Megan Carney, LMFT
In-person psychotherapy in San Francisco for children and adolescents in English and Spanish.
Trauma-informed Child-directed Expressive arts Play therapy Family therapy Bilingual therapy Adolescent therapy
Hi! I'm Megan Carney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families.
For more than 13 years, I've had the privilege of supporting young people in schools, community mental health programs, medical settings, and private practice. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where children and teens feel safe to be themselves.
I believe every child deserves a space where they feel accepted, understood, and free to express themselves. My own experience with therapy showed me the power of having a trusted relationship built on curiosity, creativity, and genuine connection. That experience continues to shape the way I work with every child and family I meet.
I bring warmth, patience, and compassion to each therapeutic relationship. My goal is to help children better understand themselves, build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthy ways of coping with life's challenges. I also believe parents are an essential part of the healing process, and I enjoy partnering with caregivers to help children feel supported both inside and outside of therapy.
About me
My Approach
Every child experiences the world differently, which is why I believe therapy should be tailored to each child's unique personality, strengths, developmental stage, and needs. Rather than focusing only on changing behaviors, I work to understand what a child's behaviors are communicating and what they may be experiencing beneath the surface.
Children often express themselves most naturally through play, creativity, imagination, and movement. By following a child's lead and building a trusting therapeutic relationship, I create opportunities for them to explore their emotions, make sense of difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of responding to the world around them.
My work is grounded in deep listening, curiosity, and relational connection. I draw from evidence-based approaches while adapting each session to meet the individual child where they are. As children begin to feel safe, understood, and empowered, they often develop greater confidence, emotional resilience, stronger relationships, and more effective coping skills.
I also believe therapy is most effective when parents and caregivers are actively involved. Throughout the therapy process, I meet regularly with parents to share insights, answer questions, provide practical strategies, and work together to support their child's growth at home, at school, and in everyday life. When helpful, I also collaborate with teachers, school counselors, pediatricians, and other professionals to ensure children receive consistent support across the environments that matter most.
What Therapy May Look Like
Every child is different, so therapy is tailored to each child's developmental needs, interests, and goals.
Sessions may include:
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Play therapy
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Art and creative expression
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Sand tray therapy
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Imaginative play and storytelling
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Mindfulness and breathing exercises
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Somatic and body-based regulation strategies
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
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Coping skills and stress management
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Parent coaching and family support
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Trauma-informed care
Together, we'll help your child build emotional resilience, confidence, healthy relationships, and practical skills that extend beyond the therapy room. Visit my modalities page to learn more about specific ways I work.
Nurturing Resilience Through Play, Creativity and Connection
Services
Child Therapy
Adolescent Therapy
Bilingual Therapy
Family Therapy
Children and families often come to therapy for support with:
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Emotional regulation
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School challenges and school refusal
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Family transitions, including divorce and separation
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Trauma and stressful life experiences
