What ages do you work with for child and youth counselling?

Our clinicians support children as young as four years old as well as teens and young adults navigating emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges.

What issues can counselling help children and teens with?

We support anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, self-esteem concerns, school stress, grief, behavioural changes, peer conflict, and family transitions.

How do therapy sessions work for children?

Sessions are tailored to the child’s age and comfort level. Depending on their needs, therapy may include play-based activities, creative expression, skills-building, or conversation-based support.

Will parents be involved in the counselling process?

Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is often an important part of supporting children and teens. Therapists collaborate with families while also respecting the child’s privacy and emotional safety.

Can teens attend counselling virtually?

Absolutely. Oak & Sands offers secure virtual counselling for teens and families throughout Simcoe County, York Region, and Ontario.

How do I know if my child could benefit from therapy?

Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, school performance, emotional regulation, or relationships can all be signs that extra support may help. A free consultation can help determine the best next steps.

Is child and youth counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans reimburse sessions with Registered Psychotherapists or Social Workers. We provide receipts and Good Faith Estimates for insurance claims.

Child & Youth Counselling

Childhood and adolescence can come with a lot of emotional weight—sometimes in ways that are hard for young people to explain out loud. Anxiety, school stress, emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, peer conflict, grief, trauma, and family transitions can all show up through behaviour changes, withdrawal, overwhelm, or difficulties regulating emotions. At Oak & Sands Counselling Services, child and youth counselling provides a safe, welcoming environment where children and teens can process what they’re experiencing in ways that feel natural and supportive. We meet young people where they are, whether that means talk therapy, play-based approaches, creative expression, skills-building, or trauma-informed interventions. Our clinicians support children as young as four and teens navigating identity, relationships, school pressures, and emotional wellbeing. Located in Alliston and serving Simcoe County, Newmarket, York Region, and Ontario virtually, Oak & Sands offers compassionate counselling designed to help young people feel more understood, supported, and emotionally confident.

Young people need therapy spaces that feel approachable, not intimidating. At Oak & Sands, our clinicians create calm, cozy environments where children and teens can build trust at their own pace. Some youth need support understanding anxiety or emotional regulation. Others may be struggling with self-harm, friendship challenges, eating concerns, identity exploration, or the effects of trauma and family stress. Therapy focuses not only on symptom management, but also on helping young people feel emotionally safe, heard, and empowered. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT-informed skills, attachment-focused work, play-based strategies, and EMDR when appropriate for older children and teens. We also work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to strengthen communication and support systems while respecting the child’s emotional needs and privacy.

Oak & Sands supports children and teens experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, emotional dysregulation, school stress, bullying, peer conflict, self-esteem struggles, ADHD-related challenges, and major family transitions such as separation or divorce. Some children express distress outwardly through anger or behavioural shifts, while others become quiet, withdrawn, or overwhelmed internally. Our clinicians help youth develop coping tools, emotional awareness, communication skills, and healthier ways of responding to stress. We believe therapy should feel collaborative, practical, and age-appropriate, helping children and teens understand themselves without feeling judged or pathologized. Sessions are available in-person at our Alliston office near 180 Parsons Road and virtually throughout Simcoe County, York Region, Newmarket, and Ontario.

Reaching out for counselling for your child or teen can feel emotional as a parent or caregiver. At Oak & Sands, we aim to make the process approachable, supportive, and collaborative from the very beginning. Every family starts with a complimentary 15-minute consultation where we discuss your concerns, answer questions, and help determine the best clinical fit for your child or teen. We explain how sessions work, discuss confidentiality and parent involvement, and ensure everyone feels comfortable moving forward. With transparent pricing, Good Faith Estimates, and sliding scale options, we strive to make support more accessible for families. Whether your child needs help navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, trauma, or life changes, our team is here to help them build confidence, resilience, and healthier ways of coping.

What ages do you work with for child and youth counselling?
Our clinicians support children as young as four years old as well as teens and young adults navigating emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges.
What issues can counselling help children and teens with?
We support anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, self-esteem concerns, school stress, grief, behavioural changes, peer conflict, and family transitions.
How do therapy sessions work for children?
Sessions are tailored to the child’s age and comfort level. Depending on their needs, therapy may include play-based activities, creative expression, skills-building, or conversation-based support.
Will parents be involved in the counselling process?
Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is often an important part of supporting children and teens. Therapists collaborate with families while also respecting the child’s privacy and emotional safety.
Can teens attend counselling virtually?
Absolutely. Oak & Sands offers secure virtual counselling for teens and families throughout Simcoe County, York Region, and Ontario.
How do I know if my child could benefit from therapy?
Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, school performance, emotional regulation, or relationships can all be signs that extra support may help. A free consultation can help determine the best next steps.
Is child and youth counselling covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans reimburse sessions with Registered Psychotherapists or Social Workers. We provide receipts and Good Faith Estimates for insurance claims.