Supportive, evidence-informed counselling for children, teens, and families affected by low mood and depression. Registered Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Certified Canadian Counsellors regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and Registered Social Workers regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). In-person sessions in Edmonton and St. Albert. Virtual sessions available across Alberta.

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You Might Be Wondering Whether Counselling Is Right for Your Child

Maybe your child has seemed quieter than usual, or your teenager has stopped doing things they used to enjoy. You might have noticed more irritability, more time alone in their room, or mornings that feel harder to get through. And you might be unsure whether this is just a phase, something they will grow out of, or something that calls for outside support.

That uncertainty is common. Many parents and caregivers sit with this question for weeks or months before looking into counselling. Some wonder whether their child's experience is serious enough to warrant professional help. Others worry about making things worse by bringing attention to it.

What you are noticing matters. A child who has been carrying a heaviness that does not lift, who has pulled away from friends or family without explanation, or who seems stuck in patterns of self-criticism or hopelessness is often responding in ways that make sense given what they are going through. These responses are not character flaws. They are not signs of weakness. They are common reactions to stress, loss, transition, or experiences that have outpaced a young person's ability to cope.

If you are considering whether speaking with someone could help, this page may be a useful starting point. It explains what child and youth depression counselling involves, what to expect, and how families can get started.

Who This Service May Be a Good Fit For

This counselling service may be helpful for children, adolescents, and families experiencing concerns related to low mood or depression. Families may consider counselling when a young person is:

• Showing persistent sadness, low energy, or emotional withdrawal that lasts beyond a few weeks
• Losing interest in activities, friendships, or schoolwork they previously enjoyed
• Becoming more irritable, easily frustrated, or emotionally shut down
• Struggling with sleep, appetite, concentration, or motivation
• Expressing hopelessness, self-critical thoughts, or a sense that things will not improve
• Pulling away from family members or peers without a clear reason

This service may also be a good fit for caregivers seeking guidance on how to support a child or teen who is struggling.

This Service May Not Be the Right Fit If

• Your child is in immediate danger or crisis. Please see the crisis resources below.
• You are seeking a formal psychological assessment or diagnosis. Psychological assessments are a separate service at Wholesome Psychology.
• Your child requires forensic, legal, or court-ordered evaluation. These needs are outside the scope of this therapy service.

Crisis Resources

If your child or teen is in immediate danger or is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact emergency services right away. Counselling appointments, contact forms, and voicemail are not emergency response services.

• 911 for immediate danger
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

What Child and Youth Depression Counselling Is

Child and youth depression counselling is a form of talk therapy designed to help young people and their families understand and respond to patterns of low mood. It is not a medical procedure, a crisis intervention, or a legal process. It is a collaborative space where a trained therapist works alongside the young person and, when appropriate, their caregivers to build understanding and develop skills.

A webpage cannot determine what your child is experiencing. Counselling begins with a clinical intake process that includes a discussion of confidentiality, consent, and goals, not with assumptions based on a checklist. This service does not include psychological assessments. If formal assessment is needed, that is available as a separate service.

Therapy moves at the young person's pace. Therapists do not push children or teens to share more than they are comfortable with. The therapeutic plan is co-created, and it adapts as the young person's needs evolve.

Signs That Low Mood May Be Affecting Your Child

Depression in children and teens does not always look the way adults expect. Young people may not use the word "depressed" or may not be able to name what they are feeling. Instead, you might notice changes in how they move through their day.

• A heaviness or flatness in mood that persists for weeks, even when good things happen
• Loss of interest in friendships, hobbies, sports, or activities that once brought energy
• Irritability, short temper, or emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion
• Withdrawing from the family, spending more time alone, or avoiding eye contact
• Changes in sleep: sleeping much more or having trouble falling asleep
• Difficulty concentrating, declining school performance, or avoiding homework
• Expressing self-critical thoughts such as "I'm stupid" or "nobody cares"
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches without a medical explanation

These experiences are common reactions to stress, loss, family changes, social difficulties, or other pressures. Having them does not mean something is permanently wrong with your child. It may mean that structured support could help them develop ways to cope, communicate, and move forward.

