When a child is struggling with anxiety, strong emotions, behaviour, friendships, school, or a major family change, parents often want a clear and compassionate next step. Positive Kids provides child-focused psychological and counselling support for children and teens in Mississauga, with services shaped around each child’s age, needs, and goals.

Positive Kids services are delivered or overseen by registered professionals, including psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, counsellors, and other qualified clinicians. The intake team can explain the credentials of the professional matched with your child so you can make an informed choice.

What does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist uses knowledge of child development, emotions, behaviour, learning, and family relationships to understand what may be contributing to a child’s difficulties. Support may include talking, structured activities, skills practice, parent consultation, and age-appropriate therapeutic approaches. The goal is not to promise a quick fix. It is to help children and families understand patterns, develop useful skills, and work toward healthier coping and communication.

The right approach depends on the child. Younger children may communicate through play and activities, while older children and teens may benefit from more direct conversation, reflection, and practical strategies. A clinician should explain the proposed approach and how progress will be reviewed.

Children and teens we support

Positive Kids supports children from approximately age four through the teen years. Services are adapted to developmental stage, communication style, readiness, and the concerns bringing the family to care. Some children benefit from individual support, while others may be better served through social skills groups, educational services, parent consultation, or a combination of supports.

Concerns we can help children work through

Families contact Positive Kids for support with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, social, and school-related concerns, including:

• Anxiety, worries, fears, or perfectionism
• ADHD, attention, organization, and executive functioning
• Strong emotions, anger, and emotional regulation
• Behavioural concerns and difficult routines
• Low self-esteem, confidence, or motivation
• Friendship and social difficulties
• School challenges, avoidance, or academic stress
• Family changes, separation, or transitions
• Grief, loss, and adjustment
• Communication and coping skills

An intake conversation helps determine whether child psychology services, individual counselling, ADHD support, executive functioning coaching, or another Positive Kids service is the most appropriate starting point.

What happens during the first appointment?

The first appointment is a chance to understand what is happening and decide on suitable next steps. A clinician may ask about your child’s strengths, current concerns, developmental and school history, family context, previous supports, and what you hope will change. Parents can also ask questions about the clinician’s credentials, therapeutic approach, confidentiality, expected parent involvement, and how progress will be discussed.

Depending on the child’s age and the service selected, the first meeting may involve a parent or caregiver alone, the child and parent together, or time with the child separately. The clinician will explain the recommended format before ongoing appointments begin.

How parents participate

Parents and caregivers are important partners in child-focused care. Participation may include sharing observations, helping set goals, learning strategies to use at home, and attending periodic parent consultations. The level of involvement changes with the child’s age, needs, and privacy. Your clinician should explain what information can be shared and how parents can support progress without making the child feel watched or pressured.

Families who want additional guidance may also explore parenting support and coaching or family counselling.

In-person and virtual options

Positive Kids offers in-person services in Mississauga as well as virtual therapy, telephone coaching, and parent consultations when remote support is a better fit. Availability varies by clinician and service.

Serving families in Mississauga

The Positive Kids head office is located at 420 Britannia Road East, Suite 200A, Mississauga, Ontario, L4Z 3L5. Families from across Mississauga and nearby communities can contact intake to ask about in-person openings, virtual appointments, travel considerations, and the service option that best matches their needs.

Fees, insurance, and availability

Fees depend on the service and professional providing care. Many services delivered by registered psychotherapists or psychologists may be reimbursable through an extended health insurance plan. Coverage differs, so please confirm the provider credential and reimbursement requirements directly with your insurer before booking.

Hours and availability vary, with many services offered Monday to Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Contact intake for current fees, clinician availability, and estimated wait times.

Related services for children and families

• Child and individual counselling
• ADHD support and tutoring
• Executive functioning coaching
• Parenting support and coaching
• Social skills groups for children and teens
• Psychoeducational assessments

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether my child needs professional support?

Consider seeking support when worries, emotions, behaviour, attention, school difficulties, or social challenges are persistent or begin affecting daily life, friendships, learning, or family relationships. An intake consultation can help you decide whether therapy, coaching, a group, an assessment, or another service may be appropriate.

Will my child be seen by a psychologist?

Positive Kids works with a multidisciplinary team. Services may be delivered or overseen by psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, counsellors, and other qualified professionals. Ask intake to confirm the credentials, registration, and role of the professional being considered for your child.

Do parents attend every session?

Not always. Parent involvement depends on the child’s age, needs, treatment plan, and privacy. Parents may attend the first meeting, join part of a session, or participate in separate consultations.

Are virtual appointments available?

Yes. Virtual therapy, telephone coaching, and parent consultations are available for families who prefer or require remote support. Current options depend on service and clinician availability.

Can insurance cover the cost?

Some services may be reimbursable through extended health insurance when provided by an eligible registered professional. Ask intake for the clinician’s credential and confirm coverage with your insurer.

Do you guarantee results?

No ethical clinician can guarantee a specific result. Positive Kids focuses on providing appropriate support, helping children develop skills, and working with families toward practical goals.

Talk with the Positive Kids intake team

You do not need to know exactly which service to choose before contacting us. Tell the intake team what your child is experiencing, and they can explain suitable options, current availability, professional credentials, fees, and next steps.

Start with a consultation or contact Positive Kids intake. You can also call 1-866-503-7454.