How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Child in Guelph
If you’re a parent in Guelph worried about your child’s mental health, you’re not alone. Many families search for support when kids or teens struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, school refusal, or identity-related stress. The good news? Guelph has a wide range of child and adolescent mental health services, from individual counselling to creative therapies and community programs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find the right therapist for your child in Guelph, what types of therapy are available, and where you can turn for extra support.
Step 1: Think About Your Child’s Needs
Every child is different, which means the type of therapy that works best for one child may not be the right fit for another. Here are some common approaches available in Guelph:
Music Therapy: Music can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, social connection, and coping. At Copper Park Wellness, we offer music therapy for kids and teens ages 5+, integrating creative activities with evidence-based approaches.
Art Therapy: Helps children explore emotions and experiences through drawing, painting, and other creative mediums.
Play Therapy: Especially effective for younger children, play therapy uses toys and imaginative play to process feelings.
Equine Therapy: Involves working with horses in a therapeutic setting, often helpful for children who benefit from movement and connection with animals.
Walk and Talk Therapy: A more active approach that gets kids moving outdoors while talking through their feelings.
Psychotherapy: Talk-based support for kids and teens navigating anxiety, depression, school avoidance, self-esteem challenges, or other concerns. At Copper Park Wellness, we provide psychotherapy for children 5+ and teens, drawing on CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches.
It’s also important to consider whether your child may need specialized support for challenges such as suicidality, ADHD, or navigating gender identity and sexuality. Many therapists in Guelph are trained to provide inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth, as well as evidence-based approaches for mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. I would recommend exploring a consultation call with the therapist of your choosing to make sure it will feel like a good fit for you and that they will be able to support your child’s unique needs!
Step 2: Look Into Community Supports in Guelph
Beyond individual therapy, Guelph has excellent community organizations that support children, teens, and families:
CMHA Waterloo Wellington – Offers child and youth mental health services, crisis lines, and family support programs.
Kerry’s Place – Provides services and supports for children and youth on the autism spectrum.
KidsAbility – Support for children with developmental, behavioural, and communication needs.
School-Based Supports – Guidance counsellors and social workers can connect families with resources or accommodations.
Parent Support Groups – Local organizations and family resource centres run parenting groups focusing on behaviour, anxiety, and special needs.
LGBTQ+ Supports – Groups such as Out on the Shelf and local PFLAG chapters offer safe spaces, peer connections, and resources for families navigating gender identity and sexuality.
Youth Wellness Hub Guelph – A safe space where youth can access mental health, substance use, and social services under one roof.
Guelph Community Health Centre – Accessible programs for families and children.
Step 3: Make Use of Online Resources
Finding help can feel overwhelming, but there are reliable resources that can make the process easier:
Psychology Today – Use the “Find a Therapist” tool and use the search filters to find therapists by location (Guelph), age group, specialty (child/adolescent), and therapy type (e.g., play therapy, CBT). You can look specifically for child therapists in Guelph, or for therapists who specialize in ADHD, autism, trauma, or LGBTQ+ supports.
Additude.com – A fantastic resource for parents of children with ADHD, full of articles, expert advice, and tools.
Anxiety Canada: Offers free, evidence-based tools and resources for parents and kids navigating anxiety, including self-help strategies and worksheets.
Crisis Supports – If your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, call 1-844-HERE247 (Waterloo Wellington crisis line), 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or 911 in emergencies.
Step 4: The Importance of a Consultation Call
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials—it’s about fit. Most therapists offer a free consultation call, which allows you to:
Ask about their experience with your child’s specific challenges (anxiety, suicidality, autism, ADHD, gender identity, etc.).
Get a sense of their personality and approach.
Decide if your child is likely to feel comfortable with them.
A good fit is the most important thing when finding a therapist to work with. Having a comfortable feeling with your relationship it is actually the biggest predictor of success for a client’s therapeutic journey! It’s perfectly okay to speak with a few therapists before choosing the one that feels right.
Step 5: Supports for Parents Too
Supporting a child with mental health challenges can be exhausting. At Copper Park Wellness, we also provide parent guidance and support sessions. These sessions help you learn practical tools, manage stress, and feel confident in supporting your child at home.
Step 7: Take the First Step
Finding the right therapist for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Copper Park Wellness, we specialize in music therapy and psychotherapy for kids and teens ages 5+, and we offer parent support sessions to guide you along the way.
If you’re looking for a child therapist in Guelph or want to learn more about creative approaches like music therapy, we’d love to connect with you. You’re not alone in this—help is here, and the right support can make all the difference for your child and your family.
👉 Contact us today to book a consultation or learn more about our services.