Boca Raton, FL · Ages 5 to 12 · Trilingual
Child Therapist in Boca Raton
When a child's feelings get bigger than their words, play gives them a way through. Play-based, trauma-informed therapy with Najla Sallum, LCSW, at the west Boca Raton office.
- 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
Children rarely walk into a room and explain what is wrong. They show it: a stomachache every school morning, a meltdown over something small, a sudden quiet after a move, a divorce, or a loss. Play therapy works with that language instead of against it. Toys, drawing, stories and games give a child a safe way to show what they cannot yet say, 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 for the many Boca Raton families raising kids between two languages and two cultures.
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 stomachaches or headaches 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. Change sticks faster when home and therapy pull in the same direction.
In person in Boca Raton
Play therapy is strongest in person, so most children are seen at the office at 9825 Marina Boulevard in west Boca Raton, an easy drive from Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach and Delray Beach. Limited telehealth is available for some older children.
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
What ages do you see for child therapy?
Play therapy is for children roughly ages 5 to 12. If your child is older, mention it on the free consultation call and Najla will tell you honestly whether she is the right fit.
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, and 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.
More therapy in Boca Raton
Near the Boca Raton office
9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33428