Online psychology services for young people aged 9-17 – same-week first call
In the Outaouais region, parents seeking a licensed child or teen psychologist often face long waitlists at the CISSS de l’Outaouais and limited private options outside Gatineau. Many families end up driving long distances or postponing care altogether. Leon Psychology Clinic offers online psychotherapy for children (ages 10 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 supervised by psychologists registered with the Ordre des psychologues du Quebec (OPQ).
Specialized streams for 9-13 year olds, 14-17 year olds, and parents
Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, school refusal, transitions and family stress
Sessions available across the Outaouais, including Aylmer, Hull, Buckingham and Maniwaki
Why consult a child or teen psychologist in the Outaouais?
The Outaouais region faces documented wait times for pediatric psychology services in the public network, particularly outside Gatineau. The CISSS de l’Outaouais reports significant delays for child psychology referrals. Many families turn to private telepsychology 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 the Outaouais
Across the Outaouais region – from Gatineau and its sectors (Aylmer, Hull, Buckingham) to the smaller communities of Pontiac, Papineau and the Vallee-de-la-Gatineau – therapy with young clients takes into account both the urban context and the rural reality where access to specialized services is sometimes limited. With the 9 to 13 group, we combine structured conversation, externalization exercises, and play-based tasks that make abstract feelings tangible. With teens 14 to 17, our psychologists work with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and behavioral activation, while respecting the autonomy of the adolescent and the bilingual context typical of Outaouais families. Parents can also book individual parental coaching sessions. Every clinician on our team is licensed by the Ordre des psychologues du Quebec (OPQ) and trained in evidence-based methods.
Frequently asked questions about child and teen therapy in the Outaouais
Will I be involved in my child therapy?
Parental involvement varies with the age of the young client. For children aged 10 to 13, parents typically join the initial assessment and reconnect with the psychologist at regular intervals to make sure that what happens in session is reinforced by home routines across the Outaouais. For adolescents aged 14 to 17, the work is conducted one-on-one to protect the therapeutic alliance, and any update with the parents is negotiated with the teen beforehand, except where ethics dictate otherwise. The framework is established together during the free 15-minute introductory call.
Will my private insurance cover my child sessions?
Sessions with a psychologist registered with the Ordre des psychologues du Quebec (OPQ) are reimbursable under most Quebec private group insurance plans (Beneva, Desjardins, iA Financial Group, Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife). Annual maximum, reimbursement rate and age limits for dependents are set by each contract. For families working in the federal-government corridor, the Public Service Health Care Plan 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 and the Quebec equivalent.
Can your psychologists communicate with my child school?
With written parental authorization (or the teen authorization at age 14 and over for their own file), our psychologists can communicate with the school team across the Outaouais – the Centre de services scolaire des Draveurs, des Portages-de-l’Outaouais, des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais, the Western Quebec School Board, or any private institution in the region. This collaboration is most useful when an intervention plan, an exam accommodation, or a managed return to class is in motion.
I live in the Outaouais but outside Gatineau. Can my child still consult?
Yes, our online sessions cover all of Quebec. Families in Aylmer, Hull, Buckingham, Cantley, Chelsea, La Peche or Maniwaki can connect from home, which removes the travel time often required to reach a specialist in central Gatineau. A stable internet connection and a private space for the young client are the only practical prerequisites.
How quickly can my child get a first appointment?
Most Outaouais families schedule the free 15-minute introductory call within 5 to 10 days of reaching out. The call is used to clarify the concern, set expectations, and confirm the clinical fit between the young client and the chosen psychologist. The first full session is then booked within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the practitioner availability.
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:
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
Online Therapy For Kids & Teens—Relief Starts Here
Personalized Support
Every individual is different, and we work closely with each kid & teenager to provide targeted interventions and strategies that address their specific concerns.
Collaboration With Parents
Although kids & teens (10-17) 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.
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.
Meet Dr. Faulconbridge
Dr. Faulconbridge is a compassionate psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Faulconbridge empowers kids and teenagers to navigate their emotions and relationships with resilience and confidence.
Dr. Faulconbridge uses a blend evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to address challenges with anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation.
Dr. Faulconbridge offers virtual sessions in English for those living in Quebec.
How Psychotherapy For Teens Works
1.
Consultation & Assessment
Consultations are fast and easy—and best of all, they’re free. Our comprehensive child/adolescent psychology services include a thorough assessment of your child’s needs.
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.
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.
Virtual Teen 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.
How long does child or teen psychotherapy typically last?
The duration of child/adolescent psychotherapy can vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the concerns, the progress made, and the individual needs of the teenager.
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.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page.
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