More Kids Are in Therapy. Is It Helping?

It’s not your imagination, and it’s not just a social media trend: the number of Canadian kids seeing psychiatrists and psychologists regularly is on the rise. As of 2025, access to mental health, wellbeing, and Integrated Youth Services was up 28 percent over the previous year. And, overall, this is good news because children are getting the support they need.

In case you need to hear it, having a kid in therapy is not a reflection of poor parenting, says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and founder of Comprehend the Mind. “It means you saw something, took it seriously, and did something about it,” she says. “Sending your kid to therapy isn’t a sign that you failed them; if anything, it’s the opposite.”

Why are so many kids in therapy?

There are several factors contributing to the increase in children and teens accessing mental health support. For one, many millennial parents are in therapy themselves, so it makes sense they would see potential benefits for their kids. (Some are making a point of facing mental health struggles head-on, instead of brushing them aside as their parents may have done.) “Honestly, some of it is just that therapy has lost its stigma,” says Hafeez. “Families talk about it openly now in a way they never used to.” And this gives parents, who are often unprepared to manage their child’s emotional growing pains and diagnosed disorders, the chance to ask for help.

Aside from the fact that many moms and dads are more open to the idea of sending their kids to a therapist, there has also been a true increase in mental health needs among children, says Dr. Jenny Yip, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert. “Particularly since the pandemic, we have seen rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural concerns,” she says.

When it comes to what therapists are seeing kids for, there are several core concerns. Bullying (both in person and online), anxiety disorders, identity and self-worth struggles, behavioural challenges, ADHD-related concerns, family and environmental stressors (like divorce), and self-esteem issues stemming from social media comparison are at the top of the list.

What types of therapy are available for kids?

The best type of therapy, and whether it is with a psychologist (a mental health professional who focuses on behavioural therapy, testing, and coping strategies) or psychiatrist (a medical doctor who manages more complex cases requiring medication), will depend on their age and stage of development, as well as their reason for therapy. Some of the common types include:

• Play therapy uses toys and games to help very young kids communicate their feelings.

• Art therapy encourages kids to communicate through painting, drawing, and other forms of creative expression.

• Family therapy involves working with the child and typically one of their parents to address conflicts or concerns that are putting a strain on the child’s wellbeing, like a divorce or a sick parent.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps kids better understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They learn how to spot negative ways of thinking and swap them for healthier ones. A CBT session could include talk therapy, along with acting-out scenarios and even worksheets, to help children process their thoughts and feelings.

What are the benefits of sending your kid to a therapist?

Children in therapy can experience a variety of gains and improvements ranging from immediate symptom relief to improved long-term outcomes. These can include better relationships with their parents and siblings, healthier coping mechanisms, better performance at school, and improved self-esteem and emotional regulation. “Kids in therapy learn to actually handle big feelings instead of exploding or shutting down,” says Dr. Hafeez.

There is plenty of research to back this up. Numerous studies show moderate to large improvements in the management of anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma with therapy. “Approximately 75 percent of children benefit from therapy, especially evidence-based approaches like CBT,” says Dr. Yip.

It’s important to note that children who get professional mental health support are also receiving an early intervention of sorts. “Catching issues young means they don’t snowball into bigger problems as adults,” says Dr. Hafeez. For some, this will mean seeing a therapist in some capacity for the long haul. And there’s nothing wrong with that, either. “Therapy is not a sign that something is broken—it’s a proactive investment in development and wellness, just like going to the dentist regularly,” says Dr. Yip.

Sadly, though, not all kids can access the help they need. According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in five children and youth who needed mental healthcare in the past year had only partially met or unmet needs. The often-significant out-of-pocket cost is one factor holding kids back. Fragmented, difficult-to-navigate systems and long waitlists due to the surge in demand for psychology and psychiatry services are also significant barriers to care for many children.

Does my child need to see a therapist?

It can be tricky to know when you should make an appointment with a therapist for your child. Sudden changes in sleep habits, appetite, or other out-of-character behaviours, persistent anxiety, intense tantrums, social struggles, and academic challenges are all signs you should consider getting professional help. If you find yourself wondering if something is normal, a mental health specialist can assist you in determining whether your child’s challenges could benefit from the help of a professional.

A therapist can be another member of your child’s team—an additional adult who is on their side, providing validation, patience, and skills to add to their emotional toolbox. Plus, bringing in some professional support for your child can help not only them, but you too.

Don’t be afraid to ask your paediatrician or family doctor if mental health support might be beneficial. They can refer you to a mental health specialist and recommend other resources. Bottom line: you know your child best. It does not have to be an extreme situation for your child to benefit from seeing a therapist. “Therapy is not a last resort—you don’t have to wait until your kid is falling apart to get them help,” says Dr. Hafeez.