MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE

Child Therapy in Encino, CA

 Managing Big Emotions, Building Lifelong Resilience

In-office sessions in Encino, CA and online across California.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino, CA
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Helping Children Manage Big Feelings, Build Confidence & Develop Lifelong Resilience

When your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, it can be difficult to know what they need—or where to turn. At MILIKA Center for Therapy & Resilience, our child therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy designed around your child's developmental stage, personality, strengths, and unique needs.

We work with children experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, school stress, trauma, grief, social difficulties, low self-esteem, and major life changes.

Our Encino child therapists partner with parents throughout the process, helping children develop practical coping skills while giving families tools to strengthen connection and support emotional well-being at home.

In-person child therapy in Encino | Online therapy throughout California

Does My Child Need Therapy?

Children don't always have the words to explain when something is wrong. Emotional distress may instead show up as changes in behavior, mood, sleep, school performance, friendships, or family relationships.

You may want to consider child therapy if your child is experiencing:

  • Frequent tantrums, meltdowns, or emotional outbursts
  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Separation anxiety or difficulty separating from caregivers
  • School anxiety, school avoidance, or difficulty adjusting to school
  • Persistent sadness, withdrawal, or changes in mood
  • Anger, irritability, or difficulty calming down
  • Low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism
  • Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
  • Difficulty with friendships or peer relationships
  • Bullying or social challenges
  • Major changes at home or school
  • Divorce or family transitions
  • Grief or loss
  • Trauma or frightening experiences
  • Medical procedures, chronic illness, or medical trauma
  • Behavioral challenges that are affecting family life

Sometimes the signs are subtle.

If your child's behavior or emotions feel different from their usual patterns, a consultation can help you determine whether therapy may be appropriate.

 

Child Therapy for a Wide Range of Emotional & Behavioral Challenges

At MILIKA Center, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor treatment to your child's developmental level, strengths, personality, and goals.

Anxiety & Fears

We help children learn to manage excessive worry, fears, separation anxiety, social anxiety, school anxiety, and other anxiety-related challenges. Through evidence-based strategies, children develop the confidence and coping skills to face fears, navigate uncertainty, and feel more secure in everyday life.

Emotional Regulation & Big Feelings

Children may struggle with anger, frustration, impulsivity, tantrums, or intense emotional reactions. Therapy can help children recognize emotions, develop coping strategies, and learn to calm their nervous system.

Behavioral Challenges

We work with children who are struggling with defiance, frequent outbursts, difficulty following expectations, or behaviors that are creating stress at home or school.

Tics & Tic-Related Challenges

Children with motor or vocal tics may experience frustration, embarrassment, anxiety, or difficulty managing tics at home or school. Therapy can help children and families better understand tics, reduce stress around symptoms, and develop practical coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms & Repetitive Behaviors

Some children experience intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, or urges that feel difficult to control. We support children experiencing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, and related repetitive behaviors, helping them develop healthier ways to respond to anxiety, discomfort, and difficult thoughts or urges.

School Stress & Academic Pressure

Children may experience anxiety related to school, academic performance, tests, transitions, friendships, or fear of failure. We help children develop coping skills and confidence.

Social & Peer Challenges

Therapy can support children who are struggling with friendships, social confidence, communication, boundaries, bullying, or navigating peer relationships.

Depression & Low Self-Esteem

Therapy can help children who are experiencing persistent sadness, withdrawal, low confidence, negative self-talk, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Trauma, Grief & Loss

Our clinicians provide trauma-informed support for children coping with frightening experiences, loss, family changes, accidents, or other difficult events.

Child Therapy in Encino and Los Angeles

Every child is different. Rather than using one treatment approach for every child, our clinicians draw from evidence-based and developmentally appropriate approaches based on your child's needs.Every child is different. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, our clinicians draw from evidence-based, developmentally appropriate treatments and tailor therapy to each child's needs, strengths, personality, and goals.

Our Approach to Child Therapy

Child Therapy in Encino | Psychotherapist Clinic | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience

TESTIMONIALS

"Dr. Kanchi and her team are life savers...

As a UCLA provider, I need trusted referral sources for my most vulnerable patients. The MILIKA Center provides patient-centered, comprehensive, and evidence based care for youth and families who are facing medical stress and/or anything else that life throws our way. Look no farther this private practice. They will work with your family, patient and/or team and provide ACTUAL GOOD MENTAL HEALTH CARE!! Worth every penny!"

 

- Dr. Natacha Emerson | Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.

Co-Director for UCLA Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison (C/L) Service at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and the Pediatric Psychology C/L Service at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

 

"The therapists and team at MILIKA are fantastic... 

As a pediatric neurologist i see many patients who would benefit from mental health care for school related anxiety, stress over college applications, difficulty coping with a chronic illness, and various other reasons. I never hesitate to refer patients to MILIKA. And all my patients who have worked with MILIKA therapists report a wonderful and beneficial experience. I also like that MILIKA will work with patients' insurance companies to reduce out of pocket costs."

100% recommend the MILIKA Center!

 

- Dr. Lauren Waldron | UCLA Pediatric Neurologist, M.D.

"Dr. (Kanchi) Wijesekera has been a trusted expert in trauma therapy, offering evidence-based approaches that foster deep healing... 

Milika Center for Therapy and Resilience is a testament to her commitment to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care. With a team of skilled professionals and a welcoming environment, the center specializes in trauma recovery through innovative techniques that are family focused, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed. Whether for individual healing or community support, this center is a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their well-being. Highly recommended!"

 

- Dr. Blanca Orellana | Ph.D. | Co-Director UCLA Stress, Trauma & Resilience Clinic

 

"I've had the pleasure of referring patients to Dr. Kanchi and her team at the MILIKA Center... 

