Observe
Notice what lives underneath.
Together, we look beneath the surface of behavior to understand stress, developmental needs, and what a child may be communicating indirectly.
A space for every mind
to heal,
grow,
rest,
and play.
What families can expect
- A collaborative relationship with caregivers
- Care that honors culture, development, and context
- Evidence-based work that stays human and relational
About Me
Dr. Zainub Mallick, PsyD
Dr. Zainub Mallick was raised in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. She is a graduate of University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and received her doctoral degree in School-Clinical Child Psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology in Bronx, NY.
Her training spans community mental health, inpatient care, and substance abuse treatment. She completed her doctoral internship at Through the Looking Glass, a disability-justice-informed community mental health clinic in Berkeley, CA, and her post-doctoral fellowship at Connections Child and Family Center in Spring, Texas.
Each of these settings deepened something central to how she works today: a belief that every child and family deserves to be met with curiosity, patience, and care. It is what drew her to this work and what keeps her in it.
She currently practices in Houston, Texas, and is happy to be back home.
PsyD, School-Clinical Child Psychology
Houston, TX · In-Person & Telehealth
My Approach
How We'll Work Together
Collaborate
Work with caregivers, not around them.
Parents and caregivers are part of the process, so therapy feels more connected to real life and less like something happening in isolation.
Adapt
Use evidence in service of connection.
Developmental science and evidence-based practices guide the work, but the way they are used is always tailored to the child and family.
When families come to work with me, they are often overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of where to start to help themselves or their child. Many of my first conversations with families involve describing children's behaviors as communication. Your child is trying to tell you something. You are doing your best to listen, but something is getting in the way. That does not make your child a problem to be fixed, or you a failure for not yet understanding. It means we have something to figure out together.
I am an observer, a reflector, a translator, and a teammate. I work closely with parents to approach their challenges together. Parenting a struggling child can feel isolating and exhausting. Together, we take a look beneath the surface. We notice patterns. We experiment gently. We move away from power struggles toward understanding. And eventually, we see a shift. A child's body softens. A caregiver feels something click. Communication becomes clearer and the play becomes freer.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and developmental science, with techniques that are always in service of connection. Each child arrives with their own universe, their own emotional landscape, and their own way of moving through the world. I take the time to learn it fully, because that is where the real work begins.
Therapy with me is not about quick fixes. It is about building understanding, strengthening connection, and helping your child feel safe enough to be fully themselves. If you are looking for a psychologist who will take the time to understand your child and family's unique context, I would be honored to work with you.
Modalities
Evidence-Based Approaches I Draw From
Depending on your child's needs, temperament, and what they respond to, our work together may draw from any combination of the following.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and gives them practical skills to manage anxiety, mood challenges, and unhelpful thinking patterns.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps children notice them, make space for them, and move toward actions that align with what matters to them.
Play Therapy
Play is a child's natural language. Play therapy meets children there, helping them process emotions, experiences, and relationships in a way that feels safe and developmentally appropriate.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
An evidence-based approach designed to help children and adolescents process traumatic experiences gradually and with support, at a pace that respects their readiness.
Relational Psychotherapy
Centers the therapeutic relationship itself as the primary vehicle for change, emphasizing safety, attunement, and authenticity between therapist and child.
Narrative Therapy
A collaborative approach that helps children and families separate themselves from their problems, recognizing that people are always more than the difficulties they carry.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A few practical questions families often ask before getting started.
What ages do you work with?
Dr. Mallick works with children and adolescents ages 3+ and their families.
What should I expect when I reach out?
The first step is a brief 15-minute consultation, a chance for you to share what's going on and for Dr. Mallick to learn about your child and family. From there, she'll let you know whether she's a good fit and what getting started would look like. Initial sessions typically begin with the parent or caregiver before involving the child directly.
How long are sessions and how often do we meet?
Sessions are around 50 minutes. Most families begin with weekly sessions, though frequency is adjusted based on your child's needs and progress.
Do you work with children of divorced or separated parents?
Yes. Dr. Mallick regularly works with families navigating divorce or separation and is committed to supporting the child's wellbeing throughout the process. Please note that Dr. Mallick requires consent from both parents or legal guardians before beginning therapy with a child. This policy ensures that the child's therapeutic space is supported by everyone involved in their care. Consent and communication arrangements are discussed at the outset.
Do you provide crisis or emergency services?
Dr. Mallick does not provide crisis or emergency services. If your child is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Do you take commercial insurance?
Dr. Mallick is an in-network provider with Aetna and Cigna in Texas. For clients not using Aetna or Cigna, sessions are available at a self-pay rate of $175 per session. Superbills can be provided for out-of-network reimbursement.
How do I schedule or verify my insurance coverage?
Dr. Mallick uses Alma for scheduling and insurance verification. Booking and coverage verification are handled through her online consultation page during the consultation process.
Do you provide telehealth services?
Yes. Dr. Mallick provides telehealth services to individuals and families throughout the state of Texas.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are subject to a $100 late cancellation fee.
What is the best way to get in contact?
The easiest ways to get started are through the consultation form below or by using her online consultation page. If you prefer direct contact, you can reveal her email address and phone number in the Let's Connect section. Please allow up to two business days for a response.
Let's Connect
Reach out when you're ready.
You don't need the whole story organized. We can start with a simple conversation.
Prefer direct contact?
Using the online consultation page or the consultation form is still the cleanest way to begin.
Insurance & Rates
In-Network
Aetna & Cigna (TX)
Self-Pay
$175 / session
Out-of-Network
Superbills provided
In Crisis? Call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
Consultation or Records Request
Choose the option that fits what you need, then share a few details below.