Child therapy in Scarborough In-Person | Online Across Ontario and Nova Scotia
Guiding you and your child toward calmer days and clearer communication
What child therapy can help with
Child therapy supports children through emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges while giving them (and you) tools that feel practical, doable, and matched to how they naturally learn. Every session is adapted to your child’s age, interests, and communication style so they feel understood, supported, and safe to grow.
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Navigating anger, frustration, or frequent meltdowns
Understanding and expressing emotions in ways that feel manageable
Building coping skills for overwhelm, fear, or sadness
Supporting emotional sensitivity without shame
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Worries about school, friendships, or separation
Difficulty with new situations or changes in routine
Physical signs of anxiety (stomachaches, headaches, sleep disruptions)
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Tantrums, impulsivity, or trouble with routines
Struggles with peer relationships or social communication
Feeling misunderstood by teachers or caregivers
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Negative self-talk or self-doubt
Fear of making mistakes
Perfectionism that makes everyday tasks feel heavy
Hesitation to try new or unfamiliar things
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Trouble concentrating or staying on task
School-related stress or avoidance
Challenges related to learning differences or attention needs
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Understanding what your child is experiencing beneath the behaviours
Responding to big emotions with confidence and clarity
Strengthening routines, connection, and communication at home
Learning strategies that help your child feel more regulated and supported
Understanding whether child therapy is right for your family
It’s common for children to go through phases that feel bigger or more intense than what you’re used to. Maybe your child is more easily overwhelmed, pulling back from friends or finding it harder to express what they’re feeling. You might be noticing frustration, anxiety, sensitivity or long-standing patterns that are becoming harder to navigate as school and life get more demanding.
Child therapy offers a steady, supportive space for children to understand their emotions, build coping skills and express themselves in ways that feel safe and manageable. It also gives parents clarity, guidance and simple tools to bring more calm and connection back into daily life. Together, we support the whole child. This means honouring their strengths, understanding their challenges and meeting them exactly where they are.
Our approach to child therapy
Families come to us when they’re looking for therapy that feels warm, responsive and collaborative. We slow down, learn about your child’s inner world and partner closely with caregivers to offer tools that feel realistic and supportive.
Our approach is developmentally informed, neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in evidence-based practice.
And above all else, children are supported without pressure or judgment. We meet them with curiosity, empathy and respect.
Child therapy in Scarborough
If you’re located in Scarborough or nearby neighbourhoods, our in-person child therapy sessions provide a calm, supportive space for children to explore their feelings and learn tools they can carry into daily life. Sessions are paced gently and shaped around your child’s personality, strengths, and comfort.
Online child therapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia
For families who prefer the convenience or comfort of virtual care, we offer online child therapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia. Many children appreciate being in their familiar home environment, which can make it easier to open up and try new strategies.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for:
Busy family schedules
Children who feel more comfortable at home
Parents needing flexibility
Neurodivergent children who benefit from reduced sensory demands
Frequently asked questions
about child therapy
When should you take your child to a therapist?
Therapy can be helpful when you notice ongoing emotional, social, or behavioural changes that feel hard to manage at home or school. This may look like anxiety, big feelings, low confidence, trouble with transitions, or shifts in mood or behaviour. If something feels “off,” or your child seems to be struggling more than usual, therapy can offer clarity and support.What if we’re not sure whether our child needs therapy or an assessment?
Many families aren’t sure whether therapy, an assessment, or both will best support their child. If you’re noticing ongoing concerns with mood, behaviour, learning, attention, social communication, or emotional regulation, a psychological assessment can help bring clarity.At Thrive Psychology, we offer several types of assessments depending on your child’s needs:
• Psychodiagnostic Assessment
• Psychoeducational Assessment
• Autism Assessment
• ADHD Assessment
• Gifted Assessment
• Custom Psychological Assessment
These assessments help identify what may be contributing to your child’s challenges and offer clear, meaningful recommendations for next steps at home, school, or in therapy.
Is therapy free for kids in Canada?
Publicly funded mental health services exist, but availability varies and wait times can be long. At Thrive, child therapy is offered privately by registered psychologists and therapists. Many extended health plans include coverage for psychological services.What is the difference between a child counsellor and a child therapist?
A child counsellor may offer general emotional support, while a child therapist (such as a psychologist or registered psychotherapist) provides evidence-based treatment grounded in child development and mental health. At Thrive, therapy is provided by clinicians experienced in supporting children and families.How much is a therapist for a child?
Fees vary depending on the provider and service type. At Thrive, we review costs clearly during your consultation and provide receipts that may be eligible for insurance reimbursement as psychological services.Can parents be involved in the therapy process?
Yes. Parent involvement is an important part of child therapy. We collaborate with you to understand your child’s needs, share strategies, and strengthen routines and communication at home.Does my child need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. Children can begin therapy at any time — with or without a formal diagnosis. Therapy focuses on supporting their emotional well-being and helping them build skills that fit their world.Do you work with neurodivergent children?
Yes. We support autistic children, children with ADHD, and children with learning or sensory differences using neurodiversity-affirming, developmentally informed approaches.How long does child therapy take?
Therapy length depends on your child’s goals and needs. Some children benefit from short-term support; others attend longer-term therapy to deepen skills and coping strategies.Do you offer child therapy in Scarborough and online?
Yes. We offer in-person child therapy at our Scarborough clinic and online therapy for families anywhere in Ontario or Nova Scotia.Fees & insurance
We’re here to support your child’s wellbeing.
If you’re exploring child therapy and want a space where your child can feel safe, understood, and supported, our team is here to help.