Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Changes
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About Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Changes
Child Anxiety and Depression Therapy in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
Anxiety and depression in children often look different than they do in adults. A child with anxiety might refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or complain of stomachaches before events. A child with depression might become irritable rather than sad, lose interest in play, or withdraw from friends. Recognizing anxiety in children — and understanding what’s driving the behavior — is the first step to helping.
Dr. Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, has specialized in childhood anxiety, depression, and mood changes for over 35 years in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. She works directly with children to help them understand and process their feelings — using age-appropriate, child-friendly approaches that make therapy feel safe and even enjoyable.
Dr.Hackman facilitates the child’s comminication through their art and play, giving words to what they are expressing as well as helping them understand the feelings neneath their behaviour.
Key Points
Expert Support for Your Child's Mental Health.
Empowering Resilience
Dr. Hackman helps children develop an emotional vocabulary, understand their own feelings, and build the coping skills needed to manage anxiety and depression effectively.
Healing Space
A warm, child-friendly environment — in person in Santa Monica — where children feel genuinely safe, never judged, and free to express themselves in the ways that come naturally to them.
Transformative Support
Dr. Hackman maintains regular parent consultations alongside child therapy — so parents understand what is happening and know how to support their child at home.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your Child's Wellbeing Is Our Priority.
Early intervention for childhood anxiety and depression makes an enormous difference. Children who receive appropriate therapeutic support develop emotional resilience and coping skills that protect their mental health for life.
Dr. Hackman’s PhD in Clinical Child Psychology and 35+ years of specialized experience give her rare expertise in identifying and treating childhood mood disorders — with an approach that is always age-appropriate and deeply humane.
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Years of Child Therapy Experience
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Serving Santa Monica Continuously
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Confidential — Always
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First Session Free If You Don't Return
FAQ
Common Questions
If anxiety is affecting a child's daily functioning — school attendance, sleep, eating, friendships, or family life — for more than a few weeks, it is worth getting a professional assessment. Dr. Hackman offers a free session if you don't continue yourself or set an appointment for your child.
Yes — children are often more responsive to therapy than adults because their brains are in a more active period of development. Early intervention typically produces faster and more durable results than waiting until adulthood. Intervening when something is fairly new or occurring presently remove the period. Prevents the solidification of erroneous beliefs and assumptions about themselves and others.