Moran Klein , LMHC - Child, Adolescent &
Adult Psychotherapy
Providing Online and In-Person Counseling
28 Jones Street, Suite 203
Setauket, NY 11733
Office (631) 686-8057
Cell (631) 512-2903
Email therapy@moranklein.biz
Child Therapist in Setauket, NY
Play Therapy and Child Counseling for the Three Village Area
My office is located in the heart of Setauket — at 28 Jones Street, Suite 203 — making in-person child therapy convenient for families throughout the Three Village area, including East Setauket, Stony Brook, Saint James, and Smithtown. I have spent years specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, and the families who support them.
Children experience the world differently than adults, and they don't always have the words to describe what's troubling them. I use play therapy, expressive techniques, and age-appropriate conversation to help children work through what they are feeling — in a warm, safe space where they don't have to perform or explain themselves perfectly.
What I Help Children and Teens With
Anxiety and excessive worry — school anxiety, separation anxiety, social fears, and general nervousness
ADHD and attention difficulties — focus, impulse control, emotional regulation, and building organizational habits
Behavioral challenges — tantrums, defiance, and difficulty managing strong emotions at home or school
Depression and low mood — withdrawal, loss of interest, sadness, and low self-esteem
Social difficulties — making friends, peer conflict, bullying, and navigating social situations
Life transitions — divorce, a new sibling, a school change, relocation, or family loss
Trauma and difficult experiences — processing events that have been hard to move past
Play Therapy for Young Children (Ages 3–10)
Play therapy is the foundation of my work with younger children. Young children communicate through play — not words — and a trained therapist can learn a great deal by observing and participating in that process. Through art, toys, sand, and imaginative activities, children can express and work through emotions they cannot yet name. Parents are involved throughout, with regular check-ins to share progress and strategies for home.
Therapy for Adolescents
For tweens and teens, sessions shift toward conversation, with activities woven in as helpful. Adolescence brings its own pressures — academic stress, identity questions, social dynamics, and the growing need for independence. I work with teenagers in a direct, respectful way, helping them build self-awareness and practical tools for the challenges they're facing.
Working With Parents
Effective child therapy doesn't happen in isolation. I meet regularly with parents to share what I'm observing, align on strategies, and help the whole family system work better together. For some families, I also offer family therapy sessions where parents and children work through issues together in the room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy in Setauket
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed specifically for young children who may not yet have the language skills to talk through their feelings directly. Through play — using art, toys, sand, and imaginative activities — children express what they are experiencing emotionally. As a trained play therapist, I observe and respond to those communications in a way that helps children process difficult emotions, develop coping skills, and build confidence. It is especially effective for children ages 3 to 10.
What age does my child need to be for therapy?
I work with children as young as 3 years old. For children ages 3 through approximately 10, I use play therapy techniques. For older children and teenagers, sessions typically involve more conversation, with activities woven in as appropriate. There is no upper age limit — I also work with adults, couples, and families.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Common signs that a child may benefit from therapy include changes in mood or behavior, difficulty at school, withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy, sleep problems, frequent tantrums or meltdowns, excessive worry or fearfulness, and responses to major life changes like divorce, a move, or a loss. If something feels off and persists for more than a few weeks, it is worth speaking with a professional. I offer a free consultation to discuss what you are noticing and whether therapy might help.
What should I tell my child about their first therapy session?
It helps to keep the explanation simple and positive. You might say: "We're going to see someone whose job is to help kids with their feelings. You'll get to talk, draw, and play." Avoid framing it as punishment or implying something is wrong with your child. I'm happy to share age-appropriate language before the first visit if that would help.
Do you work with parents as part of child therapy?
Yes — parental involvement is an important part of effective child therapy. Depending on the child's age and needs, I will meet periodically with parents to share observations, discuss strategies, and coordinate on how to support the child at home. For younger children especially, parent sessions help reinforce the work happening in the therapy room.
Do you offer telehealth for children?
Yes. I offer telehealth sessions for older children and adolescents throughout New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. For younger children, in-person sessions at my Setauket office are usually more effective — play therapy relies on physical materials and face-to-face connection. I'll help you determine the best format for your child during our initial consultation.
Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I'm currently accepting new child and adolescent clients in Setauket and throughout New York.