Helping Calgary Children Overcome
Anxiety, OCD, and Learning Challenges
Evidence-based therapy and assessments from a Registered Psychologist specializing in childhood OCD, anxiety disorders, autism, and learning disabilities
Expertise You Can Trust
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Master of Education - School & Applied Child Psychology
University of Calgary, 2018
- Post-Graduate Certificate - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Wilfrid Laurier University
Stephanie Laborge, M.Ed, R.Psych
Registered Psychologist #5210
College of Alberta Psychologists
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
- ERP for Childhood OCD - BTTI & IOCDF certified
(Gold-standard treatment with 70-80% success rates)
- Autism Assessment - ADOS-2 & ADI-R trained
(Gold-standard diagnostic tools)
- 10+ Years Supporting Calgary Families
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Canadian Psychological Association Member
- College of Alberta Psychologists
Evidence-Based Support for Your Child's Mental Health
Counselling & Therapy
Is your child struggling with intense worry, unwanted thoughts, or fears
that interfere with daily life? Evidence-based therapy can help.
SPECIALIZING IN:
- Childhood OCD (ERP Therapy - 70-80% success rates)
- Anxiety Disorders & Phobias
- Depression & School Refusal
WHY IT WORKS:
We use structured, evidence-based protocols—not generic "talk therapy"—
delivered by an ERP-certified clinician.
TIMELINE: Most families see improvement in 12-16 sessions
Autism Assessments
Wondering if your child might be autistic? A comprehensive assessment
provides clarity, understanding, and a path forward.
GOLD-STANDARD TOOLS:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
- Comprehensive evaluation for all ages
A diagnosis unlocks access to school supports, therapy services, and
community resources.
TIMELINE: 4-8 weeks from intake to final report
Psychoeducational Assessments
Is your child struggling academically despite working hard? A psycho-
educational assessment identifies learning differences and giftedness.
WHAT WE ASSESS:
- Cognitive abilities & academic achievement
- Learning disabilities & ADHD
- Giftedness (GATE/Westmount eligibility)
SUPPORTS ACCESS TO:
School accommodations, specialized programs, government funding
TIMELINE: 4-6 weeks from intake to final report
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.
WHAT SETS US APART:
Stephanie Laborge is a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych #5210) with the College of Alberta Psychologists, ensuring the highest professional standards and accountability.
ERP-Certified for Childhood OCD
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.
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.
Gold-Standard Autism Assessment Tools
For autism evaluations, we use the ADOS-2 and ADI-R - the most reliable and respected diagnostic tools available. These assessments are required by many schools and support programs.
10+ Years Supporting Calgary Families We understand the Calgary school system, including CBE and CSSD accommodations processes, GATE program requirements, and Westmount Charter applications.
THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR:
Childhood OCD responds best to specialized ERP therapy, not traditional counseling. Anxiety disorders improve faster with structured CBT protocols. Learning assessments require comprehensive testing, not brief screeners.
When you choose Launch Psychology, you're choosing specialized expertise backed by training, research, and years of helping Calgary families succeed.
What to Expect: Clear Steps, No Surprises
We believe in transparency. Here's exactly how the process works.
FOR COUNSELLING/THERAPY:
Step 1: FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
We discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine if we're a good fit. No obligation, no pressure.
Step 2: PARENT INTAKE SESSION (50 minutes)
We meet with parents first to gather comprehensive background information, understand your child's history, and discuss your goals for therapy.
Step 3: MEET YOUR CHILD
In the 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)
Using evidence-based CBT and ERP techniques delivered through play, games, and age-appropriate activities, we help your child develop skills to manage anxiety and OCD.
Step 5: PARENT COLLABORATION
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
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 sessions, though this varies based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
FOR ASSESSMENTS:
Step 1: FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
We discuss your concerns, what questions you're hoping to answer, and explain the assessment process.
Step 2: INTAKE SESSION (60-90 minutes)
We gather detailed background information, review previous assessments or reports, and clarify the specific questions the assessment will address.
Step 3: TESTING SESSIONS (2-4 hours total)
Your child completes standardized tests in a comfortable, supportive environment. We use games, puzzles, and engaging activities - most children actually enjoy the process!
✨ FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: Weekend and evening appointments available
Step 4: SCORING & INTERPRETATION
We analyze results, compare to age-based norms, identify strengths and challenges, and formulate recommendations.
Step 5: FEEDBACK SESSION & REPORT
You receive a comprehensive written report and we meet to discuss results, answer questions, and create an action plan.
Step 6: SCHOOL ADVOCACY SUPPORT
We can attend school meetings, communicate with teachers, and help implement recommendations.
TYPICAL TIMELINE:
- Psychoeducational Assessments: 4-6 weeks
- Autism Assessments: 4-8 weeks
WESTMOUNT CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
Grades 5-12 Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Psychoeducational assessments are required for admission.
Weekend and evening testing appointments available to accommodate your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No! You can book directly without a referral from a doctor or school. Many families reach out as soon as they notice concerns, which allows us to address challenges early.
What ages do you work with?
For counselling and therapy, we primarily work with children and adolescents ages 4-17, though we occasionally work with young adults as well. For autism assessments, we work with all ages from toddlers (12 months+) through adults. Psychoeducational assessments are typically for school-aged children and teens.
How long does therapy take?
It varies by individual, but research on 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 to biweekly and monthly as your child gains confidence and independence with their new skills.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a counselor?
Psychologists have doctoral or master's-level training and are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. We can provide psychological assessments, formal diagnoses, and specialized treatment protocols. We're also qualified to bill insurance plans. Counselors have valuable training but different credentials and scope of practice, and typically cannot provide formal assessments or diagnoses.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Services provided by a Registered Psychologist are covered by most extended health insurance plans in Alberta. We offer direct billing for many major insurers including Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield, and more. Even if we don't direct bill with your provider, you can submit receipts for reimbursement.
Do you offer virtual/online sessions?
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.
What if my child doesn't want to come to therapy?
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 "therapy" 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.
How do I get started?
The easiest way is to call us at (403) 889-5419 to book a free 10-minute phone consultation. You can also email info@launchpsychology.com or use our online booking system. We'll discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and schedule your first appointment if we're a good fit.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your free 10-minute consultation today
📞 PHONE
(403) 889-5419
Call or text for fastest response
info@launchpsychology.com
We typically respond within 24 hours
📍 OFFICE LOCATION
Launch Psychology
Suite 277, 200 Rivercrest Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2C 2Z1
Located in the Riverbend Professional Building
(Rivercrest & Deerfoot, by Southland Leisure Centre)
🅿️ Free parking available
♿ Accessible entrance and facilities
🚇 Close to major transit routes
🕐 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 available across Alberta
