Child & Family PSYCHOLOGIST AND THERAPY SERVICES NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
Child and Family Psychologist providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy for children ages 0–12 and their families. Offering in-person services near Montclair, NJ and surrounding communities, with virtual support available throughout all of New Jersey and New York.
Child & Family TherapIST for Emotional, Behavioral, and Developmental Challenges
Young children experience big feelings, stress, trauma, and developmental challenges just like older children, they simply express it differently. At Early Branches Child & Family Psychology, I specialize in helping children ages 0–12 and their caregivers understand these challenges, strengthen connection, and build the skills needed for emotional and behavioral growth.
My practice blends warm, relational care with rigorous, research-backed treatments specifically designed for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. You’ll never be told to “wait and see.” You’ll be guided, supported, and understood.
Common Concerns I Address AS AN EXPERT CHILD PSYCHOLIGIST AND INFANT MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Big emotions or frequent tantrums
Difficulties regulating or calming down
Anxiety, fears, or separation struggles
Behavioral concerns at home or school
Trauma, stressful experiences, or attachment challenges
Delays in development, communication, or play
Sensory or social differences
Challenges related to Autism, ADHD or attention
Mood changes, irritability, or sadness
Family transitions or increased stress
If you’re worried something
“just feels off,”
trust your intuition,
caregivers know their children best.
Therapy will provide clarity,
support, and a path forward.
Meet Your EXPERT INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD Psychologist
Hi, i’m SAMANTHA
Child Psychologist and Infant Mental health Specialist
I’m a licensed psychologist with specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, attachment, and child assessment. For more than a decade, I’ve supported children ages 0–12 and their families in healing, growing, and building hopeful futures.
MY PRACTICE IS BUILT ON
Warm, relational care
Deep developmental expertise
Evidence-based treatments designed specifically for young children experiencing stress or neurodivergence
A culturally informed, trauma-responsive lens
My goal is to make families feel welcomed, understood, and empowered from the very first interaction.
My Approach to Child and Family Therapy IS WARM, PLAYFUL, DEVELOPMENTALLY SENSITIVE, & BACKED BY SCIENCE.
Therapy with young children looks different from therapy with older kids or adults. It is active, relational, and rooted in the caregiver–child relationship, because research consistently shows that healing and growth happen most naturally within safe, nurturing connections.
Evidence-based interventions
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT)
Helps reduce trauma symptoms, improve coping skills, and support healthy emotional processing.Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch Up (ABC)
Strengthens secure attachment and supports children who have experienced early stress which helps them become more regulated, connected, and confident.Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Helps young children and caregivers heal together after stress or trauma by improving safety, communication, and emotional understanding.Attachment Regulation and Competency (ARC)
Supports children’s ability to manage emotions, feel safe, and build healthy relationships through structured and caregiver supported routines.
Attachment-based support
Strengthening the caregiver–child bond to promote emotional security and behavior change.
Trauma-informed, culturally responsive care
Understanding each child’s story through a lens that honors identity, experiences, and environment.
You are the
most important
part of your child’s healing.
I partner closely with
caregivers
to build confidence and skills at home.
These early childhood treatments are highly effective for emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns.
Some of these treatments have rarely been available in New Jersey, but they are a core part of my specialty and training and something I consistently use in practice.
ABC and CPP in particular are offered by very few providers, yet they make a significant difference in a child’s ability to feel safe, regulated, and connected.
Families often describe these approaches as transformative because they strengthen not only the child but the entire caregiving system.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CHILD & FAMILY THERAPY SERVICES
Depending on your child’s age and treatment model, sessions may include:
Play-based therapeutic activities
Parent–child sessions
Caregiver coaching
Emotional regulation skills
Support for routines, transitions, and daily challenges
Trauma-informed strategies
Strengthening connection, co-regulation, and communication
Every family begins with an initial evaluation where we will:
Discuss your child’s history, strengths, and struggles
Understand your goals and concerns
Explore developmental, emotional, behavioral, and relational factors
Develop a plan rooted in the evidence-based treatment that fits your child’s needs
How Often We Will Meet:
Most sessions are 55 minutes, weekly or biweekly, depending on:
The treatment model
Your child’s needs
Caregiver involvement
Schedules and availability
Most families see progress within a few months, though some benefit from longer-term support depending on goals and complexity.
