Child psychologist in Budapest
A child psychologist is a professional who supports children’s emotional, mental, and social development. They help children navigate challenges in various life situations and work to improve their mental wellbeing. The psychologist collaborates closely with parents to maintain or enhance the child’s overall mental health. Parental involvement and support are essential for achieving long-term progress in therapy.
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Anxiety
Panic disorder
Depression
Adolescents
Low self-esteem
Relationships
Grief
Sexuality
Workplace issues
Loneliness
Stress
Child wellbeing
Family
Divorce
Life transitions
Self-awareness
Career
Crises
Addictions
ADHD
OCD and phobias
Sports psychology
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Buda, District 11
Pest, District 9
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Speaks English
What does a child psychologist do?
The primary goal of a child psychologist is to help children navigate situations that may lead to emotional, mental, or behavioral difficulties. These challenges may include:
Emotional difficulties
Anxiety, depression, sadness, low self-esteem.
Behavioral issues
Outbursts, school difficulties, attention problems, aggressive behavior.
Lack of social skills
Difficulty forming relationships, cooperating with others, managing anxiety in social situations, communication problems.
Learning difficulties
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention deficits.
Family and environmental factors
válás, családon belüli erőszak, bántalmazás, gyász, trauma, testvérkonfliktus, szülő-gyermek kapcsolati nehézségek.
Mental health disorders
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, eating disorders.
Whenever a parent feels uncertain or concerned about their child’s mental wellbeing, it's worth seeking support from a child psychologist. The same applies in cases where the child’s challenges arise from external life circumstances—such as moving, changing schools, loss in the family, or adapting to a new environment.
When should you take your child to a psychologist?
The length and focus of child psychology sessions depend on the child’s developmental stage, the severity of the problem, and the type of therapeutic approach. The goal of therapy is not always to eliminate symptoms, but to understand and address underlying causes.
It’s important to know that psychological problems often develop gradually, over years, meaning therapy may last months or even years. While working with children can sometimes be “easier” thanks to their more flexible and open mindset, building motivation and cooperation is key (especially with teens who may initially resist the process).
Even if a child doesn’t clearly express distress, there may be signs that professional help is needed. These may include:
Aggressive behavior
Behavioral disorders
Mood swings
Excessive anxiety (e.g. school refusal or extreme performance pressure)
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Difficulty forming peer relationships or fitting in
Learning challenges or academic performance issues
Unexplained physical symptoms (e.g. stomachaches, headaches)
Sleep problems
Eating issues or body image concerns
Toilet training difficulties (e.g. persistent bedwetting, soiling)
Tics, compulsive behaviors
Self-harm or frequent accidents
If you notice any of these, a child psychologist can help uncover the root of the issue and support both the child and family in moving toward healthier functioning.
What age should a child start seeing a psychologist?
You can ask for help at any age—if you’re worried about your child’s development, behavior, or emotional state. Child psychologists apply different tools and methods based on the child’s age and stage.
Age ranges and common situations:
0–3 years: If your child shows delayed development, communication issues, or signs of trauma (e.g. premature birth, accident), early support is available. In this age group, specialized developmental centers can offer targeted help.
3–6 years: This is often when behavioral challenges appear (e.g. tantrums, anxiety, separation issues, sleep difficulties). Many kindergartens collaborate with psychologists experienced in this age group.
6–12 years: Children may experience learning difficulties, attention disorders (ADHD), low self-esteem, or social struggles. If issues arise at school, the first step might be the school psychologist, but in more complex cases, external support or a developmental assessment may be needed.
12–18 years: Adolescents often face emotional crises, anxiety, depression, identity issues, and family conflict. During this stage, professional guidance can support both the teen and the family.
If a parent notices that a child’s emotional state or functioning is disrupted for a longer period, seeking professional support is strongly recommended—so both the child and the family can move toward a more balanced, healthy life.
