Michael Vallejo, LCSW
Michael received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2010. He is a licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Colorado and Oregon. He values a non-judgmental and collaborative approach to therapy. Michael utilize a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach, which includes skill-building, and strategies from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and various dialectical behavior therapy skills.
Prior to starting his private practice in 2014, he worked in a residential treatment center for children and teens, at a shelter for at-risk youth, and as a child and family therapist in a community-based mental health agency. He specialize in working with boys with behavioral, emotional, and /or school difficulties. Michael's primary age of focus is 10-18 years old.
Specialties: Working with boys, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Mood difficulties, Behavioral difficulties, and School related concerns.
Latest Articles by Michael Vallejo, LCSW
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10 Best Therapy Games for Kids
Play therapy helps children overcome their challenges by introducing formal therapy in a fun and engaging way. Discover the best therapy games for kids.
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Mental Health in Teens: How to Know When Your Teenager Needs Help
Understanding when your teenager may need mental health support is crucial. Learn the signs to look out for and how to provide help and support in this guide on mental health in teens.
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10 Best Fidget Toys for Kids & Teens with Autism
Fidgeting can help autistic children with sensory processing issues by expending excess energy. Explore ten of the best fidget toys for autism.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Teens: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in teens. Learn how to recognize signs and support adolescents dealing with this mental health condition.
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ADHD in Teenagers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
ADHD in teenagers can present unique challenges. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available for teenagers with ADHD.
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A Guide to Conflict Resolution for Kids
Conflict resolution for kids helps them become better communicators and friends. Explore the best tips for mastering conflict resolution.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children. Understand how to recognize and support children experiencing PTSD.
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10 Best Fidget Toys for Kids & Teens with Anxiety
Fidgeting is a telltale sign of anxiety. Explore the top ten best fidget toys for anxiety for your child or teenager.
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10 Best Fidget Toys for Kids & Teens with ADHD
Fidget toys for ADHD can help improve focus, provide an avenue for relaxation, and enhance a child’s social skills. Discover the best fidget toys for ADHD.
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ADHD in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ADHD in children. Find helpful information and resources to support your child's well-being.
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10 Best Sensory Toys for Kids & Teens with Autism
Sensory toys for autism stimulate every sense and help autistic children become more comfortable in their environments. Explore ten sensory toys for kids.
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ADHD vs. ADD: What’s the Difference?
ADHD and ADD are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Learn about the key differences between ADHD and ADD to better understand these conditions.
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10 Printable Trauma Worksheets for Kids & Teens
Trauma worksheets are a helpful therapeutic tool for children and teens suffering from PTSD and extreme stress. Explore some of our best worksheets.
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10 Printable Social Skills Worksheets for Kids & Teens
Children and adolescents require social skills to make long-lasting friendships. Use these social skills worksheets to improve your child’s communication style.
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11 Printable Self-Care Worksheets for Kids & Teens
Children and teens can benefit from rest, relaxation, and recuperation. Use these self-care worksheets to help improve their mental health.
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OCPD vs. OCD: What’s the Difference?
Learn the key differences between Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to better understand these mental health conditions and seek appropriate treatment.
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10 Printable Coping Skills Worksheets for Kids & Teens
Coping skills help children and adolescents deal with stress and conflict. Explore ten printable coping skills worksheets for kids and teens in our guide.
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10 Printable Depression Worksheets for Teens
It can be challenging for teenagers to overcome depression. Use these ten printable depression worksheets for teens to help develop better coping skills.
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10 Printable CBT Worksheets for Teens
CBT is a helpful way to improve your teenager’s coping skills. Use these CBT worksheets for teens to equip them to handle stressful situations.
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20 Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids
Social skills activities are a great way for kids to practice empathy, problem-solving, and communication. Here are 20 social skills activities to try.
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12 Printable CBT Worksheets for Kids
CBT provides an avenue for children to understand their thoughts and feelings. Use these CBT worksheets for kids to help combat stress and anxiety.
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Teens
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in teens can be challenging to navigate. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ODD to support your teenager effectively.