...and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! As a psychiatrist, I'm always on the lookout for top-notch resources to support my patients' mental health journeys. Their comprehensive therapy and resilience training programs for children, teens, and adults have made a tangible difference in the lives of my patients. I highly recommend the MILIKA Center!"

 

-Linslee Egan, M.D. | Board Certified Psychiatrist

"Dr. Kanchi and her team at MILIKA have been phenomenal!

They have gone above and beyond in caring for the patients I have referred."

 

-Dr. Juan Alejos | MD 

Medical Director of UCLA Pediatric Heart Transplant/Cardiomyopathy Program. The Director of the UCLA Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension program.

"Dr. Kanchi is one of the most gifted therapists that I have ever worked with...

Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera is one of the most gifted therapists I have ever worked with. Not only is she aware of the latest evidence-based modalities, but she has the secret ingredient of being able to attune to her patients in such a meaningful way. She truly is an absolute gem of a human and I would trust her to treat any one of my family members."

 

-Dr. Misty Richards | MD 

Co-Founder and Medical Director of UCLA Perinatal Psychiatry for the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic |

Associate Medical Director of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program|

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OUR SERVICES

CHILD THERAPY

Individual therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs of children, focusing on emotional expression, coping skills development, and building self-esteem.

PARENT CONSULTATIONS

Collaborative sessions with parents to provide developmental guidance, support, and parenting strategies for promoting their child's mental health and resilience.

PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY (PCIT)

PCIT is a structured, evidence-based intervention for young children ages 2–7 that coaches parents in real time to strengthen attachment and develop effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors. 

RESILIENCE TRAINING

A customized 10-12 session resilience skill-building program is crafted to equip children with an array of essential life skills, including emotion regulation, stress management, problem-solving, communication, and goal setting.

WHAT MAKES MILIKA CENTER DIFFERENT?

Finding the right therapist for your child is about more than finding someone nearby. You want a clinician who understands children, communicates with parents, and can adapt treatment to your child's developmental needs.

Specialized Experience With Children & Families

Our team brings experience in child psychology, pediatric psychology, trauma, anxiety, medical conditions, and family systems.

Parent Partnership

Parents aren't left on the sidelines. When appropriate, we provide parent consultation, education, and family sessions to help support progress outside of therapy.

Evidence-Based Care

We use research-supported approaches and tailor treatment to each child's needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

Focus on Resilience

Our goal isn't simply to help children feel better today. We want them to develop emotional tools and confidence they can carry into adolescence and adulthood.

Whole-Child Perspective

We look beyond symptoms to understand the child within their family, school, peer, and broader environment.

Convenient Encino Location & Flexible Scheduling

We offer in-person child therapy in Encino, along with online therapy for clients throughout California. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.

HOW OUR THERAPY WORKS

Step 1

Get In Touch

Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about our services and explore whether MILIKA is the right fit for you and your child. During the consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, learn about our therapeutic approaches, and share more about your child and family. We’ll also help guide you toward the therapist and treatment approach that may best meet your child’s unique needs.

Step 2

Complete the Initial Intake with the Therapist

Your child's therapist will meet with parent(s) to learn more about their emotional, behavioral, social, developmental, and family experiences and identify treatment goals.

Step 3

Get Personalized Support

Your child begins working with their therapist using developmentally appropriate and evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to their needs.

STEP 4

Track Progress & Embrace Positive Change

Treatment goals are reviewed regularly so therapy can evolve as your child grows and their needs change. Over time, you’ll begin to see meaningful shifts in your child’s self-regulation, confidence, and resilience, while gaining practical parenting tools and strategies to strengthen connection, understanding, and growth across your family.

STEP 5

Graduate With Confidence

Graduating from therapy is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter. You and your child will leave with greater confidence, stronger emotional tools, and practical parenting skills to continue navigating challenges, deepening connection, and thriving long after our work together is complete.

Ready to Start Your Child's Journey?

About - Speciality | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino, CA

ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet Our Child Therapists

Mental Health Training in Encino | Encino PTSD/Trauma | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino, CA

Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

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Associate Clinical Therapist
Jasmine Chow, AMFT.

Mental Health in Encino | Encino PTSD/Trauma | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino, CA

Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

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Doctoral Clinical Trainee
Kurtis Vu, M.A.

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Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist
Estela Cabrera, LCSW.

About Laily Gallo | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino CA

Yoga Instructor
Laily Gallo

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Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist
Lindsay Merrill, LMFT.

Child Therapy in Encino & the San Fernando Valley

MILIKA Center for Therapy & Resilience is located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino, making our practice convenient for families throughout the San Fernando Valley.

We provide child therapy for families in:

  • Encino
  • Sherman Oaks
  • Tarzana
  • Studio City
  • Woodland Hills
  • Calabasas
  • Van Nuys
  • and surrounding Los Angeles communities

We also offer online therapy throughout California.

Young Boy Smiling at Camera | MILIKA Center Therapy & Resilience | Encino CA

Timely Therapy Is Key. 

Addressing challenges early and seeking timely therapy is critical for children. Waiting too long to get help can prolong their suffering and make it more difficult to overcome their struggles. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for children to explore their feelings, learn coping skills, and develop resilience.

By seeking therapy early, children can:

  • Learn healthy coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety before symptoms become paralyzing and have a bigger ripple effect.
  • Build self-esteem, self-compassion, and confidence in themselves.
  • Develop social skills and navigate peer relationships more effectively.
  • Strengthen family bonds and communication.
  • Thrive academically and emotionally.

At MILIKA, we prioritize timely support.  That's why we strive to schedule your initial free phone consultation within 24-48 hours, and the intake with one of our expert therapists within one week. 

Ready To Start And Help Your Child Live Life To The Fullest

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards supporting their mental health and resilience.