Counselling & Therapy for Children and Teens in Calgary
Evidence-based treatment for childhood OCD, anxiety, phobias, depression, and school refusal—delivered by a specialized psychologist who uses research-proven protocols, not generic "talk therapy."
At Launch Psychology, we don't just listen and hope for the best. We use structured, evidence-based interventions like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety—therapies with 70-80% success rates when delivered correctly.
Specialized Treatment for Childhood Mental Health Challenges
We provide expert counselling for children and adolescents experiencing:
OCD & Related Disorders
What We Treat:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Contamination fears and excessive washing
Intrusive thoughts and mental rituals
Checking, ordering, or symmetry compulsions
Pure-O (obsessions without visible compulsions)
Our Approach: We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold-standard treatment for childhood OCD with 70-80% success rates when delivered by properly trained clinicians.
Anxiety Disorders & Phobias
What We Treat:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety and selective mutism
Separation anxiety
Specific phobias (animals, heights, needles, etc.)
Panic disorder
Our Approach: We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based techniques—structured, evidence-based protocols that help children face their fears gradually and build confidence.
What We Treat:
Depression and low mood
School refusal and avoidance
Lack of motivation or interest
Social withdrawal
Emotional regulation challenges
Our Approach: We use behavioural activation, cognitive restructuring, and gradual exposure to help children re-engage with activities, school, and social connections.
Depression & School Refusal
What We Treat:
Trauma and PTSD symptoms
Distressing memories from past experiences
Anxiety rooted in difficult life events
Emotional responses that feel "stuck"
Impacts of bullying, loss, or family changes
Our Approach: We use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process difficult memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions.
Trauma & Difficult Experiences
Not All Child Therapy Is the Same
SPECIALIZED TRAINING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Many psychologists offer "general" child therapy. But childhood OCD and anxiety disorders require specialized training in evidence-based protocols. At Launch Psychology, your family benefits from expertise that gets results.
Stephanie Laborge is a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych #5210) with the College of Alberta Psychologists, ensuring the highest professional standards and accountability.
WHAT SETS US APART:
We've completed advanced training through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)—the gold standard for OCD treatment. This specialized training matters: research shows ERP has 70-80% success rates for childhood OCD, but only when delivered correctly by properly trained clinicians.
ERP-Certified for Childhood OCD
10+ Years Supporting Calgary Families
We understand the Calgary school system, including CBE and CSSD accommodation processes, GATE program requirements, and Westmount Charter applications.
Evidence-Based Protocols, Not Guesswork
We follow research-proven approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). You won't get generic "talk therapy" that often doesn't work for OCD and can even make symptoms worse.
Childhood OCD responds best to specialized ERP therapy, not traditional counseling. Anxiety disorders improve faster with structured CBT protocols, not just "talking about feelings." Learning assessments require comprehensive testing, not brief screenings.
When you choose Launch Psychology, you're choosing specialized expertise backed by training, research, and years of helping Calgary families succeed.
THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR:
How We Help: Evidence-Based Therapy That Works
Our approach is grounded in research and tailored to each child's unique needs.
“We don’t use generic ‘talk therapy’ - we use structured, evidence-based protocols that get results.”
TYPICAL TIMELINE:
Most families see meaningful improvement in 12-16 weekly sessions for OCD and anxiety, though this varies based on severity. We typically start with weekly appointments, then gradually space out sessions as your child gains independence.
WHAT MAKES OUR THERAPY EFFECTIVE:
1. STRUCTURED, GOAL-ORIENTED SESSIONS
Unlike traditional "talk therapy," we use structured protocols with clear goals. Each session builds on the last, with homework between sessions to practice skills in real life.
2. EXPOSURE-BASED TECHNIQUES
For OCD and anxiety, avoidance makes symptoms worse. We use gradual, supportive exposure to help children face their fears and build confidence—not through flooding or force, but through careful, collaborative planning.
3. PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are partners in the process. We teach you strategies to support your child at home, explain what's happening in therapy, and help you avoid accidentally reinforcing anxiety or compulsions.
4. PLAY-BASED & AGE-APPROPRIATE
For younger children, we use play, games, and engaging activities to teach coping skills. Therapy doesn't feel like "work"—children often tell us they had fun!
5. MEASURABLE PROGRESS
We track symptoms weekly, adjust our approach as needed, and regularly check in on progress. You'll know if therapy is working—typically families see meaningful improvement in 12-16 weekly sessions, though this varies based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
What to Expect: Clear Steps, No Surprises
We believe in transparency. Here's exactly how the therapy process works:
STEP 1: FREE 10-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
Timeline: Initial contact
We discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine if we're a good fit. No obligation—just clarity about whether this is the right approach for your child.
STEP 2: PARENT INTAKE SESSION (60 minutes)
Timeline: First appointment
We meet with parents first to gather comprehensive background information, understand your child's history, and discuss your goals for therapy. This session is typically with parents only (child does not attend).
