Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services

When Should Your Child See a Psychologist?

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Consider a child psychologist when a worry about your child's emotions, behaviour or learning lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or is getting in the way of school, friendships or family life. You do not need to wait for a crisis, and you do not need a referral. Many parents find that an early conversation either reassures them or catches something while it is easier to help.

Signs worth taking seriously

  • Persistent sadness, irritability or withdrawal.
  • Worries or fears that stop them doing normal things, such as going to school or sleeping alone.
  • Big changes in sleep, appetite or energy.
  • Frequent meltdowns or aggression beyond what is typical for their age.
  • Falling behind at school, or teachers raising concerns about attention or learning.
  • Difficulty making or keeping friends, or being bullied.
  • Going backwards, such as bedwetting or baby talk after it had stopped.
  • Struggling after a big change: divorce, a move, a loss, a new sibling or a frightening event.
  • Talk of self-harm or not wanting to be alive. This always needs prompt help.

A phase or something more?

All children go through rough patches. Three questions help separate a phase from something that needs attention: how long has it lasted, how intense is it, and how much is it affecting daily life? If the answers are longer, more intense and more disruptive than you would expect, a professional opinion is worth having. Trust your instincts. You know your child best.

What a child psychologist does

A child psychologist specializes in children's emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. Depending on the concern, they might:

  • Provide therapy suited to the child's age, often using play, drawing or activities with younger children.
  • Work with parents on strategies at home, which is often where the biggest changes happen.
  • Carry out assessments, such as an ADHD assessment or a psychoeducational assessment, to understand attention or learning difficulties.
  • Liaise with the school, with your consent, about supports and accommodations.

What to expect

A first appointment usually starts with the parents, covering the concerns, development, health, school and family. The psychologist then meets the child, sometimes over a few sessions, before recommending a plan. Parents are usually involved throughout, and the psychologist will explain how confidentiality works for a child of your child's age.

How to talk to your child about it

Keep it simple and positive. For a younger child: "We're going to see someone whose job is helping kids with big feelings." For an older child or teen: "Things seem to have been hard lately, and talking to someone outside the family might help." Avoid presenting it as a punishment, and give older children some say in the process.

If you are worried now

If your child talks about suicide or self-harm, take it seriously and get help right away. Call or text 988, call 911 in an emergency, or contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868.

Child and teen psychology at Supporting Wellness

Our child and adolescent clinicians see children, teens and their families in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake. No referral is needed. Call 1-888-622-8350 and we will match your child with the right clinician. When communication is part of the picture, our speech therapy in Calgary and Cold Lake can help too.

We direct bill many insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Greenshield and NIHB, so you pay only the part your plan does not cover. Children's sessions are usually claimed under a parent's plan. See direct billing and insurance.

Book online
Call 1-888-622-8350
Direct billing and insurance

Related reading: Adolescent counselling, Is ADHD on the autism spectrum?, 7 signs your child might need a speech therapist, Psychoeducational assessments at school, How service dogs help children and How speech therapy builds a child's confidence.

Our Matching Process

Over the Phone Consult
Give us a call for an over-the-phone consultation. Booking a therapy session requires no referral. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you access the care you need.
Pair With a Practitioner
Once we’ve spoken on the phone, we’ll be able to assess your concerns and pair you with a practitioner in our office who is best suited for your situation. We want you to receive relevant and relatable support. We have locations in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake.
 
Come in to Talk
We look forward to having you come in for your first session; our goal is to make you feel welcome and comfortable. You will sit down with a therapist who has specialized knowledge of your area of concern.

Why Choose Supporting Wellness

Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services
Safe & Welcoming Environment
Our office is comfortable and inviting for clients of all ages with a modern, open, and friendly atmosphere. We do our best to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable when you come for your appointment, whether with a family member or on your own.
Family Oriented Practice
We cater to families with multiple concerns. We are knowledgeable about marriage and family counselling, couples therapy, and child therapy. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment that is safe, comfortable and inviting to families.
We Listen & Work Collaboratively
We use a collaborative approach in our therapy and counselling sessions. We listen intently, respond with care, offer helpful feedback, and often recommend activities or reading materials to support progress between sessions.
Specialized Care
Our team includes specialized psychologists and therapists with advanced training. You can trust that the professional supporting you has the experience and expertise needed to provide high-quality care.
No Referral Necessary
We do not require a referral from your family physician; seeking care from one of our trained practitioners is the first step to better mental and emotional health, and we want you to have easy access to the care you need.
Free Connection Calls
All of our therapists offer free 15-minute connection calls to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and feel confident in your next steps, so you can move forward knowing you’re supported from the very beginning.