Online psychotherapy for ages 9-17 – Waterloo Region access, English sessions
Dedicated Mental Health Care for Children, Teens, and Families
Anxiety, ADHD, screen time conflicts, perfectionism, family stress
Comprehensive Mental Health Care for Children, Teens, and Families
At Leon Psychology Clinic, we know that childhood and adolescence bring a range of emotional and social challenges. In Kitchener, young children may struggle with anxiety, emotional regulation, or adapting to life changes, while teenagers often face academic stress, peer pressure, and self-identity concerns. Our online therapy services provide a safe and supportive space where children and teens can express their feelings, develop coping skills, and build emotional resilience.
For children under nine, parent coaching plays a crucial role in fostering strong emotional connections and addressing behavioral concerns. As children grow, therapy helps them understand their emotions, improve self-regulation, and develop healthy coping strategies. Teenagers, who may be dealing with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or family conflicts, benefit from targeted support that empowers them to navigate these challenges effectively. Through evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we help young individuals build confidence, self-awareness, and emotional strength.
We believe in collaborating with parents, providing them with tools and guidance to support their child’s emotional well-being at home. Whether your child is facing behavioral challenges, grief, or emotional regulation difficulties, our goal is to equip them with the skills needed for a healthier, more balanced future.
For expert online therapy in Kitchener, Leon Psychology Clinic is here to support your child’s growth and well-being every step of the way.
Why consult a child or teen psychologist in Kitchener?
Pediatric mental health needs across Ontario have grown faster than the public network can absorb, and Kitchener-area children often face long delays in publicly funded services. Many families across the Waterloo Region, including Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Stratford, 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.
Our therapeutic approach with children and teens in Kitchener
Working with young clients in Kitchener-Waterloo means recognizing the dual identity of a region anchored by a strong tech sector, two major universities, Conestoga College, and a long Mennonite heritage. Children 9 to 13 work with our psychologists through structured conversation, age-appropriate exercises, and play-based techniques that translate emotions into something manageable. Teens 14 to 17 work with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and emotion regulation tools adapted to their autonomy and the academic demands of Waterloo Region DSB or Waterloo Catholic DSB high schools. Parents of younger children can also book separate parental coaching as a complement to the child therapy. All clinicians are 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 Kitchener
Will I be involved in my child therapy in Kitchener?
Parental involvement is shaped by the age of the young client. Children 9 to 13 attend the intake with their parents and reconnect with the psychologist at agreed intervals – this is what allows family routines in Forest Heights, Stanley Park, Pioneer Park or Doon to reinforce what is being learned in session. Teens 14 to 17 attend their sessions one-on-one, with parental contact discussed in advance with the adolescent, except where ethics make it necessary otherwise. The framework 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 active in Waterloo Region – Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, GreenShield, Equitable Life, and Desjardins Insurance. Many tech employers in the area also offer extended psychology coverage as part of their benefits package, so we recommend checking with the benefits administrator. Receipts we issue are also eligible for the federal medical expense tax credit. OHIP does not cover services from registered psychologists in private practice.
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 liaise with the school team across Kitchener-Waterloo – the teacher, the school social worker, or a child and youth counselor at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), the Waterloo Catholic DSB, or a private institution. This collaboration is most useful when an IEP, exam accommodation, or managed return to class is being arranged.
I live near Kitchener but in a surrounding municipality. Can my child still consult?
Our online sessions reach every part of Ontario, so families in Forest Heights, Stanley Park, Pioneer Park, Doon, Huron Park, Heritage Park, Waterloo, Cambridge, Elmira or Conestogo can consult from home. The practical requirements are minimal: a stable internet connection, a recent device with a working camera, and a quiet private space for the young client during the session.
How quickly can my child get a first appointment?
Most Kitchener-Waterloo families schedule the free 15-minute introductory call within 5 to 10 days. We use it to clarify the concern, set objectives, and confirm whether the chosen psychologist matches the needs of the child or teen. The first full session is then typically booked within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the practitioner calendar.
