Getting Started & Booking.
How do I book a child psychologist in Calgary?
Booking is simple — you can book online any time, or send us a message and we'll get back to you quickly. Just tell us a little about your child and what's prompting you to reach out; you don't need to have it all figured out first. From there we'll match your child with the right psychologist and find a first appointment that works for your family.
Do I need a referral to see a child psychologist?
No. In Alberta, you don't need a doctor's referral to see a registered psychologist — you can book directly with us whenever you're ready. If a teacher, doctor, or another professional suggested reaching out, you're welcome to share anything they've passed along, but it's never required.
How do you match my child with the right psychologist?
Fit matters enormously, so we consider your child's age, what they're working through, and the approach and personality they're likely to respond to — then pair them with the psychologist who's the best match. If it turns out the fit isn't quite right once you begin, just tell us and we'll help you find a better one.
How do I know if my child needs to see a psychologist?
A good rule of thumb is whether something is getting in the way of your child's everyday life — their mood, sleep, school, friendships, or family life — and whether it's lasting rather than passing. You don't have to wait for a crisis; if your gut is telling you your child is struggling, that instinct is usually worth listening to. Reach out and we'll happily talk it through.
What happens at the first appointment?
It's a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — nothing like an adult lying on a couch. We take time to understand your child and what you're hoping for, and nothing is decided or committed to on the spot. Children are met through play, art, and conversation suited to their age, so it feels natural rather than daunting.
What if my child doesn't want to go to therapy?
Very common, and not a problem. Lots of children — and especially teens — arrive reluctant, worried they're in trouble or that something's "wrong" with them. Our first job is to make it feel safe and unthreatening, and most warm up far faster than parents expect. If your child is really resistant, tell us and we'll help you approach it without it becoming a battle.
Do you offer online child therapy across Alberta?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our Calgary clinic and secure virtual appointments for families right across Alberta, so distance is never a barrier. Many older children and teens are very comfortable meeting online; for younger, more play-based work, in person is often the better fit. See the areas we serve for more.
Fees, Insurance & Coverage.
How much does child therapy cost in Calgary?
Our fee for working with a Registered or Provisionally Registered Psychologist is $235 per hour, in line with the recommended rates of the Psychologists' Association of Alberta. We'll always be clear about cost up front, so there are never any surprises — and if cost is a worry, please reach out and we'll talk it through.
Is child therapy covered by insurance or benefits?
Very often, yes. Many extended health benefit plans cover part or all of psychological services, since our work is completed by registered psychologists. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so please contact your insurance provider about your psychology coverage limits and any restrictions before your first appointment. When insurance doesn't cover the cost, psychology services are considered a medical expense.
Do you offer direct billing?
We don't offer direct billing. Payment is made through our online booking system when you book, and you'll be emailed an invoice for your records and to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. If you're unsure how your plan works, get in touch and we'll help you figure it out.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and require a credit card on file to proceed with services. If you'd prefer to pay by e-transfer, please email info@creativeskypsychology.com ahead of time to arrange it.
How much does a psychoeducational or ADHD assessment cost?
Assessment fees depend on what your child needs — a focused ADHD assessment and a broader psychoeducational assessment aren't the same amount of work — so we give you a clear, specific quote rather than a vague range. Many benefit plans also cover psychological assessments, so it's worth checking your coverage.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to change or cancel an appointment, so we can offer the time to another family. If an appointment isn't cancelled at least 48 hours ahead, the full fee will be charged. Life happens, though — if something comes up, please email your psychologist or info@creativeskypsychology.com, or call our Office Administrator at (587) 331-4464 ext 1, with as much notice as possible.
Therapy for Children & Teens.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children and teens right across childhood, and tailor the approach to the age. We offer dedicated preschool therapy for little ones, child therapy for school-age kids, and teen therapy for adolescents — each with an approach suited to that stage.
What is play therapy, and how does it help?
Play therapy is real psychological therapy that uses play — a child's natural language — as the way in, rather than expecting them to sit and talk. Through play, children express and work through what they can't yet put into words. It's especially powerful for younger children and those who aren't ready to talk directly.
Do you offer therapy and counselling for teenagers?
Yes — teen therapy is a big part of what we do. We meet teenagers with respect rather than judgement, in a space that's genuinely their own, and support them with anxiety, low mood, stress, self-esteem, identity, and more. Teens often open up to a trusted adult who isn't their parent, and that's exactly how it's meant to work.
What is art therapy for children?
Art therapy uses making — drawing, paint, clay — to help a child express and process feelings that are hard to say out loud. It isn't an art class, and no talent is needed; the making itself is what helps. It's a wonderful fit for children who find talking difficult.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes — you're one of the most important parts of the work. We keep you informed on how things are going and how to help at home, and with younger children especially, much of the work is with you. We also offer dedicated parent counselling when that's the most helpful focus.
How long will my child need therapy?
It varies. Some children need only a short piece of work around a specific issue, while others benefit from longer, steadier support. We won't string it out — we review progress regularly and are honest when your child is ready to finish. The goal is always for them to need us less over time.