How child psychologists work
A child psychologist’s work always adapts to the child’s age and the nature of the issue. The first step is an initial assessment, where the psychologist evaluates whether therapy is needed. This can involve:
Parent interview – Parents describe the problem, how long it’s been present, and in what situations it occurs. The psychologist also asks about the child’s development, family background, and school or social environment.
Observation – The psychologist watches the child during play or structured activities to assess behavior and emotional responses.
Psychological testing – If needed, attention, learning, or emotional challenges are assessed using standardized tests.
Professional consultation – When helpful, the psychologist may collaborate with teachers, pediatricians, special educators, or other professionals involved in the child’s development.
If psychological support is not the right fit, the family may be referred to another professional (e.g. speech therapist, special educator, child psychiatrist).
Therapy phase and methods
Depending on the child’s age and the issue, a range of therapeutic methods may be used:
Young children often benefit from tools they know well, such as drawing, storytelling, play, and creative activities.
Teenagers are better able to reflect on their thoughts and feelings. Here, therapy may focus more on verbal processing, similar to adult therapy—always respecting confidentiality and with their consent.
Specific therapeutic tools
Play therapy – Used with younger children; toys and role-play help the child express themselves and process experiences.
Projective methods – Drawing, puppets, symbolic play help children explore and externalize inner conflicts.
Talking therapy – More common with older children and teens; helps them express and process thoughts and emotions.
Tests – Standardized assessments help identify focus or anxiety issues.
Family therapy or parental consultation – When family dynamics are involved, parents may be invited to sessions.
Parent collaboration is key throughout the process. The psychologist maintains ongoing contact with the family, discussing progress, observations, and jointly shaping the therapeutic direction.
How to choose a child psychologist?
One of the most important aspects when choosing a child psychologist is their training and experience. Some challenges require specialized knowledge, such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or autism diagnostics. Always check if the professional has additional certifications in these areas.
Beyond qualifications, the psychologist’s personality and their connection with the child is essential. Look for someone who is empathetic, patient, and communicates well with children. They should be attentive to your child’s unique needs throughout the process.
During the initial session, it’s helpful to ask how they work, what kind of methods they use, and how they involve the child. Since children are often accompanied by parents in sessions, it’s vital that the psychologist includes you in the process and keeps you informed.
Above all, it’s important that both the child and the parents feel safe and comfortable around the psychologist. This allows a strong therapeutic rapport to develop, which is key for helping the child move forward.
Book your appointment today!
Booking an appointment is simple—it takes just 2 minutes. Click the "Book now" button, choose the psychologist that fits your child’s needs, and select the consultation format (in-person or online). You’ll then see available time slots in their calendar and can pick what works best for you.
It’s worth choosing a time that can remain consistent weekly, as regularity helps children adjust and makes therapy more effective.
We believe in early support. The sooner a child receives help, the more stable and healthy their emotional development can be.
In-person sessions on the Pest side
Ferenc Blvd 15, 1094 Budapest
2nd floor, door 17, intercom 30
By public transport, aim for the Mester utca / Ferenc körút stop along tram line 4-6.
By car, parking is available in zones 901, 902, and 904 — the hourly rate is 600 HUF between 08:00 and 22:00. Alternatively, the nearby Pávaház Parking Garage on Mester utca offers the same hourly rate. The office is about a 3-minute walk from there. Address: 1095 Budapest, Mester u. 30–32.
If you’re coming by bike, feel free to bring it into the building for safety — there’s no bike rack on the boulevard outside.
In-person sessions on the Buda side
Egry József St 17, 1111 Budapest
By public transport, use tram 4 and get off at Budafoki út/Szerémi sor, or tram 6 at Budafoki út/Karinthy Frigyes út. Both are about a 1-minute walk from the office.
Bus stops for lines 33, 33A, 133E, 154, 212, and 6 are also within a similar walking distance.
By car, parking is available on Egry József utca in zone 3113 for 450 HUF/hour between 08:00 and 20:00. If needed, the Allee parking garage is available 00–24h, also at 450 HUF per hour. The office is a 7-minute walk from there.