Hi, I’m
Dr. Barajas!
Meet Dr. Kim Barajas, PhD (She/Her)
Dr. Kim Barajas (PSY34186) is a licensed psychologist at the Child Psychology Center, specializing in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors in children. She is passionate about supporting young children and their caregivers, particularly those navigating challenges related to emotion regulation, behavioral difficulties, and developmental differences. Dr. Kim’s client-centered, strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming approach creates a collaborative and compassionate space for growth. Whether she’s working directly with children or partnering with parents and caregivers, her goal is to help families build confidence, resilience, and meaningful strategies that support a child’s emotional and behavioral development.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Kim believes that therapy is most impactful when grounded in a collaborative, trusting relationship between the therapist, client, and their support system. Her approach is client-centered and individualized—tailored to each child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. Dr. Kim specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavioral Parent Training (BPT), integrating evidence-based strategies with warmth and flexibility. Her work places a strong emphasis on caregiver involvement, helping families develop tools that extend beyond the therapy room. With extensive training in child development and disruptive behavior interventions, Dr. Kim is committed to supporting children and their families with empathy and culturally responsive care.
Education and Training
Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021, following an M.A. in 2019. She completed her undergraduate studies at Florida State University in 2014, earning a B.S. in Psychology. Throughout her academic training, she focused on evidence-based interventions and assessments for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and disruptive behavior disorders.
Her clinical training includes an internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she deepened her work with neurodivergent children and their families in both clinical and research settings.
Certifications & Additional Training
February 2024: The Incredible Years – Parent Group Leader Training, Seattle, WA
January 2024: RUBI Parent Training Program, ABAC, LLC
September 2023: GAIN Intro to ASD: Best Practices for Diagnostic Assessment, Weill Cornell Medicine
September 2021: Incredible Years Preschool Parenting Program, Seattle Children’s Hospital
January 2021: Parent Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism, Selective Mutism Association
November 2020: ADOS-2 Clinical Training, UAB Civitan International Research Center
July 2018: PCIT Web Course (10 hours), UC Davis Children’s Hospital
Professional Development & Associations
Dr. Kim is an active member of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. She remains dedicated to lifelong learning and continues to participate in professional consultation groups, training workshops, and national conferences to strengthen and expand her clinical knowledge.
Areas of Expertise & Research
Dr. Kim specializes in working with children ages 2–12 who are experiencing anxiety, emotion regulation challenges, and disruptive behavior. She has particular expertise in working with children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. She sees great value in caregiver collaboration and works to empower parents with strategies and insights that support their child’s growth.
Her research background includes work on organizational skills training for youth, adaptations of PCIT for promoting healthy eating behaviors, and early reading interventions for infants and toddlers at risk of learning difficulties. She has presented this work at national conferences and contributed to several peer-reviewed publications.
Services Offered
Dr. Kim provides psychological assessment and therapy services for children and their families in both English and Spanish. She offers in-person sessions in Sacramento and virtual therapy statewide in California. Her services include individual therapy for children, parent coaching and training, and psychological testing to support diagnostic clarity and treatment planning. Dr. Kim also offers specialized services for children experiencing selective mutism, anxiety disorders, or behavioral challenges, drawing on evidence-based tools to promote lasting change.
What Inspired Her Journey
Dr. Kim’s passion for working with children began during her undergraduate years, when she worked closely with youth exhibiting challenging behaviors. She became interested in understanding how caregivers could be better supported in their efforts to help their children thrive—leading her to pursue a career in clinical psychology focused on children and families.
Outside the Office
When she’s not working, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, their dog, and two cats. She is family-oriented and treasures any opportunity to travel across the country to visit her parents and siblings. Between those family visits, she and her husband love traveling and trying new restaurants and bakeries. She is always scheming to see the ocean any chance she can get. Whether she’s baking something new or planning her next beach day, she finds joy in the little things that bring connection and calm.
