Child and Teen Therapy

Therapy for Children & Teens

Therapy for children and teens often looks a little different than therapy for adults. Young people don’t always have the words to explain what they are feeling, so sessions are tailored to meet them at their developmental level in a way that feels comfortable, supportive, and safe.

For younger children, therapy may include play, games, drawing, or creative activities. These approaches help children express emotions, build self-awareness, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress, worry, or big feelings.

For older children and teens, sessions may involve more talk-based therapy, where we explore thoughts, emotions, relationships, and challenges they may be facing at home, at school, or with peers. Depending on the concern, therapy can also include practical strategies to help manage anxiety, mood changes, emotional overwhelm, or life transitions.

Common Reasons Families Reach Out

Families often seek therapy for children and teens when they notice:

Anxiety, worry, or frequent fears
Difficulty managing emotions or anger
Changes in mood, sadness, or withdrawal
Stress related to school, friendships, or performance pressure
Behaviour changes at home or in the classroom
Low self-esteem or confidence
Grief and loss, including the death of a loved one
Family transitions such as separation, divorce, or moving
Challenges with attention, focus, or ADHD-related concerns
Feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope with daily life

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can support children and teens by:

Providing a safe space to talk openly
Helping them understand and express emotions in healthy ways
Building confidence, coping skills, and emotional resilience
Supporting stronger communication within the family
Offering tools that can be used outside of sessions, in everyday life

Caregivers are often an important part of the process, and therapy may also involve supporting parents in understanding what their child is experiencing and how to best help at home.

The goal of therapy is not only to help in the moment, but to give children and teens lifelong skills that support their emotional well-being as they grow.

Contact Open Door Psychology

Next Steps

Parent Consultation

Consent for Therapy for Children and Teens

Before counselling services can begin for a child or youth under the age of 18, a parent consultation is required. This initial meeting allows the therapist to learn more about the child, understand the concerns bringing the family to therapy, and gather important background information to support treatment planning.

Consent Requirements in Alberta

In Alberta, a minor’s legal guardian(s) must provide informed consent before therapy can begin. In most cases, this means that both parents must sign the consent forms, particularly when parents share guardianship or joint decision-making responsibilities.

This is especially important in situations involving separation or divorce, where both parents may retain legal rights to make decisions related to the child’s health care, including psychological services.

When Both Parents Are Required to Sign

Therapy cannot begin until consent is obtained from all legal guardians, unless:

One parent has sole guardianship or sole decision-making authority under a court order
There are specific legal circumstances limiting one parent’s rights
Another individual (non-biological parent or caregiver) has been granted legal guardianship

If guardianship arrangements are unclear, families may be asked to provide documentation (such as a court order or parenting agreement) confirming who is authorized to consent to treatment.

High-Conflict or Disputed Parenting Situations

In situations where there is ongoing conflict between parents or disagreement about a child beginning therapy, services may need to be delayed until consent requirements are clearly met. This helps ensure that therapy can proceed ethically, legally, and in a way that remains focused on the child’s best interests.

Providing Legal Documentation

If a child’s biological parents do not have legal custody or guardianship, the child’s legal guardian(s) must sign the consent forms and may be required to submit supporting legal documents confirming guardianship status before services can begin.

A Note for Families

These consent procedures are in place to ensure therapy is provided ethically, legally, and in the best interests of the child. If you have questions about consent or guardianship requirements, please feel free to reach out prior to booking.