Online therapy services for school-age clients in the National Capital Region – English-language sessions
Anxiety, ADHD, depression, executive function, identity questions
Online Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Teens
In Ottawa, parents seeking a licensed child or teen psychologist often face wait times of 6 to 12 months in the public system, and limited availability with private practitioners across the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Many families end up commuting for in-person sessions or postponing care altogether. Leon Psychology Clinic offers online psychotherapy for children (ages 9 to 13), adolescents (ages 14 to 17), and parental coaching, with no commute and no waiting list. Sessions take place from your home or your child preferred environment, in a clinical and confidential frame conducted by licensed psychologists trained in evidence-based methods.
For children, therapy often focuses on understanding and managing emotions like frustration, sadness, or anxiety. Using age-appropriate strategies, our psychologists help children build resilience, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their ability to regulate emotions. For children younger than nine, parent coaching is key in fostering strong attachment and addressing behavioural difficulties. Adolescents and teens, meanwhile, may face heightened struggles such as social anxiety, self-esteem issues, or challenges with friendships and family dynamics. Our tailored approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), empower teens to overcome these difficulties by building self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
What makes our approach unique is the emphasis on collaboration with parents. While sessions are often conducted one-on-one with the child or teen, we work closely with caregivers to provide guidance and strategies that reinforce progress at home. Whether addressing behavioral challenges, grief, or academic stress, our goal is to help children and teens build strong emotional foundations and foster healthier relationships with themselves and those around them.
Why consult a child or teen psychologist in Ottawa?
Pediatric mental health needs across Ontario have grown faster than the public network can absorb, and Ottawa-area children and adolescents often face long delays in publicly funded services. Many families across the Ottawa-Gatineau region, including Nepean, Kanata, Orleans and Barrhaven, turn to private online therapy to reduce these delays. Common reasons parents reach out include school anxiety, oppositional behavior, attention difficulties, sleep problems, social struggles, or the need to navigate a major life event such as a separation, a move, or the arrival of a sibling.
Our therapeutic approach with children and teens in Ottawa
For young clients in Ottawa, therapy is built around a bilingual reality and the dynamics of a national-capital region where many parents work shifts at federal departments, the military, or hospital networks. With children 9 to 13, our psychologists combine structured conversation, age-appropriate exercises, and play-based work that translates feelings into observable behaviors. With adolescents 14 to 17, we lean on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and emotion regulation strategies adapted to their level of autonomy and the bilingual schooling context (OCDSB, OCSB, CECCE, CEPEO). Parents of younger children may also book parental coaching separately. Every clinician on our team is registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and trained in evidence-based methods.
Frequently asked questions about child and teen therapy in Ottawa
Will I be involved in my child therapy in Ottawa?
Parental involvement depends on the age of the young client. Children 9 to 13 benefit from a model that includes parents in the initial assessment and at regular update meetings – this is what allows what is built in session to land in the daily life of Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven families. With teens 14 to 17, the work is private and any contact with parents is negotiated in advance with the adolescent, except where ethics require otherwise. The full contract is laid out during the free 15-minute introductory call.
Will my private insurance cover my child sessions?
Sessions with a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) are reimbursable under most private group insurance plans in the National Capital Region – Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, GreenShield, Equitable Life, and Desjardins Insurance. For federal employees and their dependents, the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) also covers psychology services up to its annual ceiling. Receipts we issue qualify both as supporting documents for insurance and as eligible expenses for the federal medical expense tax credit.
Can your psychologists communicate with my child school?
With written parental authorization (or by the teen aged 14 and over for their own file), our psychologists can communicate with the school team across Ottawa – whether that means a teacher, the school social worker, or a child and youth counselor at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), the Conseil des ecoles publiques de l’Est (CEPEO), the CECCE, or a private institution. This collaboration is particularly valuable when an Individual Education Plan (IEP), an exam accommodation, or a managed return to class is in motion.
I live near Ottawa but in a surrounding municipality. Can my child still consult?
Our online sessions cover all of Ontario, so families in Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, Stittsville, Manotick, Gloucester or Cumberland can consult from home. The same applies on the Quebec side – Gatineau, Aylmer or Hull – where families with cross-border lives often find online sessions easier to schedule than in-person ones.
How quickly can my child get a first appointment?
Most Ottawa families schedule the free 15-minute introductory call within 5 to 10 days. The call is used to clarify the concern, define objectives, and confirm whether the assigned psychologist matches the needs of the child or teen. The first full session is then booked within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the chosen clinician calendar and the family schedule.
Contact information
Email: info@leonpsychology.ca
Phone: 819-200-7718
When contacting us, please leave your full name and phone number.
You can also book a FREE 15-min introductory call directly in our calendar:
Expertise in Psychological Care for children, adolescents and parents
At Leon Psychology Clinic, we believe that mental health support should be accessible and personalized. Using proven methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and integrative therapeutic approaches, our team is equipped to help kids, teens and parents:
- Online Neuropsychology Therapy: Offering assessments and interventions for cognitive, memory, and attention issues in children.
- Online Child Therapy: Supporting children aged 9-13 to overcome challenges like behavior issues, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
- Online Teen Therapy: Addressing the unique struggles faced by adolescents aged 14-17, including school stress, social anxiety, and self-esteem.
- Online Parent Coaching : Empowering parents of children 0-17 with effective discipline techniques and strategies to support their children’s mental health.
