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
-
What is a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)?
Specific learning disabilities (SLD) can be challenging for children. Learn more about the characteristics and support for individuals with SLD.
-
ADHD School Accommodations: Section 504 Plan Classroom Strategies
School accommodations can help students with ADHD thrive in the classroom. Talk with your child’s school counselor about Section 504 Plan classroom strategies for kids with ADHD.
-
Is Dyslexia a Learning Disability?
Is dyslexia a learning disability? Read this article that addresses this question and explains how dyslexia affects learning.
-
Research on the Role of Parents and the Home Environment on Emotional Regulation in Children
Learn how a calm home environment and positive parenting can help young children develop strong emotional regulation skills in this research study.
-
What Is the Bargaining Stage of Grief?
The bargaining stage of grief is one of the common reactions to the loss or death of a loved one. Read this article that describes and explains this stage of grief.
-
Research on Growth Mindset and School Burnout in Adolescents
Research shows the link between a growth mindset and lower school burnout in teens. Find out more about the study, plus tips caring adults can apply.
-
Is Autism a Learning Disability?
Characterized by communication and social skills deficits, autism may present challenges in learning among children. Is autism a learning disability, though? Read this article that addresses this question and more.
-
Why Hydration is Important: Hydration Tips for Kids
Hydration is a beneficial habit for both physical and mental health. Discover why hydration is important along with helpful hydration tips for kids.
-
How to Explain Death to a Child
Knowing how to explain death to a child can help them learn to cope and move on. Discover helpful tips for discussing death with your child.
-
Research on the Effectiveness of Web-Based Training for Parents of Children with PTSD
Read this study about how web-based training for parents can help children with PTSD, plus additional tips to heal at home.
-
10 Best Children's Books About Disabilities (2025)
Check out the best children's books about disabilities in 2025. Promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity with these inspiring stories.
-
Research on Effectiveness of TF-CBT on Grief in Children
In this research article, you will learn how TF-CBT can reduce grief symptoms in children and find tips for helping kids heal after the loss of a loved one.
-
What is the Circle of Influence?
The circle of influence encourages learned optimism and can help you feel more in control. Learn how it works.
-
Understanding Maladaptive Perfectionism in Kids
Maladaptive perfectionism is one type of perfectionism that can lead to unhealthy habits, relationship issues, and mental health problems. Learn what it is and strategies to help a child overcome or avoid this type of perfectionism.
-
7 Best Children's Books About Forgiveness
Discover the best children's books about forgiveness that teach kids the value of empathy, understanding, and making amends through captivating stories.
-
Research on Cooperative Behavior and Its Impact on Relationships in Adolescents
Learn how trust, fairness, and social skills impact teen relationships, plus tips for parents to help guide their teens through cooperation.
-
Learning Disabilities in Children
Learning disabilities in children can affect their comprehension and understanding. Here’s how you can provide support.
-
Research on High School Students’ Acceptance of Minorities
Here is a new study that focuses on the impact of school activities and civics education on high school students’ tolerance toward minorities.
-
What is a Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)?
Nonverbal learning disorders can impact how children process information. Learn how you can provide the appropriate support.
-
Name It to Tame It: Identifying and Labeling Emotions for Kids
Naming emotions for kids is a helpful skill for their emotional development. The concept of “name it to tame it” encourages parents to support their child in identifying and labeling their emotions.
-
Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
While ADHD is not a learning disability, it can affect how children learn. Discover how ADHD is linked to learning disabilities and how you can help your child.
-
Research on Grief in Kids and Teens and How Caregivers Can Help
This article looks at a study on childhood grief, and offers strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children through loss.
-
The 6 Stages of Grief
Grieving involves a wide range of difficult emotions. Learn the six stages of grief and what to expect during each one.
-
Research on Peer Influence and Substance Use in Teens
Teens are highly influenced by their peers when it comes to substance use. Here’s a research summary with strategies for parents and caregivers.
-
7 Best Children's Books About Resilience in 2025
Children build resilience through experience, but you can also teach it. Discover the best children’s books about resilience.
-
Back to School Tips for Kids with ADHD
There are several important back to school tips for kids with ADHD. Parents can start with a few essential recommendations from a child therapist.
