Expert Child Therapy in Tampa & St. Pete
Leaders in the Area: Recognized as the "Top child therapists" in Tampa & St. Pete
Proven Results: We've helped thousands of children overcome behavioral and emotional challenges
Tailored Approach: No two people are the same, we develop customized plans that address your specific needs
SCHEDULE Free Consultation
What We Help With
Anxiety, excessive worry, & emotional meltdowns
Behavioral issues & emotional regulation
ADHD, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing
Trouble adjusting to divorce & life changes
Trauma, abuse, or overwhelming life experiences
Social withdrawal and struggles with bullying
Our Child Therapy Services
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children
Play Therapy
Parent Coaching
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Reunification Therapy
About Dr. Perleoni
Dr. Mary Perleoni brings deep clinical expertise and a heart for helping children and families thrive. After earning her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling she moved on to receive her Ph.D. at the University of Central Florida, home to one of the nation’s top counseling programs.
With over 15 years of experience in mental health care, Dr. Perleoni is more than a clinician, she’s also an educator and mentor.
At It Begins Within, Dr. Perleoni’s vision is to provide compassionate, developmentally informed care for children, teens, and their families. Her clinical leadership ensures that every child therapist on our team is not only qualified—but exceptionally trained, supported, and aligned with best practices in child mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child is experiencing ongoing emotional outbursts, anxiety, trouble at school, or withdrawing from friends and family, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse, early support can make a big difference.
Q: How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Q: What happens during a child therapy session?
Depending on your child’s age, sessions may include play, talk, art, or skill-building activities. Our therapists create a warm, safe space where kids can express themselves and learn tools to cope and grow.
Q: Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
We offer both! Families can choose in-person sessions at our Tampa or St. Petersburg offices, or meet virtually if that’s more convenient. We do strongly encourage in-person whenever possible though.
Q: Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
Yes. Parents are a key part of the process. We keep you informed, offer practical strategies, and may include parent sessions to help reinforce progress at home.
Q: What ages do you work with?
We provide therapy for children and teens ages 4–17. Our therapists tailor each session to your child’s developmental stage, personality, and unique needs.
The helping hand you & your child deserve
2025 itbeginswithinhealing. All Rights Reserved.
Tampa: 550 N Reo St
St Petersburg: 12425 28th St
If you're noticing signs of anxiety, defiance, or mood swings with your child— you’ve come to the right place for help.
We specialize in helping children feel safe, understood, and empowered. Our certified child therapists work with kids and teens to navigate the big emotions and tough moments that can overwhelm even the most loving families.
IBW Helps Children Thrive