FAQS FOR Child & Family THERAPIST IN MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
HOW MUCH DO THERAPY SESSIONS COST?
My current fees for my therapy services are $150 per session.
What ages do you work with?
I specialize in working with children ages 0–12, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early school-age children. Developmentally specific treatments are available for each age group.
Do caregivers need to be present during sessions?
This depends on your child’s age, treatment model, and whether sessions are in-person or virtual.
In-person: A caregiver must remain onsite for the full session, even if not in the room.
Telehealth: Caregivers must be easily accessible and may need to participate depending on the treatment.
Many of the evidence-based models I use require active caregiver involvement, especially for younger children.
DO YOU USE PLAY THERAPY?
Play is an essential part of understanding and supporting young children, and it is integrated into all treatment models I use. However, I do more than traditional “play therapy.” The interventions I use are structured, research-supported models designed to create real, measurable change.
HOW INVOLVED ARE CAREGIVERS IN CHILD THERAPY?
Caregivers are essential partners. Many treatments require caregiver participation, especially for younger children. I guide caregivers with tools, strategies, and support to help progress happen outside the therapy room.
How long does treatment take?
Most sessions last 55 minutes. Treatment length varies depending on your child’s needs, the treatment model, and progress. We’ll discuss expected timelines during the evaluation.
Do you offer therapy for infants and toddlers?
Yes, this is one of my specialties. Very few providers in New Jersey are trained in early childhood evidence-based treatments for infants and toddlers. Early intervention can make a profound difference.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST CHILD THERAPY SESSION?
The first session includes a comprehensive evaluation, discussion of your goals, an overview of your child’s history, and collaborative planning for next steps.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF YOU’RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR A THERAPIST FOR MY CHILD?
The best first step is a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, explore whether my approach aligns with your needs, and determine next steps together.
What areas do you serve?
I provide therapy:
In person: My office is located in Butler, NJ and easily accessible office right off of route 23 for Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Sussex counties.
Virtually: Anywhere in New Jersey and New York
LEARN MORE ABOUT AREAS I SERVE HERE
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If you’re noticing emotional, behavioral, or social changes or if something simply doesn’t feel right, trust your intuition. A consultation can help determine whether therapy would be beneficial.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently private pay and do not accept insurance at this time. I am happy to create superbills for families who would like to submit to insurance for reimbursement. Benefits of private pay-
Privacy: Insurance companies often require a diagnosis and access to treatment notes. Not using insurance allows for more privacy for you and your family. You can also access treatment even if your child does not qualify for a diagnosis.
No restrictions: Insurance companies often limit how frequently someone can be seen, how many sessions they can have, and the type of therapy used.
Faster access: You do not have to wait for insurance to approve a provider or treatment or pause treatment if there are changes or issues with insurance.
WHAT MAKES YOUR CHILD THERAPY AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES UNIQUE?
My training is highly specialized in early childhood development, trauma, and attachment, and I offer evidence-based treatments rarely available in New Jersey. Families consistently share that they feel immediately supported, understood, and guided.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN EXPERIENCING TRAUMA?
Yes. Trauma-informed care is a core component of my training. I use gold-standard models that support healing through caregiver–child connection and safe, structured therapeutic interventions.
MY PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
CHILD Therapy, Autism Evaluations, ADHD Testing, and Professional MENTAL HEALTH Services in montclair, NJ
I provide specialized early childhood mental health services and assessments for infants, toddlers, and young children with in-person appointments available near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and nearby New Jersey communities. Families outside these areas can access the same high-quality support through secure virtual services available throughout all of New Jersey and New York.
With advanced training in early childhood mental health, my services are designed specifically for young children and their caregivers. Whether your child is navigating big emotions, behavior challenges, developmental or sensory concerns, trauma, or you are seeking a comprehensive autism or ADHD assessment, I offer evidence-based, developmentally informed care tailored to early childhood.
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Child and Family Therapist for Emotional, Behavioral, and Developmental Needs in-person near Montclair, New Jersey + Surrounding Areas and virtually throughout New Jersey and New York.
Supporting children ages 0–12 years old through evidence-based treatments designed to strengthen emotional regulation, behavior, and the caregiver–child relationship.