-
10 Activities to Boost Self-Esteem in Teens
Teenagers need to feel confident to succeed. Try these activities to boost self-esteem in teens and encourage them to reach their goals!
-
Research on the Mental Health and Child Development Implications of Hurried Child Syndrome
Learn more about the impact of hurried child syndrome on kids’ well-being and tips for parents to support their child’s healthy emotional growth.
-
Character Building Activities for Kids & Teens
Developing soft skills is one of the most formative aspects of childhood. Discover character-building activities to inspire growth in your child.
-
How to Deal with Back-To-School Social Anxiety
Many kids and teens struggle with anxiety when they return to school after summer break. Learn how to deal with back to school social anxiety with tips from a child therapist.
-
Trauma Therapy for Children
Trauma therapy for children is a powerful tool for overcoming abuse, neglect, and traumatic events. Learn how trauma therapy works.
-
Back to School Mental Health Tips for Parents
These back to school mental health tips for parents can provide guidance to help your child start the school year off strong. They include early communication with the school, consistent schedules, teaching social-emotional skills, and more.
-
What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?
Parent-child interaction therapy is an evidence-based strategy for improving relationships between parents and children. Learn how it works.
-
Research on How Sensory Sensitivity and Parent Relationships Affect Children’s Emotions
This recent research article investigates how parental attachment influences a child’s ability to regulate their emotions effectively.
-
How to Be a Good Mother: 7 Tips to Becoming a Better Mom
Good parents aren’t perfect—they’re dedicated. Learn how to be a good mother in our guide.
-
Research on Brain Connectivity in Youth with Depression
Learn about the latest findings on disrupted brain connectivity in youth with depression, and how they affect symptoms.
-
Behavioral Issues in Children
What are some behavioral issues in children? In this article, you will learn about the types of behavioral disorders commonly observed in kids, as well as their treatment approaches.
-
Why is the Word Yet Powerful in Developing a Growth Mindset
The way we speak can have a big impact on our mindset. For those looking to answer why is the word yet powerful in developing a growth mindset, discover how this simple word can transform a child’s perspective.
-
Research on Effective Anger Management Activities: Calming vs. Venting
Here’s a study on anger management that shows how calming activities like mindfulness and deep breathing are more effective in reducing anger than certain arousal-increasing exercises.
-
Research on Parental Technology Distraction and Adolescent Mental Health
Wondering how parental tech use affects children’s mental health? This study discusses technoference and how to minimize it to improve family connections.
-
10 Books About Bullying for Children (2024)
These 10 books about bullying for kids can help young readers learn about kindness, empathy, and overcoming bullying.
-
Phobias in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
When fears affect a child’s daily life, they can become phobias. Learn the causes, symptoms, and ways to treat phobias in children.
-
Research on Conduct Disorder and Deficits in Interpersonal Behavior
Interested in learning how conduct disorder affects social behavior? Here’s a summary of a research study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health.
-
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Children
Generalized anxiety disorder in children can make young kids chronically anxious. Here’s what you can do to help them manage their emotions.
-
Research on the Impact of Parents’ Learning Preferences on Children’s Study Habits
Learn how parents’ beliefs impact study habits and get tips to support a growth mindset for academic success.
-
10 Best Books About Friendship for Preschoolers (2024)
Discover 10 books about friendship for preschoolers, which feature stories that teach kindness, sharing, and the joy of connections.
-
100+ Journal Prompts for Kids to Cultivate Self-Growth and Positivity
Guided journaling can promote better mental health and enhance well-being. In this article, over 100 journal prompts for kids are provided, addressing different domains.
-
Research on Long-Term Exercise Habits in Teens and Young Adults
In this study, learn how exercise in teens promotes long-term health. You’ll also find tips for parents to support physical activity from an early age.
-
What to Do When Your Child Worries Too Much
Though worrying is normal, it may be time to intervene if anxious habits interfere with your child’s life. Learn what to do when your child worries too much.
-
10 Children's Books That Inspire Kindness
Discover 10 children's books about kindness, filled with heartwarming stories that teach empathy, compassion, and the power of caring actions.