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:
Personalized Online Therapy for Kids and Teens
Children and teens experience a variety of psychological and emotional difficulties throughout their development. At Leon Psychology Clinic, we provide tailored therapy services to meet the unique needs of every child and adolescent:
- Online Neuropsychology Therapy: Offering assessments and interventions for cognitive, memory, and attention issues in children.
- Child Psychotherapy (ages 9-13): Our therapy sessions focus on helping children regulate emotions, manage anxiety, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. We use engaging, age-appropriate strategies to support children in improving self-confidence and navigating social interactions.
- Adolescent Psychotherapy (ages 14-17): Adolescence is a transformative period with new pressures and responsibilities. Our therapy sessions help teens work through self-esteem concerns, school stress, peer conflicts, and emotional challenges, providing them with effective tools for long-term emotional well-being.
- Parent Coaching (ages 0-17): Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and we offer guidance to help parents foster positive relationships with their children, manage behavioral concerns, and create a supportive home environment.
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.
How Psychotherapy For Teens Works
1.
Comprehensive Assessments
Our comprehensive child/adolescent psychology services include a thorough assessment of your child’s needs, through parental and child interviews as well as parental and teacher questionnaires.
2.
Customized Treatment Planning
We address a range of concerns commonly faced by kids and adolescents. Neverthless your child is unique and their treatment plan will be tailored to their needs and goals.
3.
Integrative CBT Approach
Treatment is firmly grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but tools from other approaches are used depending on the child/adolescent’s needs and response to treatment.
Concerned about your child or teenager’s emotional well-being?
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
Why Choose Leon Psychology Clinic in Kitchener?
Our online therapy services are designed to provide personalized mental health care to children, teens, and their families, helping them address a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties:
- Developmental and Social Concerns: Offering guidance for children who struggle with peer relationships, separation anxiety, and difficulty expressing emotions.
- Life Transitions and Adjustments: Helping families navigate significant life changes such as school transitions, family conflicts, grief, and other challenges.
- Behavioral and Attention Concerns: Addressing challenges related to ADHD, impulse control, emotional dysregulation, and hyperactivity.
- Mood and Emotional Difficulties: Supporting young individuals dealing with sadness, low self-esteem, emotional withdrawal, and mood fluctuations.
- Anxiety and Stress Management: Assisting children and teens in coping with excessive worry, social anxiety, school-related stress, and phobias.
For health professionals, explore more about our approach on our psychology consultation services page.
Convenient Virtual Therapy for Families in Kitchener
Leon Psychology Clinic offers online therapy sessions that provide professional mental health care from the comfort of home. Our virtual services remove travel barriers and ensure children and teens can access consistent support to improve their emotional health.
Curious if online therapy is right for your child? Contact us for a free consultation to explore how our services can help your family’s unique 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.
Kitchener Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child or teen needs therapy?
In Kitchener, 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 Waterloo 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.
What are the benefits of online therapy for families in Kitchener?
Online therapy offers a flexible and convenient way for children and teens to receive mental health support without the need to travel. Our secure video sessions provide a comfortable, confidential setting, making it easier for young individuals to engage in therapy from home while receiving high-quality psychological care.
What age groups do you work with, and what concerns do you address?
Our online therapy services are tailored for kids, teens and parents including:
- Children (ages 9-13)
- Teens (ages 14-17)
- Parents
We address a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and life transitions.
Is online therapy effective compared to in-person therapy?
Yes, online therapy is equally effective for many psychological issues. Research shows that treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which we use extensively, are just as beneficial when delivered virtually. Our licensed psychologists ensure that every session meets the highest standards of care.
What types of concerns can therapy address?
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
Can parents be involved in their child’s therapy?
Yes, parental involvement is encouraged, particularly for younger children. Parent coaching helps caregivers reinforce progress and implement strategies at home. For teens, confidentiality is respected, but therapists can provide general guidance to parents on how to support their child’s mental well-being.
For trusted online therapy in Kitchener, Leon Psychology Clinic is here to support your child or teen’s emotional health and development.
For a full list of services, explore our online parent coaching, online child therapy and online adolescent therapy pages.
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