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11 Self-Care Tips for Teens
Self-care for teens is the key to a healthy and happy mindset. Here are a few self-care activities to try.
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children
Learn about Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in children, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
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Healthy Coping Skills for Kids
Coping skills for kids equip them to tackle and manage stressful situations with grace. Discover the best coping strategies for kids.
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9 Healthy Habits for Teens to Follow
Healthy habits result in healthy mindsets. Try these nine healthy habits for teens to help manage stress.
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9 Ways to Teach Kids to Be Grateful
Wondering how to teach kids to be grateful? Try these engaging and creative activities to reinforce gratitude in everyday life.
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10 Healthy Habits for Kids
It’s never too early to develop healthy habits! Introduce these healthy habits for kids to ensure a strong and happy child.
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10 Ways to Teach Kids Respect in the Classroom
A respectful child is happier and more successful. Here are ten ways to teach kids respect in the classroom.
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10 Signs Your Child Doesn’t Respect You
If you notice these signs your child doesn’t respect you, it may be time to intervene or seek professional help. Here’s what you should know.
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13 Activities to Foster Creativity in Kids
Creativity activities are the key to helping children become more imaginative, innovative, and expressive. Here are some activities to foster creativity in kids.
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8 Healthy Mental Health Habits for Kids
Healthy mental health habits for kids can drastically improve their quality of life. Learn what activities you can try together!
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Teens
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be challenging. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment options for OCD in teens.
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15 Activities to Teach Open-Mindedness to Kids
Open-minded kids are excited to explore the world. Try these open-minded activities to foster curiosity, flexibility, and resilience.
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How to Develop Curiosity in Kids
If you’ve wondered how to develop curiosity in kids, find out creative ways to get them excited about the world!
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15 Activities to Teach Kids Generosity
Raising generous kids isn’t always easy. Here are 15 generosity activities to inspire your child to give back.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can affect children as well. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for OCD in children.
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15 Activities to Foster Optimism in Kids
Does your child need a boost of positivity? Try these optimism activities to instill a motivated mindset in the face of failure.
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Depression in Children: Signs, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Depression in children is a serious mental health concern. Learn about the signs, causes, prevention strategies, and treatment options to help support children struggling with depression.
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15 Playful Loyalty Activities for Kids
Loyalty activities like trust games and loyalty bingo can teach children about perseverance, commitment, and resilience. Learn more!
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The Anger Iceberg: Understanding What’s Beneath the Surface
The anger iceberg is a helpful metaphor that helps people identify emotions beneath the surface. Learn how it can help children cope.
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15 Courage-Boosting Activities for Kids
Practicing courage activities with your child can make them more fearless, independent, and self-confident. Try these awesome activities!
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15 Fun and Inspiring Perseverance Activities for Kids
The key to success is the willingness to keep trying. Try these 15 fun and inspiring perseverance activities for kids.
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DBT for Teens: How it Works, Skills, and FAQs
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for teens is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping teenagers develop coping skills and manage emotions. Learn how DBT for teens works, essential skills, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
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15 Activities to Help Kids Develop Integrity
Learning about integrity allows children to practice good values. Here are 15 activities to help kids develop integrity.
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15 Best Activities to Teach Kids About Fairness
Teaching a child to be fair isn’t always easy, but there are many ways to make the process enjoyable. Explore the 15 best activities to teach kids about fairness.
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15 Social-Emotional Learning Books for Kids in 2024
Reading books is an excellent way to improve social-emotional skills. Discover the best 15 SEL books in 2024.
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Self-Esteem vs. Self-Efficacy: What’s the Difference?
Confused about the difference between self-esteem and self-efficacy? This article dives into the definitions and distinctions between these two concepts, helping you understand the importance of each in building confidence and success.
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Nutrition and Mental Health for Teens: A Meaningful Connection
In this guide, we’ll explore the link between teen nutrition and mental health in teenagers. Learn more about the effects of unhealthy eating on their mood and self-esteem with practical tips.
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25 Social-Emotional Learning Activities for Kids and Teens
Social-emotional learning activities are fun ways to teach children to become more in tune with themselves and others. Here’s what you can try!