Assessments & Diagnoses.
Do you do ADHD assessments and testing for children?
Yes. Our ADHD assessments are completed by registered psychologists and provide a thorough evaluation and a clear diagnosis where the results support one — often far sooner than the public waitlist. We're especially attuned to the quieter, inattentive presentations that get missed, particularly in girls and bright kids.
Do you assess and diagnose autism in children?
Yes — we offer thorough, respectful autism assessments for children and teens, with a formal diagnosis where the results support one. Each assessment is completed by an experienced registered psychologist who guides you through the whole process from start to finish. We're especially experienced with the children who mask and are often missed, including girls and verbal, bright kids.
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment looks at both how your child thinks and how they're doing academically — comparing the two to explain the gap between a capable mind and school results that don't match. It's how learning disabilities and giftedness get identified, with school-ready recommendations.
Can you test for learning disabilities like dyslexia?
Yes. Our learning disability assessments can identify and formally diagnose specific difficulties like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia — turning a vague sense that "something isn't working" into a clear name and a clear plan the school can act on.
Can you assess whether my child is gifted?
Yes — a gifted assessment uses gold-standard cognitive testing to formally identify giftedness, and it's often exactly the documentation schools and gifted programs ask for. We also catch the more complex pictures, like the twice-exceptional child who is gifted alongside a learning difference or ADHD.
How long is the wait for an assessment?
Far shorter than the public system. School-based and public assessments can take many months, sometimes more than a year — a private assessment gets you answers in weeks rather than seasons, which matters most when a child is falling behind or losing confidence right now.
Will my child's school accept your assessment report?
Yes. An assessment completed by a registered psychologist is exactly the kind of documentation schools use to put learning plans, accommodations, and formal supports in place. We write our reports with that in mind — clear, specific recommendations a teacher or learning team can actually act on.
Anxiety, OCD & Common Concerns.
Do you treat childhood anxiety?
Yes — anxiety is one of the most common reasons families come to us. Our psychologists help children and teens understand their worries, calm an overactive alarm system, and build real coping skills, using proven approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy. Learn more about child anxiety therapy.
Do you treat OCD in children and teens?
Yes. We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard treatment for childhood OCD — delivered gently, gradually, and always at your child's pace. It works by breaking the cycle that keeps OCD alive, never by forcing a child into anything frightening.
Can you help with school refusal or school anxiety?
Yes. School refusal is rarely about defiance — it's usually anxiety, overwhelm, or a difficult experience that's made school feel unsafe. We work with children, families, and schools to understand what's driving the avoidance and build a gradual, collaborative return.
Do you help with anger, meltdowns, and big emotions?
Yes. We help children understand and manage big feelings, and support parents with what's underneath the meltdowns. Because behaviour is communication, we look beneath it rather than just trying to stop it — see our behaviour therapy for how that works.
Can therapy help with low self-esteem and confidence?
Absolutely. When a child has come to believe a harsh story about themselves — "I'm not good enough," "I'm the bad one" — we help them rediscover their strengths and rewrite that story. Our narrative therapy is especially powerful for exactly this.
Do you support children through divorce, grief, or big changes?
Yes. We help children and families through separation and divorce, grief and loss, moves, new siblings, and other big transitions — giving children a safe space to process the change, and parents practical ways to support them. Family therapy can also help the whole household adjust together.
Our Approach & Practical Questions.
Is your therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Everything we do is grounded in approaches with real research behind them — from CBT to play, art, and narrative work — delivered with genuine warmth. You can read more about our evidence-based approach and our overall philosophy.
Is what my child shares in therapy confidential?
For therapy to work, children — especially teens — need to trust that much of what they share is private, so we don't report back the details of each session. We do keep you informed on the bigger picture and how to help at home. The clear exception is safety: if we were ever seriously concerned about your child's safety, we would not keep that from you, and we explain all of this at the start.
What is your approach to therapy?
We're warm, strengths-based, and relationship-focused. We start with what a child is good at, work to understand the needs behind their behaviour, and believe connection comes before correction. Our goal is to help children feel understood and build real, lasting skills. There's much more on our approach page.
Where is your clinic located?
Our clinic is at #5 – 2005 37th Street SW, in the Killarney community of southwest Calgary, with two welcoming buildings side by side. We see families from across the city and offer virtual sessions across Alberta — see the full list of areas we serve.
Do you support teens and adults too?
We specialize in children, teens, and families. For adults, our sister clinic NU Psychology — located right beside us — offers dedicated adult and teen mental health support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, and more.
What should I do if my child is in crisis?
If your child is ever at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, please don't wait for an appointment — contact emergency services or a crisis line right away. For non-urgent concerns, reach out to us and we'll help you find the right level of support.
Still Have Questions?
We're Happy to Help.
If your question isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to reach out — a real person will happily talk it through with you, with no pressure and no obligation. Whether you're ready to book or just exploring, our Calgary child psychologists are here to help your family take the first step.