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Gold-Standard Autism Evaluations for Children Ages 0–12 in New Jersey
Culturally informed, compassionate, and developmentally grounded autism evaluations using gold-standard tools, including the ADOS. Assessments include a thoughtful differential diagnosis process to help determine whether autism is present, rule out or clarify other contributing diagnoses, and provide a clear, accurate understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS IN NORTH JERSEY -
Evaluations include a thorough differential diagnosis process to distinguish ADHD from other developmental, emotional, or behavioral conditions and to ensure families receive clear, accurate guidance and next steps.
Evidence-based ADHD evaluations that go deeper than checklists to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs utilizing IQ, neuropsychological, and research-informed measures to evaluate. -
One of my favorite roles as a psychologist is being a reflective supervisor/ consultant to those doing the important work in helping others. In our work, it is important to take the time to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and biases we are experiencing. This process is important not only to make sure we are providing the best services possible for children and families, but also to make sure we stay happy and healthy in our work to prevent burnout. I have experience supervising individuals of all training levels, professions, and backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION, CASE CONSULTATION, AND CLINICAL SUPERVISION -
Professional Mental Health workshops, presentations, and trainings for agencies, schools, and organizations on early childhood mental health, trauma, diversity, development, and more.
Available virtually or in-person.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS & TRAININGS
PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
“Dr. Smith is one of those rare people who is not only a highly skilled professional, but also a human being who lights up a room and spreads warmth and connection wherever she goes. She's part of a small group of mental health professionals who specialize in working with very young children and their families, fostering secure relationships and growth. She has a natural capacity to connect with her small clients and their adults. She has a way about herself that creates a sense of belonging, and she is a fierce advocate for including everyone! If I were looking for a therapist for my little one and myself, I would choose Dr. Sam!”
Dr. Ilse DeKoeyer
“Dr. Smith is a superb evaluator and diagnostician. She helps children and caregivers feel comfortable with the process and ensures the most accurate results by engaging everyone in a comprehensive and supportive evaluation. Professionals referring to her for diagnostic clarity are always impressed with the quality of the evaluation and her ability to answer the referral question and provide tailored recommendations.”
Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, IECMH-E®, PMH-C
“Samantha is a warm, grounded, and highly skilled therapist. She brings clinical insight, genuine care, and a steady presence to her work. Her approach fosters growth, trust, and meaningful change and her guidance consistently helps children thrive.“
Margie Chastain, LCSW
“While I was Sam's supervisee, I felt heard, validated, and respected as a burgeoning mental health professional. In moments of difficulty, Sam showed me and my clients genuine compassion, offering psychoeducation that gave me diverse tools to tackle situations in unforeseen ways. With humor and authenticity, Sam's love for humanity was apparent in all of our supervision sessions, and she is a mentor I will seek guidance from as I continue on my professional journey.”
Elizabeth Malley
“I have been privileged to work closely with Samantha Smith, Psy.D, IMH-E as a Board member of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health, for the past several years. Sam is an inspiration, always leading with heart, empathy, conviction, and courage. She backs up her emotional accessibility with a strong intellect committed to optimizing the care of stressed young children and their overwhelmed families. She also brings her deep caring to the emotional support of her co-workers through reflective supervision.”
William Cosgrove, MD
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Samantha Smith through the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health for several years and have seen firsthand the depth of her knowledge, care, and leadership. She is widely respected state-wide for her expertise in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and supporting nurturing caregiving relationships. Dr. Smith brings a deep commitment to promoting equity and high-quality care for young children and their families.”
Alysse M. Loomis, PhD, LCSW
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EARLY BRANCHES FOR A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST IN MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
Families often share that they immediately feel at ease talking with me AND I HAVE
Deep specialization in early childhood (rare in NJ)
Expertise in trauma, attachment, and behavior
Gold-standard training and national leadership roles
Warm, nonjudgmental, caregiver-centered care
Evidence-based treatment models for children 0-12 years
Clear communication, collaboration, and transparency
A strong track record of families feeling supported and hopeful
Created a place where children feel safe, caregivers feel understood, and hope grows.
And you’ll never feel alone in the process.
Schedule a Child Therapy or Assessment VIRTUAL Consultation
You deserve a therapist who deeply understands early childhood and who genuinely cares about your family’s future.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and see whether we’re a good fit.