Helping Anxious Kids Across Texas Become Confident Ones

Texas is a big state. Good pediatric psychologists shouldn't feel rare.

If your child is anxious, struggling at school, melting down over small things, or just not themselves — you shouldn't have to drive two hours or wait six months to get help. Little Dove Psychology brings specialty-level pediatric mental health care to Texas families, virtually, from anywhere in the state.

Founded by Dr. Kristin Kroll, PhD — a Texas-licensed psychologist, former academic medicine professor, and mom — our practice specializes in four core areas: anxiety, depression, family conflict and communication, and emotion regulation for kids, teens, and college students. We don't treat everyone for everything. We focus on what we do best.

Virtual Therapy for Families Across Texas

No matter where you live in Texas, we can support your family. Our four most-requested service areas have their own dedicated pages with local resources:

We also serve families in El Paso, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco, Midland-Odessa, Tyler, College Station, Beaumont, McAllen, Laredo, Brownsville, Killeen, Denton, Round Rock, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Arlington, Irving, Garland, Pearland, League City, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, New Braunfels, Schertz, Georgetown, and every community in between. If you're in Texas, we can help.

What We Treat

Childhood & Teen Anxiety

Excessive worry, school avoidance, separation anxiety, panic, social anxiety, perfectionism, OCD-related behaviors. Many kids have lived with anxiety for months or years before families reach out — and within 8–12 sessions, most see significant relief.

Family Conflict & Communication

For parents stuck in the same fight about how to handle the kid — whether she is six, sixteen, or in her first year of college. Getting back on the same team is what shifts the dynamic at home. Learn more →

School Refusal & School Anxiety

When your child won't — or can't — go to school. This is one of the most stressful situations a family can face, and it almost always has anxiety at its root. We work with your child AND coordinate with schools to create a gradual, sustainable return plan.

Big Emotions & Behavior

Meltdowns that feel out of proportion. Anger that seems to come from nowhere. A child who feels everything, deeply. We help kids understand their emotions and build the coping skills they'll use for life.

Parent Coaching & Support

Sometimes the most effective intervention is not therapy for your child — it is helping YOU understand what is happening and build new strategies at home. We offer parent-only consultations for caregivers ready to support their anxious, depressed, or dysregulated child or college student.

Emotion Regulation (DBT-Informed)

For the young person whose feelings run bigger than her body has learned to hold. Dr. Kroll’s approach draws from DBT skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Learn more →

Hospital-Trained Background

Before opening Little Dove Psychology, Dr. Kroll trained as a pediatric psychologist at Children's Wisconsin and held an academic appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin. That depth of hospital training shapes how she works today with anxious, depressed, and dysregulated young people. Learn more →

Why Virtual Therapy Works for Texas Families

• No driving. Your kid doesn't have to miss school or sit in Austin or Houston traffic. Connect from your home, your office, or anywhere with Wi-Fi.
• No waitlists. Most Texas pediatric psychologists have 3–6 month waitlists. We typically have openings within a week.
• Same quality of care. Peer-reviewed research consistently shows virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person for the work we do.
• Flexible scheduling. After-school and early evening appointments that fit around school and work.
• Your child's comfort zone. Kids often open up faster when they're in their own bedroom than in a stranger's office.
• Texas expertise. Dr. Kroll is Texas-licensed and understands the unique pressures Texas families face — from competitive school systems to the cultural landscape your child is growing up in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a Texas psychologist from anywhere in the state?

Yes. Dr. Kristin Kroll is a Texas-licensed psychologist, which means she can provide virtual therapy to any family located in Texas — from Austin to El Paso, Houston to Amarillo, and every community in between. You just need a private space and a stable internet connection.

Is virtual therapy effective for anxious kids?

Yes — peer-reviewed research consistently shows that virtual cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation work with kids and teens. Many children actually open up more easily in their own home, where they feel safe and comfortable.

How quickly can we start?

Typically within a week of your free 15-minute consultation. We don't maintain the long waitlists you'll find at most in-person pediatric psychology practices.

Do you accept insurance?

Little Dove Psychology is a fee-for-service and membership-based practice. We don't bill insurance directly, but we provide superbills you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many Texas families find this approach gives them faster access to care without insurance panel restrictions. Learn more about why self-pay works →

What ages do you work with?

We work with children, adolescents, and parents. Most of our clients are families with children ages 5 to 17. We also provide parent-only consultations for caregivers who want support navigating their child's anxiety or behavior.