How Treatment Works Here

• Find your therapist. Use the Match with a Therapist tool or browse therapist profiles. You can also call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for guidance on choosing a clinician who works with children and youth.
• Book your first session. The first session covers confidentiality, consent, and an initial discussion about what has been happening. This is a conversation, not a test. Your child does not need to have all the answers.
• Build a plan together. The therapist works with your child and family to develop a collaborative therapeutic plan. Goals are set together, and the plan adjusts as your child's needs become clearer.
• Ongoing sessions. Sessions are typically 50 minutes and may occur weekly or bi-weekly, depending on what works for your family. Frequency can be adjusted over time.
• Progress check-ins. The therapist reviews progress regularly. If the current approach is not working or needs to shift, that conversation is always open.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some children and teens benefit from shorter-term work focused on building specific skills. Others find longer-term support helpful. The plan is shaped by your child's experience and your family's goals.

Evidence and Approaches

Therapists at Wholesome Psychology may draw from several evidence-informed approaches depending on the child or teen's age, preferences, and clinical needs. Below is a summary of the research behind the most commonly used approaches for child and youth depression.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What it helps with: CBT targets patterns of thinking and behaviour that may maintain low mood, including withdrawal, self-critical thoughts, and avoidance of activities.

Evidence summary: A systematic review of 31 trials involving 4,335 participants found moderate-quality evidence that CBT may reduce depressive symptoms in children and adolescents at the end of treatment and at follow-up (Oud et al., 2019). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE] (2019) recommends CBT as a first-line psychological intervention for both mild and moderate to severe depression in young people aged 5 to 18.

Limitations: Overall effect sizes for CBT in youth depression have been described as modest, and the review authors noted that improvements in how CBT is delivered may be needed to strengthen outcomes (Oud et al., 2019). Individual responses vary.

Behavioural Activation

What it helps with: Behavioural activation focuses on gradually reintroducing meaningful activities and routines to counter the withdrawal and reduced engagement that often accompany depression.

Evidence summary: Meta-regression analysis found that CBT interventions containing a behavioural activation component, combined with challenging thoughts, were associated with better long-term outcomes for youth (Oud et al., 2019). NICE (2019) guidelines include behavioural activation elements within their recommended CBT frameworks for young people.

Limitations: Behavioural activation is often studied as a component within CBT rather than as a standalone treatment for youth. Evidence specific to children under 12 is more limited.

Family-Involved Approaches

What it helps with: Family-based approaches support caregivers in understanding and responding to a young person's depression, while strengthening communication and the home environment.

Evidence summary: NICE (2019) recommends family therapy, including attachment-based family therapy and family-focused treatment, as an option for children aged 5 to 11 with moderate to severe depression. The Oud et al. (2019) review found that CBT interventions involving caregivers were associated with better outcomes for youth on the long term.

Limitations: The level and type of caregiver involvement that produces the strongest benefit is not yet clearly established. Family-based approaches may not suit every family situation, and involvement is tailored to age, consent, and clinical needs.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

What it helps with: IPT focuses on relationship difficulties and role transitions that may contribute to or maintain depression in adolescents.

Evidence summary: NICE (2019) recommends interpersonal therapy for adolescents (IPT-A) as an alternative to individual CBT for 12- to 18-year-olds with moderate to severe depression when CBT is not suitable. Group IPT is also recommended as an option for mild depression in both younger children and adolescents.

Limitations: Much of the research base for IPT in youth depression focuses on adolescents. Evidence for its use with younger children is more limited, and individual suitability should be considered.

What Results to Expect

Recovery from depression is not a straight line. Some young people notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions as they begin to build coping skills and reconnect with activities they value. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when depression is connected to ongoing stressors or past experiences.

Outcomes vary depending on the nature and duration of the young person's experiences, their current circumstances, the strength of the therapeutic relationship, and the level of family support available. No therapy guarantees a particular result.

What matters most is therapeutic fit. If the approach or the therapist is not working, that is always worth discussing. Changing therapist or adjusting the plan is a normal part of the process, not a sign of failure.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What your child shares in therapy is confidential. All psychologists at Wholesome Psychology are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and are bound by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics, as well as Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Confidentiality is not absolute. There are specific circumstances under which a therapist is legally required to share information:

• Risk of serious harm to the client or to another person
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child (mandatory reporting under Alberta law)
• A court order requiring disclosure

For children and teens, the therapist will explain how confidentiality works in the context of age, consent, and caregiver involvement during the first session. This includes what information may be shared with parents or guardians and what remains private. Your child can ask questions about confidentiality before sharing anything personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to describe what happened in detail?

