1 in 5 children & youth struggle with a mental health issue, but only 31% of them are getting the help they need |
We have moved to the 4th floor. Suite 400 - 145 Chadwick Court
1 in 5 children and youth struggle with a mental health issue, but only 31% of them are getting the help they need*
Helping Children and Teens Move Towards Mental Wellness Through Compassionate Care and Evidence-Based Therapy
Counselling for Children and TeensAt Nova Mental Health, our team of experiencing psychologists, counsellors, and social workers is dedicated to providing evidence-based counselling and assessments to assist children and youth in addressing and overcoming the mental health challenges that impede their well-being and ability to thrive.
In our work with with children and youth, we use approaches that are based in research and best-practice guidelines, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and other research-supported approaches. These approaches are skillfully applied, incorporating playful interactions and age-appropriate language to actively engage children in the therapeutic process. In our work with teenagers, we meet them at their individual stages of development and provide support tailored to their unique circumstance. By offering counselling services, we aim to equip children and adolescents with the necessary tools to effectively manage a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, panic attacks, generalized anxiety), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, interpersonal difficulties, day-to-day stressors, behavioural challenges, and other issues. When working with children and teens with ADHD, we use a neurodiversity affirming approach. We are committed to fostering resilience, teaching skills and strategies to promote well-being, and facilitating the growth and development of children and teens through our professional and compassionate approach. Parenting SupportWe also provide personalized one-on-one parenting support to parents and caregivers of children facing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and various other conditions. We recognize that many children with mental health issues benefit greatly from specific parenting approaches, and we can assist you in implementing these strategies within your family dynamics. This will allow you to facilitate long-lasting benefits and enhance the overall well-being of the family.
We understand that when a loved one is grappling with mental health difficulties, it can profoundly impact the well-being of the entire household. Therefore, our focus extends beyond the individual child to encompass the broader family. In addition to our one-on-one support, we currently offer parent groups that focus on providing evidence-based strategies specifically designed to aid children with anxiety and/or OCD. These groups draw upon the principles of the Supportive Parenting for Childhood Emotions (SPACE) model, which has been shown to improve children's symptoms of anxiety and/or OCD. Parent groups can be especially helpful in situations where young children are experiencing anxiety and/or OCD and may not yet be ready for individual therapy, when parents find themselves entangled in anxiety-related behaviors, or when children resist engaging in treatment. To access further details about our upcoming group sessions, we encourage you to explore our dedicated Parent Group section. Psychologists, Counsellors, and Social WorkersChildren / Teens / Young Adults Team:
Dr. Gabriela Ionita (Registered Psychologist) Kara Mulligan (Registered Clinical Counsellor) Cara Brand (Registered Clinical Counsellor) Lyndsey Saunders (Registered Social Worker) Dr. Prabhleen Sandhu (Doctoral Clinician) Teens Only: Alex Gheorge (Registered Social Worker) Gabrielle Ciquier (Doctoral Candidate Clinician. Registered Clinical Counsellor) Persephone Larkin (Doctoral Practicum Student; 12 years +) Treatment Areas
LocationLocated at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, our clinic is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Squamish nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and Musqueam Nation. We acknowledge and respect the rich cultural heritage and history of these indigenous communities on this land.
For details regarding fees, length of treatment, and location take a look at the FAQ section. |