Counselling for children & teens in Kelowna.
Growing up isn't always easy, and watching your child struggle is hard too. Our child and teen counsellors offer a warm, safe space where kids and teens can make sense of big feelings, build confidence, and learn skills that last, with support for parents every step of the way.
Does my child need counselling?
Every child has ups and downs. But when struggles last for weeks, or start affecting school, friendships or home life, talking with a counsellor can help. You don't need to wait for things to get worse.
In younger children
- Frequent meltdowns, anger or big emotions that are hard to calm
- Worry, clinginess or trouble separating from parents
- Changes in sleep, eating or toileting
- Difficulty with focus, behaviour or getting along at school
- Struggling after a family change, like separation or a move
In teens
- Pulling away from family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
- Ongoing sadness, irritability or hopelessness
- Anxiety about school, friendships or the future
- Falling grades or avoiding school
- Low self-esteem, or stress from social media and peers
How counselling can help
Our Kelowna child and youth counsellors support kids, teens and their families with:
Counselling that meets kids where they are
We work with children from about age 4 through the teen years. Kids and teens don't always want to sit and talk, and that's okay. Our counsellors adapt each session to your child's age, personality and needs, drawing on evidence-based approaches that may include:
- Play therapy and creative approaches, like art and games, that help younger children express what's hard to put into words
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to manage anxious thoughts and build coping skills
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to help teens handle intense emotions
- EMDR to help process trauma and painful memories
- Mindfulness and calming strategies kids can use at home and at school
- Family therapy to strengthen connection and reduce conflict at home
- Parent support so you have tools to help your child between sessions
- Neurodiversity-affirming care for children and teens with autism and ADHD
- Hear the Child reports to give children a voice during separation
You're part of the process
You know your child best. Our counsellors work alongside you, sharing strategies you can use at home and helping the whole family feel more connected.
Parenting through a hard time can be exhausting. We also support parents directly, whether you're managing challenging behaviour, co-parenting after separation, or adjusting to a blended family.
Getting started is simple
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Find the right fit
We suggest completing our Best Fit Form. Our office manager will call you to talk about your child and match them with the right counsellor. You can also browse our team page and book directly.
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Start with a free consultation
Ask questions, share what's been happening, and get a feel for the counsellor before booking a full session.
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The first sessions
Your counsellor will talk with you about the best way to begin: meeting with you first, with your child, or both together. Their main goal early on is helping your child feel safe and comfortable.
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Growing together
As your child builds trust and new skills, you'll stay connected with the counsellor about how things are going and how to support them at home.
Meet our child & teen counsellors
Neelu Toor, RCC
A warm, empathetic counsellor supporting children, teens and families to understand emotions, build confidence and strengthen connection.
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Cheryl Koressel, RCC, RMFT
Supporting children and families with ADHD, family conflict, parenting, anxiety and relationships.
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Brady Thompson, MSW, RSW
Helping teens ages 13+ navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma and life transitions with compassion and clarity.
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Melanie Bennett, RCC
Supporting teens and parents navigating ADHD, burnout, trauma and life transitions through compassionate, holistic counselling.
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Jessica Alderliesten, MSW, RSW
Helping children, parents and families navigate separation, co-parenting and conflict with calm, empathy and practical support. Hear the Child Report Writer.
View profile →Cozy spaces in Kelowna & West Kelowna
Our offices in downtown Kelowna and West Kelowna are small, welcoming spaces designed to feel more like a living room than a clinic, so kids and teens can feel at ease from the moment they walk in. Online and phone sessions are also available anywhere in BC.
Downtown Kelowna
1462 Saint Paul Street, Unit 204Kelowna, BC Get directions →
West Kelowna
1385 Stevens Road, Unit 1AWest Kelowna, BC Get directions →
Clear, simple fees
Many extended health plans cover counselling with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs), including for dependants. Check your plan for coverage details. We can direct bill most providers, or give you a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Individual counselling for your child or teen. Autism Funding Unit (AFU) direct billing available.
Sessions with parents, caregivers or the whole family.
Sessions with a master's-level counselling intern through our low-cost program. Call 250-258-2696 to ask about availability.
Questions parents often ask
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
If your child's emotions or behaviour have changed, have lasted for a few weeks, or are affecting school, friendships or family life, counselling can help. You can also book a free consultation to talk it through with a counsellor first.
What ages do you work with?
Our counsellors work with children from about age 4, teens and young adults. Some counsellors focus on younger children and others on teens, so the Best Fit Form helps us match your child with the right person.
How do I talk to my child about seeing a counsellor?
Keep it simple and positive. You might explain that a counsellor is someone whose job is to help kids with feelings and worries, and that lots of kids and teens see one. Your counsellor can also give you ideas for how to explain it in an age-appropriate way.
Will I be involved in my child's counselling?
Yes. How involved you are depends on your child's age and needs. Parents of younger children are usually more involved, while teens often benefit from more independence. Your counsellor will keep you updated and share ways to support your child at home.
What will the counsellor share with me?
Children and teens open up more when they know their counsellor is a safe person to talk to. Your counsellor will explain how privacy works to both you and your child at the start, including when information must be shared, such as if there is a safety concern.
We're separated. Do both parents need to consent?
It depends on your family's parenting arrangements. Please call our office at 250-258-2696 and we'll explain what's needed before your child's first session.
How much does child and teen counselling cost?
Individual sessions for children and teens are $155. Family sessions are $175. Low-cost sessions with a master's-level intern are $45. Call 250-258-2696 to ask.
Is counselling for my child covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans cover counselling with RCCs and RSWs for dependants. Check your plan's coverage details.
Do you offer online counselling for teens?
Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Kelowna and West Kelowna offices, as well as online and phone sessions. Your counsellor can help you decide what will work best for your child.
Helping your child feel like themselves again.
Reaching out is a caring first step. Book a free consultation or fill out our Best Fit Form, and we'll help match your child with the right counsellor.
If your child or teen is in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868, or call 911.