Boca Raton office. Limited telehealth is available for some older children.
Will I be involved as a parent?
Yes. The first session is with parents, and you get regular check-ins and home strategies throughout. You are part of the plan, not outside it.
Can sessions be in Portuguese or Spanish?
Yes, Najla works in English, Português and Español. She can use whichever language your child is most comfortable in, including a mix.
Do you take insurance?
Sessions are private pay. You receive a superbill you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, if your plan offers it.
Therapy in Boca Raton
Near the Boca Raton office
9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33428
Therapy and testing pages for Broward County
Clinician: Najla Sallum, LCSW (Florida license SW19846). Page last updated: October 2026.