Online therapy and counselling for ages 9 to 17 – York Region clinic, evening slots available
Dedicated Mental Health Care for Children, Teens, and Families
Academic anxiety, perfectionism, ADHD, identity questions, low mood
Professional Mental Health Care for Children, Teens, and Families
At Leon Psychology Clinic, we understand that growing up comes with emotional, social, and developmental challenges. In Markham, young children may struggle with anxiety, emotional expression, or adjusting to new experiences, while teenagers often face academic pressure, social expectations, and identity formation. Our online therapy services provide a nurturing and structured space where children and teens can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and gain the skills needed for a healthier future.
For children under nine, parent coaching is key to fostering emotional security and addressing behavioral challenges. As they grow, therapy helps children learn to manage emotions, build self-regulation skills, and develop positive coping strategies. Adolescents and teens, who may struggle with self-confidence, peer relationships, or family stress, benefit from targeted interventions designed to promote emotional balance and personal growth. Using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we equip young individuals with the tools to handle their challenges with confidence and clarity.
We also emphasize family involvement, providing parents with the guidance needed to reinforce progress at home. Whether your child is working through emotional struggles, behavioral concerns, or grief, our goal is to offer the support and strategies necessary for lasting well-being.
For trusted online therapy in Markham, Leon Psychology Clinic is dedicated to helping your child thrive emotionally and socially.
Why consult a child or teen psychologist in Markham?
Pediatric mental health needs across Ontario have grown faster than the public network can absorb, and Markham-area children often face long delays in publicly funded services. Many families across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area, including Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Stouffville and Unionville, 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 Markham
In Markham, working with young clients means understanding the academic intensity that characterizes many local schools and the multi-generational family context that is common across the city. With children 9 to 13, our psychologists draw on structured conversation, age-appropriate exercises, and play-based techniques to make abstract feelings observable. With adolescents 14 to 17, sessions rely on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and emotion regulation tools, recalibrated to the high expectations that families often place on academic performance at the York Region DSB or York Catholic DSB. Parents of younger children can also book parental coaching as a complement to the child work or as a stand-alone service. 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 Markham
Will I be involved in my child therapy in Markham?
It depends on the age of the young client. With children 9 to 13, parents are involved in the intake assessment and reconnect with the psychologist at agreed-upon intervals – this allows what is being built in session to be reinforced in daily routines across Unionville, Cathedral, Cornell, Berczy or other Markham neighborhoods. With teens 14 to 17, the work is one-on-one, and any update for parents is negotiated in advance with the adolescent, except where ethics or safety make it necessary. The framework is laid out during the free 15-minute introductory call.
Will my private insurance cover my child sessions?
Sessions provided by a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) are reimbursable under most private group insurance plans active across York Region – Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, GreenShield, Equitable Life, and Desjardins Insurance. Each contract sets its own annual ceiling, percentage covered, and dependent age limit, so we recommend a check 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 coordinate with the school team across Markham – the teacher, the school social worker, or a child and youth counselor at the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), the York Catholic DSB, or a private institution. This collaboration is most useful when an Individual Education Plan (IEP), an exam accommodation, or a managed return to class is being arranged.
I live near Markham but in a surrounding municipality. Can my child still consult?
Our online sessions are available throughout Ontario, so families in Unionville, Cathedral, Cornell, Greensborough, Berczy, Box Grove or Markham Village 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 Markham families schedule the free 15-minute introductory call within 5 to 10 days. We use it to clarify the concern, set expectations, and confirm clinical fit between the young client and the chosen psychologist. 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:
Customized Online Therapy for Kids and Teens
Each stage of childhood and adolescence presents different mental health needs. Our therapy services are tailored to support the emotional growth and well-being of children and teens at every developmental stage. 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.
- Child Psychotherapy (ages 9-13): Our therapy sessions focus on emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing communication skills. Through structured techniques, we help children gain confidence, handle social interactions, and manage their emotions more effectively.
- Adolescent Psychotherapy (ages 14-17): Adolescence is a time of identity formation and increasing independence. Our therapy sessions address self-esteem concerns, peer pressure, academic stress, and emotional difficulties, equipping teens with the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
- Parent Coaching (ages 0-17): Parents play a crucial role in their child’s emotional development. We provide expert guidance to help parents foster a positive home environment and support their child’s mental well-being.
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 Markham?
Our therapy services are designed to address a range of mental health challenges, providing personalized support to help children, teens, and families thrive:
- Anxiety and Stress Management: Helping children and teens cope with social anxiety, excessive worry, and school-related stress.
- Mood and Emotional Difficulties: Addressing low mood, self-esteem struggles, and emotional regulation issues.
- Behavioral and Attention Concerns: Supporting children with ADHD, impulse control difficulties, and emotional outbursts.
- Life Transitions and Adjustments: Helping families navigate changes such as moving schools, dealing with grief, or managing family challenges.
- Developmental Challenges: Providing support for children struggling with emotional expression, peer relationships, and separation anxiety.
For health professionals, explore more about our approach on our psychology consultation services page.
Accessible Virtual Therapy for Families in Markham
Leon Psychology Clinic provides convenient online therapy sessions for families in Markham, ensuring that high-quality mental health care is available from the comfort of home. Virtual therapy eliminates travel barriers, making it easier for children and teens to receive consistent and professional support.
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.
Markham Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child or teen would benefit from therapy?
In Markham, 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 York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. 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 advantages of online therapy for families in Markham?
Online therapy offers a convenient and flexible alternative to in-person sessions, allowing children and teens to receive professional psychological support from home. Our secure, private platform ensures confidentiality, and virtual sessions make therapy more accessible, eliminating travel time while providing the same level of expert 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
How involved can parents be in therapy?
Parental involvement depends on the child’s age and needs. For younger children, parent coaching is often incorporated to help reinforce progress at home. For teenagers, therapy sessions are typically private to encourage open communication, though therapists can provide general guidance for parents to support their child’s emotional well-being.
For compassionate and professional online therapy in Markham, Leon Psychology Clinic is here to help children and teens build resilience and emotional strength.
For a full list of services, explore our online parent coaching, online child therapy and online adolescent therapy pages.
The Leon Psychology Clinic provides online parent coaching, child therapy and adolescent therapy.
| Concern | Therapeutic Approach | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety & Stress | CBT and relaxation training | Develop healthy coping mechanisms and reduce excessive worry |
| Emotional Regulation | Cognitive restructuring and mindfulness techniques | Improve self-control and emotional awareness |
| Peer Relationships | Social skills training and communication exercises | Strengthen confidence and build positive social interactions |
| Behavioral Challenges | Parent coaching and behavioral therapy | Encourage consistent routines and reduce conflict at home |
| Academic Pressure | CBT-based problem-solving and time management | Enhance focus, motivation, and resilience under stress |
English (Canada) 
Français du Canada