Hallie Parker

Hi, I’m Hallie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I work with kids and teens who feel a little different, whether they’re LGBTQ+, creative, or simply wired to see the world another way. Many have learned to shrink, perform, or keep everything to themselves. Things may look fine from the outside, but fear of getting it wrong, not feeling like they fit in anywhere, or a harsh inner critic keep getting in the way. I earned my MSW from UCLA and have been supporting young people and families since 2013 in community mental health, treatment programs, hospice, and private practice. My focus areas include self-esteem, anxiety, school and social stress, identity, and family relationships, and I especially enjoy working with LGBTQ+ youth and creative kids.

Kids often show what they feel before they can say it, so our sessions don’t rely on talking alone. I use play therapy, art, storytelling, games, and other creative tools to help young people explore big feelings in a way that feels safe and natural. From there, we build real skills for handling stress, friendships, and self-doubt, and work on the beliefs that make them feel like they don’t fit in or have to keep everything inside. My style is warm, direct, and playful, and I adapt to each child’s age and interests. Parents are an important part of the process, so I check in regularly to share what I’m seeing and how you can support the work at home, while still giving your child a space that feels like their own.

In our first session, I’ll want to hear what’s been going on and what you’d like to see change for your child. I’ll ask about school, friendships, family, interests, and anything that’s been feeling hard lately. With kids, part of our time is often just getting to know each other through a game or drawing, so therapy feels less like a test and more like a place they want to come back to. Teens will have space to share in their own words, at their own pace. Everyone is welcome to ask questions about how I work, how parents are involved, and what privacy looks like in therapy. By the end, we’ll talk about goals and next steps, and my hope is that your child leaves feeling seen and maybe even a little excited to come back.