Today’s children and teens are navigating pressures that didn’t exist a generation ago. Social media comparison. The constant pull of screens. AI tools that feel like they understand them. The pressure to be available, reachable, and performing at all times — academically, socially, and online.
These aren’t just technology problems. They show up as anxiety, mood changes, friendship struggles, difficulty focusing, and a growing sense of not being good enough. They can also make young people doubt their own thinking and problem-solving abilities at exactly the age when they need to build those skills.
At Cornerstone, we help children, teens, and young adults work through these pressures and build real skills for real life — with parents as part of the process.
Worth reading before you book:
Why the APA Is Warning About AI Therapy Apps | Is AI Making Us Less Smart? Understanding Cognitive Offloading
Children and youth therapy is one-on-one support between a young person and a registered psychotherapist. It’s a private, safe space where children and teens can talk about what’s going on, make sense of their emotions, and learn skills that help them cope — without fear of judgment.
It doesn’t look like adult therapy. For younger children, sessions often involve play, art, or creative activities that help them express what words can’t always capture. For teens, it tends to be more conversational, though therapists adapt their approach based on what each young person needs and responds to.
We work with children (ages 6 to 12), teens (ages 13 to 17), and young adults (ages 18 to 25).
Many parents (and kids) have never been to therapy and don’t know what to expect.
Therapy with children and teens doesn’t look like adult therapy. For younger kids, we use play, art, and movement. For teens, we meet them where they are – sometimes that’s direct conversation, sometimes it’s while doing a creative activity.
We create a space where they can be honest without judgment. Where big feelings are okay. Where they can practice new skills and build confidence at their own pace.
Parents are part of the process too. We’ll check in with you regularly, help you understand what’s happening developmentally, and give you practical strategies that work at home.
Parents often come to us because something feels off — their child is more withdrawn, more anxious, more explosive — but they can’t quite name what’s wrong. That’s a completely normal starting point.
Young people come to us for many reasons. Our therapists regularly support children, teens, and young adults dealing with:
If you’re not sure whether what your child is going through warrants therapy, this article might help: Is This Normal? How to Know When Your Child Needs Therapy
If you don’t see your child’s situation mentioned, don’t let that stop you from reaching out. A free consultation is a good way to ask questions and see if Cornerstone feels right for your family.
Every therapist at Cornerstone holds a master’s degree and is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Our Clinical Director, Father Pishoy Wasfy, holds a PhD and a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (DCP), and oversees our clinical team.
For children and youth, our therapists draw on approaches suited to the age and needs of each young person. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy for younger children. Your therapist will explain what they’re drawing on and why it fits your child’s situation.
Focused sessions for younger children and teens.
Extended sessions for deeper exploration.
We work with:
Children (6-12), teens (13-17) and young adults (18-25).
Whether online or in-person, our compassionate therapists provide a safe and welcoming space where kids and teens can freely express themselves, build healthy coping skills, and reach their full potential.
Please note: younger children typically have a parent present for part or all of the session. Teens usually meet with the therapist one-on-one, and we check in with parents separately to keep you informed while respecting your teen’s confidentiality. Your therapist will discuss the approach that makes most sense for your child’s age and situation.
We offer both in-person sessions at our Mississauga office and online sessions across Ontario.
If you’re not sure where to start, the free 15-minute consultation is a good first step. It’s a short, no-pressure call where you can ask questions, share what’s been going on, and get a feel for whether Cornerstone is the right fit. There’s no commitment involved, and you don’t need your child present for this call.
Your child’s first full session is different. It goes deeper. The therapist will take time to get to know your child, understand what they’re going through, and begin to build the trust that makes therapy work. For younger children especially, the first session is mostly about getting comfortable. For teens, the therapist will start to understand their world and what they want to get out of it.
Parents are part of the process throughout. Your therapist will check in with you regularly, help you understand what’s happening developmentally, and give you practical strategies you can use at home. You won’t be left guessing.
Most young people notice a difference within the first few sessions — often in how they talk about what they’re feeling. The deeper shifts build from there.
Our main office is at 6341 Mississauga Road, with easy access for families coming from across Peel Region. We offer both in-person and online sessions to make it work for your family’s schedule.
We provide services in English, French, and Arabic, and we welcome families from all backgrounds and communities. For families who are new to Canada, we know that adjusting to a new country, language, and school system adds its own layer of difficulty for children and parents alike. Our therapists are trained to work across cultures and will meet your family where you are.
Children’s therapy in Mississauga | Therapy in Brampton | Counselling in Peel Region
We believe cost should not stop a family from getting their child the help they need. We offer a sliding scale fee structure based on income, and affordable therapy options through our supervised intern program at $50 per session. Families in Peel Region who receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) support may also qualify for free therapy through our CARE grant, subject to availability.
“Therapy has given my daughter tools she actually uses. When she’s anxious before school, she knows what to do now. And our relationship is so much better.”
Reaching out for your child takes courage. Visit our What to Expect at Your First Appointment page to know what happens before you book. Download our Client Handbook to learn more about how we work. Or browse our library of articles, tools, and videos if you’re not quite ready but want to learn more first. When you’re ready, we’re here.
A good rule of thumb is to look at duration and impact. Short-term changes in mood or behaviour after something stressful are normal. If the changes persist for several weeks, are getting worse, or are affecting your child’s ability to function at school, at home, or with friends, it’s worth speaking to someone. These two articles go into more detail: Is This Normal? How to Know When Your Child Needs Therapy and 5 Ways to Support a Teen Who’s Struggling with Anxiety.
This is very common, especially with teens. It helps to frame therapy as a space that belongs to them, not a place where they’ll be analysed or judged. Avoid making it feel like a punishment. A free consultation call can sometimes help a reluctant child feel less anxious about what to expect. Your therapist can also help you think through how to approach the conversation.
No. Your child can share at their own pace. Therapists never force disclosure. For teens especially, some degree of confidentiality from parents is important to building trust. Your therapist will explain at the first session what is kept private and what circumstances might require them to involve a parent, such as safety concerns.
For younger children, a parent is often present for part or all of the session, at least initially. For teens, sessions are typically one-on-one to give them space to speak freely. Your therapist will discuss the best approach for your child’s age and needs, and you will always be kept informed about how things are going.
Your therapist will check in with you regularly. Signs that therapy is helping often include your child talking more openly about their feelings, handling difficult situations with more calm, sleeping better, showing more confidence at school or socially, or simply seeming lighter. Progress is not always linear, and your therapist will be honest with you if they feel the approach needs to change.
It depends on what they’re working through. Some children make meaningful progress in 8 to 12 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will review goals regularly and adjust the plan as needed.
Many extended health benefit plans cover psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We recommend checking with your provider before your first session. We do not direct bill, but we provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.
Yes. We offer secure online sessions across Ontario. Online therapy works well for many children and teens, particularly older teens who are comfortable on video. For younger children, in-person is often more effective, and your therapist can advise on what makes most sense.
A registered psychotherapist is trained specifically in talk and evidence-based therapy and works with emotional and mental health concerns. A child psychologist typically holds a doctorate and may also conduct formal psychological testing and assessments, such as for learning disabilities or ADHD. If your child needs a formal assessment, their school or family doctor can provide a referral. If therapy is the goal, our team can help.
A good fit is especially important with young people — if a child doesn’t trust their therapist, the work won’t happen. If something doesn’t feel right, let us know and we’ll do our best to connect your child with someone else on our team. There’s no judgment in that.
We are celebrating 15 years of making professional mental health care accessible in Peel Region, and we would love for you to be part of it.
Our 15th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
6341 Mississauga Road, Mississauga | Free | All welcome