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Child Psychologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Our clinical department at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare is welcoming a full-time Child and Adolescent Psychologist to assist our residential team by providing psychological assessments as ...

Our clinical department at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare is welcoming a full-time Child and Adolescent Psychologist to assist our residential team by providing psychological assessments as ...

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Child Psychologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$61.4K

$102.6K

$140.4K

How much do child psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for child psychologist in Reston, VA is $102,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,400.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges child psychologists face when working with children and families?

Child psychologists often encounter challenges such as building trust with young clients, navigating family dynamics, and addressing complex emotional or behavioral issues. Establishing rapport with children can require creative communication and patience, especially when children have difficulty expressing themselves. Additionally, collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals is essential, which means balancing varying perspectives and expectations while ensuring the child's best interests remain the focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child psychologist?

To thrive as a Child Psychologist, you need an advanced degree in psychology (often a PhD or PsyD), state licensure, and a deep understanding of child development and mental health disorders. Familiarity with psychological assessment tools, therapy modalities, and electronic health record systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with children and their families. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately diagnosing issues, delivering effective interventions, and supporting children's emotional and psychological well-being.

What type of child psychologist makes the most money?

Child psychologists specializing in neuropsychology or clinical psychology tend to earn higher salaries due to advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating complex developmental and mental health issues. Those working in private practice, hospitals, or research institutions often have higher earning potential compared to those in schools or community settings. Certifications and years of experience also influence salary levels in this field.

What is a child psychologist?

As a child psychologist, you work with children from infancy through adolescence in a clinical setting, a school, or a research facility, focusing on mental health and behavioral development. Your duties may vary depending on your area of expertise. For example, you may work with students with learning disabilities or in a clinical setting with adolescent patients with mental health issues.

Is a degree in child psychologist worth it?

A degree in child psychology is essential for becoming a licensed child psychologist, requiring a bachelor's degree followed by a master's or doctoral program. This education provides the necessary knowledge of child development, mental health assessment, and therapy techniques, which are critical for effective practice in clinical or educational settings.

What does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in understanding and helping children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, developmental, and psychological issues. They assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and social challenges. Child psychologists often use therapy, counseling, and sometimes psychological testing to support children and work closely with their families, schools, and other caregivers to promote healthy development.

What is the difference between Child Psychologist vs Child Therapist?

AspectChild PsychologistChild Therapist
CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure requiredMaster's or bachelor's degree, certification varies
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practice, schoolsPrivate practice, clinics, schools, community centers
Industry UsageOften involved in assessment, diagnosis, researchPrimarily provides therapy and counseling

Child Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees and focus on assessment, diagnosis, and research, while Child Therapists usually have master's or bachelor's degrees and focus on providing therapeutic services. Both work in similar environments and serve children in need of mental health support, but their roles and qualifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Child Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA? For Child Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Child Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Child Psychologist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Child Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Psychologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,614 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Child Psychologist (MD)

Soar Autism Center

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Soar Autism Center rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Soar is seeking a Child Psychologist to join our interdisciplinary team! The role is well-suited to someone who wants to be part of a team focused on supporting young children with autism and their families and who values continuity of care.

Soar Autism Center is building a network of interdisciplinary clinics where children with autism and their families receive services that help them thrive. We provide naturalistic ABA therapy through use of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental pediatrics consultation. We also provide diagnostic services to help families quickly access integrated, collaborative care. This also enables us to provide continuity of care not just during the transition to therapy, but also while a child and their family are receiving therapy at Soar. Soar clinicians develop individualized therapy plans in coordination with families. The team sets ambitious goals that focus on building skills that enable children to grow into their fullest selves. We prioritize early intervention, comprehensive supportive services, and positive, developmentally-appropriate learning.

Location:

We are seeking candidates either located in the Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D.C., regions or fully remote for interested candidates that live outside this area. Soar has established the necessary infrastructure to conduct assessments remotely as well as offers multiple locations for those who prefer an in-office setting for some work tasks, providing location flexibility within the regions we serve.

Responsibilities:

The foundational responsibilities of the role include:

  • 70% of time:
    • Conducting ~5 diagnostic evaluations per week (28 billable hours / week) using standardized assessments for autism and differential diagnosis
    • ADOS-2, Developmental Profile (DP-4), BASC-3, other measures as clinically appropriate
      • Developing and delivering treatment recommendations to families
      • Providing high quality and efficient services, including clinical services and reports
      • Providing families with individualized treatment recommendations
  • 30% of time:
    • As needed, participation as a member of the interdisciplinary clinical team
    • As needed, participate in continuity of care for children evaluated that then receive treatment at Soar
    • Documentation
    • Consultation and coaching with the Head of Psychological Services
    • Additional opportunities may be available based on a candidates interest and experience, and fit with Soars mission. This could include offering post-diagnosis processing groups, research projects, community outreach, and supervision of trainees.

Qualifications:

  • PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology or School Psychology from an APA accredited institution
  • Active (or eligible to obtain) MD license as a Licensed Psychologist, willingness to also maintain licensure in CO is preferred but not required
  • Full competency in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including the ADOS-2, in children 0-5 years-old
  • Competency in differential diagnosis in the context of autism evaluations (e.g., co-occurring ADHD, anxiety)
  • Understanding of effective treatment methods for autism
  • Ability to pass a background check and are qualified to work in the United States
  • Strong communication and consultation skills with families and community providers
  • High work ethic and organizational skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members.

Benefits:

  • Competitive pay
  • W-2 employee position
  • Paid time off, including 9 holidays per year
  • For full time employees: full medical, vision, and dental benefits
  • 401k matching program
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Annual professional development funds
  • Supplies needed for professional activities
  • Administrative support, including scheduling, billing, and insurance
  • Coaching and consultation with experienced clinicians
  • A positive, collaborative work environment
  • A commitment to employee and patient health and safety
  • Ethical agreement that internal referral to Soar for therapy is never required

Soar Autism Center believes in and is committed to diversity and inclusion at every level of its organization. We are an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in the workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

    If you are intrigued, and want to know more before applying, reach out to our psychologist Abby Wischkaemper abby@soarautismcenter.com to set-up an introductory conversation.

    We look forward to hearing from you!


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