No. Therapy moves at your child's pace. The therapist will not push them to talk about experiences they are not ready to discuss. In many cases, counselling can focus on present-day patterns, coping skills, and building routines without requiring detailed accounts of specific events. What your child shares and when they share it is always up to them.

Is what my child shares kept private?

Yes, with some important exceptions. What is discussed in therapy is confidential under Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Exceptions apply when there is risk of serious harm to the client or others, suspected child abuse or neglect, or a court order. For children and teens, the therapist will explain how communication with parents or caregivers works at the start of care. You can read more in the Confidentiality and Privacy section above.

How many sessions will my child need?

There is no fixed answer. Some young people benefit from a shorter course of counselling focused on building specific coping skills. Some people find relief from just 2-3 sessions. Others may benefit from longer-term support, especially when depression is connected to complex or ongoing circumstances. The therapist will review progress regularly and adjust the plan as needed.

What if the therapist is not the right fit?

Therapeutic fit matters, especially for children and teens who may need time to feel comfortable with a new adult. If the therapist does not feel like the right match, the admin team can help your family find a different clinician within the practice. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can my child access therapy online?

Yes. Wholesome Psychology offers virtual counselling sessions for families anywhere in Alberta. Virtual sessions follow the same confidentiality standards as in-person appointments. This can be especially helpful for families in rural areas or teens who feel more comfortable in their own space.

Can I be involved in my child's therapy?

Caregiver involvement is often a valuable part of child and youth counselling, though the form it takes varies. For younger children, more direct caregiver participation may be appropriate. For teens, sessions may be primarily individual, with periodic check-ins involving the parent or guardian. The level of involvement is discussed at the start of care and adjusted based on the child's age, developmental needs, consent, and clinical goals.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed. Families can contact Wholesome Psychology directly by phone, through the Match with a Therapist tool, or by booking online.

Meet Your Clinicians

Wholesome Psychology's team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Canadian Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. Registered Psychologists and Registered Provisional Psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Certified Canadian Counsellors are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist.

Many clinicians on the team have training and experience in working with children, adolescents, and families affected by depression, anxiety, and related concerns. To view individual profiles and areas of focus, visit the Our Therapists page, or use the Match with a Therapist tool to find a clinician who fits your family's needs. The admin team is also available at 780-904-4880 to help with matching.

Children and Youth

Wholesome Psychology offers counselling for children, adolescents, and young people experiencing depression and related concerns. Therapists working with younger clients use age-appropriate approaches, adapting techniques to the child's developmental stage and communication style.

Clinicians also work with caregivers to support the child's recovery environment. This may include helping parents understand what their child is going through, building communication strategies at home, or coordinating with school supports when appropriate.

For more information about youth-focused services, you may also wish to explore:

• Child and Youth Mental Health
• Child and Youth Anxiety
• Preparing Children for Therapy
• Teen Therapy for Youth 13 to 15 Years
• Youth Mental Health Support

Getting Started

If you are considering counselling for your child or teen, you can take the next step in whichever way feels most comfortable:

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call: 780-904-4880
• Email: info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Learn more: Getting Started with Therapy

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Starting the conversation is enough.

References

• Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Children, youth, and depression. CMHA Ontario. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/children-youth-and-depression/
• Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). "Psychology Works" fact sheet: Depression. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://cpa.ca/psychologyfactsheets/depression/
• Cox, G. R., Callahan, P., Churchill, R., Hunot, V., Merry, S. N., Parker, A. G., & Hetrick, S. E. (2014). Psychological therapies versus antidepressant medication, alone and in combination for depression in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD008324.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Depression in children and young people: Identification and management (NICE Guideline NG134). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng134
• Oud, M., de Winter, L., Vermeulen-Smit, E., Bodden, D., Nauta, M., Stone, L., van den Heuvel, M., Al Taher, R., de Graaf, I., Kendall, T., Engels, R., & Stikkelbroek, Y. (2019). Effectiveness of CBT for children and adolescents with depression: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. European Psychiatry, 57, 33–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.12.008