Online Therapy Kids, Teens and Parents — Relief Starts Here
Personalized Support
Every individual is different, and we work closely with each person to provide targeted interventions and strategies that address their specific concerns.
Collaboration With Parents
Although children and teens typically attend sessions alone, we can help you work towards fostering a supportive environment that promotes lasting positive change for your child / teenager.
Warm Environment
Your child can enjoy a safe, trusting, and inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically, without judgment.
Why Choose Leon Psychology Clinic in Ottawa?
Personalized and Professional Care
Each child and family is unique, and we tailor our services to meet individual needs. Our clinicians specialize in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety Disorders: Social anxiety, OCD, and specific phobias
- Depression: Low mood, irritability, and emotional withdrawal
- Behavioral Issues: Difficult behaviours, ADHD, and attention challenges in children
- Life Adjustments: New school, sibling jealousy, grief, and other transitions
- Early childhood issues: Potty training, tantrums, and more
For health professionals, explore more about our approach on our psychology consultation services page.
We can help with the following concerns:
- Anxiety, worry, and stress
- Low mood and depression
- Emotional dysregulation
- Difficulties with friends
- Bullying
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulties at school
- Performance pressures and perfectionism
- Problems with attention, concentration, memory, and organization
- Loss and grief
- Trauma
- Sleeping difficulties
Virtual Sessions for Ottawa
Our virtual therapy services eliminate the need for travel, making professional mental health care accessible to individuals across Ottawa. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, your child, or your family, Leon Psychology Clinic is here to support you every step of the way.
How do I know if online therapy is right for me or my child?
Online therapy is ideal for individuals who prefer a flexible and convenient option for receiving professional support. It is especially beneficial for those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or residing in areas without local access to specialized psychologists. Contact us for a free consultation to determine if online therapy suits your needs.
Meet Dr. Leon
Dr. Stephanie L. Leon is an experienced and trusted clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist specializing in child-adolescent psychology. She helps children, adolescents and their parents navigate emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges, empowering them to thrive.
Her warm and collaborative therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and draws from various modalities.
Fluent in French and English, Dr. Leon offers virtual sessions for those living in Ontario and Quebec.
Please note:
While we specialize in child/adolescent psychotherapy, it’s important to note that our services do have some limitations. We do not offer assessment or treatment for substance use and addiction problems, as well as disordered eating conditions. However, we are more than happy to provide referrals to trusted specialists who can address these specific needs.
Ottawa Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child or teenager needs therapy?
It can be challenging to determine if your child or teenager needs psychotherapy, but some signs to watch for include persistent changes in mood, withdrawal from friends and activities, academic decline, or sudden behavioral changes. If you’re concerned about your child or teenager’s well-being, it’s best to consult with a professional who can provide a thorough assessment.
What is online therapy, and how does it work?
Online therapy is a virtual alternative to in-person sessions, allowing clients to connect with licensed psychologists and psychotherapists through secure video calls. Sessions are conducted via a user-friendly platform, ensuring privacy and convenience. This approach makes professional mental health care accessible from the comfort of your home.
What issues can be addressed through online therapy?
Our therapy services cover a variety of challenges, including:
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., GAD, OCD, phobias)
- Depression and mood disorders
- Parenting challenges and discipline techniques
- ADHD and attention-related concerns
- Grief, loss, and major life transitions
- Relationship difficulties
Will my teenager’s (age 13-17) sessions be confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of adolescent psychotherapy. Psychologists prioritize creating a safe space where children and teenagers can freely express themselves. Generally, what is discussed in therapy remains confidential unless there are concerns about safety (learn more about limits of confidentiality) or if your teenager provides explicit permission to involve others.
Can I be involved in my teenager’s (age 13-17) therapy sessions?
While parents can play a crucial role in their teenager’s well-being, adolescent psychotherapy often involves sessions with the teenager alone. This allows the psychologist to build trust and encourage open communication.
What if my child or teenager is resistant to therapy?
It’s not uncommon for children or teenagers to be initially resistant to the idea of therapy. Openly communicate with your child/teenager about your concerns and the potential benefits of therapy. Assure them that therapy is a safe space for self-expression and personal growth. If your child/teenager remains hesitant, involving them in the therapist selection process or allowing them to ask questions can help alleviate their concerns. Skilled psychotherapists experienced in working with childre and adolescents can often establish rapport and build trust, even with initially reluctant youth.
Will my child/teen receive a diagnosis?
During the initial assessment phase, your clinician will determine if your child meets full criteria for a mental health disorder. Not all children or teenagers seeking psychological support will meet criteria for a disorder. You can request a letter with the outcome of the assessment so that it can be shared with your child’s primary care provider if you wish.
For a full list of services, explore our online parent coaching, online child therapy and online adolescent therapy pages.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Children (9–13), adolescents (14–17), and parents in Ottawa |
| Primary Services | Online therapy, parent coaching, neuropsychology intervention, and CBT for children and teens |
| Common Issues Addressed | Anxiety, depression, attention issues, emotional regulation, school stress, grief, self-esteem, and behavioural challenges |
| Approach | Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), integrative therapy, and collaborative family involvement |
| Clinician | Dr. Stephanie L. Leon, Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist |
| Languages | English and French |
| Initial Consultation | Free 15-minute introductory video call |
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