STEP 3: MEET & GREET (30-50 minutes)
Timeline: Second appointment
In this first session with your child, we build rapport through age-appropriate activities, explain how therapy works, and begin identifying goals together.
STEP 4: THERAPY SESSIONS (Weekly, 50 minutes)
Timeline: Ongoing
Using evidence-based CBT and ERP techniques delivered through play, games, and age-appropriate activities, we help your child develop practical skills to manage anxiety and OCD.
STEP 5: PARENT COLLABORATION
Timeline: Throughout treatment
You're a vital partner in the process. We provide strategies to practice at home, helping your child generalize skills beyond the therapy room.
STEP 6: PROGRESS MONITORING
Timeline: Ongoing
We regularly check in on progress, adjust our approach as needed, and gradually reduce session frequency as your child gains independence.
TYPICAL TIMELINE: Most families see meaningful improvement in 12-16 weekly sessions, though this varies based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Ages & Family Involvement
AGES WE SERVE:
For counseling and therapy, we primarily work with children and adolescents ages 4-17, though we occasionally work with young adults as well.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT:
Therapy works best when families are involved. Depending on your child's age:
Younger Children (Ages 4-10):
Parents are active partners in treatment
We teach you strategies to use at home
Regular parent check-ins to discuss progress
Play-based, engaging activities in session
Tweens & Teens (Ages 11-17):
More independent therapy sessions
Periodic parent updates (with teen's consent)
Balancing autonomy with family support
Age-appropriate CBT and skill-building
Virtual Sessions: We offer secure, confidential video sessions for clients anywhere in Alberta. Virtual sessions work well for therapy and follow-up appointments, though initial assessments typically require in-person testing.
Not sure if we're the right fit?
Investment & Insurance Coverage
THERAPY SESSION FEES
Individual Therapy Session: $240 per 50-minute session
Typical Treatment Length: 12-16 weekly sessions, though this varies based on individual needs and symptom severity.
Initial Intake Session: $240 (60 minutes with parents to gather history and establish goals)
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Direct Billing Available: We offer direct billing for most major insurance plans in Alberta, including:
Alberta Blue Cross
Green Shield
Manulife
Sun Life
And many more
Even if we don't direct bill with your provider, you can submit receipts for reimbursement. Services provided by a Registered Psychologist are covered by most extended health plans under "psychological services."
Important: Check your plan's annual maximum for psychology services.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Investment for Typical OCD/Anxiety Treatment:
12-16 weekly sessions at $240/session = $2,880 - $3,840 total
Most families see meaningful improvement in this timeframe
Sessions can be spaced further apart once progress is made
Many families find:
Insurance covers 50-80% of costs
The investment pays off in improved quality of life
Avoiding school disruption and future challenges
Your Questions, Answered
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No! You can book directly without a referral. Many families reach out to us as soon as they notice concerns, which allows us to address challenges early.
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It varies by individual, but research in CBT and ERP for childhood anxiety and OCD shows most clients see significant improvement in 12-16 weekly sessions. We typically start with weekly appointments, then gradually space out sessions as your child gains skills and independence.
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This is very common! Many children feel anxious about meeting a new person or aren't sure what "therapy" means. We're experienced in building rapport with hesitant children and use age-appropriate, play-based approaches that feel less like "work" and more like playing games and solving puzzles together. We'll also work with you on strategies to prepare your child and address their concerns.
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School counselors provide valuable support, but they typically offer brief, general counseling and have large caseloads. We provide specialized, evidence-based therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders using structured protocols like ERP and CBT—techniques that require specific training and weekly sessions over several months.
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No. Psychologists in Canada cannot prescribe medication—only physicians (family doctors or psychiatrists) can. However, research shows that therapy (especially ERP for OCD and CBT for anxiety) is often as effective or more effective than medication alone, with no side effects and longer-lasting results. We can collaborate with your child's doctor if medication is being considered.
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Yes! We offer secure, confidential video sessions for clients anywhere in Alberta. Virtual sessions work well for therapy and follow-up appointments. Initial assessments typically require in-person testing, but we can discuss options based on your situation.
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Services provided by a Registered Psychologist are covered by most extended health plans in Alberta under "psychological services." We offer direct billing for many major insurers. Check your plan's annual maximum and coverage percentage.
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Psychologists have doctoral or master's-level training in psychology and are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. We can provide psychological assessments, formal diagnoses, and specialized treatment protocols. Counselors have valuable training but different credentials, and range of practice. Stephanie Laborge is a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych #5210) with expertise in evidence-based treatments for childhood OCD and anxiety.
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Item he easiest way to get started is to book a free 10-minute phone consultation. You can also email us at info@launchpsychology.com or call (403) 889-5419. We'll discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and schedule your first appointment if we're a good fit.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
Book your free 10-minute consultation today. We'll discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine if evidence-based therapy is the right next step for your child.
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OFFICE LOCATION: Launch Psychology
Suite 277, 200 Rivercrest Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2C 2Z1
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended hours available by appointment
VIRTUAL SESSIONS: Virtual counselling sessions available across Alberta.