Anxiety Therapy for Teens

Real support for anxious teens, without the lecturing. Teen anxiety therapy in Ottawa, in person or online.

✓ Same-week ✓ Direct billing ✓ Sliding scale ✓ Licensed therapists

Book a free consultation
(613) 518-6072
hello@aurenwellness.ca
Registered therapists

Every clinician is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Sliding scale options

We want therapy to be financially accessible for everyone. Reduced rates are available case-by-case based on need and availability.

Direct billing

We submit directly to most major insurers, so you don't pay out of pocket upfront.

Ottawa-based and Canadian-owned

Our office is in Ottawa. All client records are stored in Canada and handled under PIPEDA and PHIPA.

Symptoms of Anxiety in Teens

Therapy is a space to slow down and look at what's underneath. These are some of the patterns people bring into the room.

FOR WHEN SOMETHING FEELS OFF

School Has Become a Source of Dread

Not laziness, anxiety. Whether it's tests, presentations, social dynamics, or just the overwhelming noise of the day, many teens with anxiety find school increasingly hard to face. Avoidance can look like skipping, illness complaints, or shutting down entirely.

They're Irritable, Withdrawn, or Both

Anxiety in teens often shows up as irritability at home, pulling away from friends, or a general flatness that parents describe as "not like them." What looks like a mood issue or a phase is often anxiety looking for somewhere to go.

The Pressure Feels Impossible to Manage

Academic expectations, social pressures, identity questions, family stress, teens are navigating a lot, and not all of them have the tools yet to manage it. Anxiety often steps in where skills haven't had a chance to develop.

How We Treat Teen Anxiety

OUR APPROACH

Working with teens requires a different kind of presence. Trust takes longer to build, and it matters more. Our therapists who work with young people understand this, they don't lecture, and they don't talk down. They listen, they take what teens say seriously, and they work collaboratively on what that particular person actually wants to change.

We may use approaches that can work well with adolescents, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based skills. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, teens learn tools they can use right now, in school, at home, and with their friends.

We also work closely with parents when appropriate. Keeping families informed and involved, in a way the teen is comfortable with, tends to produce better outcomes. What that looks like varies based on the young person's age, needs, and preferences.

For post-secondary students dealing with similar academic and social pressures, our anxiety therapy for students page covers what that work looks like at university age.

Book a free consultation
What happens when you reach out

Four small steps. No pressure at any of them.

01

You Reach Out, on Your Terms

Email, phone, or fill out our booking form. There's no script and no pressure. You can share as much or as little as you want.

02

We Get Back to You Quickly

A real person, not a bot, will reply as soon as we can with a few options for a free 15-minute consultation.

03

A 15-Minute Call to See If We're a Fit

We listen. You ask questions. No paperwork, no obligation. If we're not the right match, we'll point you toward someone who might be.

04

If You Choose to Book, We Make the Next Step Simple

Direct billing where possible. Evening and weekend availability. Virtual or in-person in Ottawa.

Book a free consultation
SESSIONS & BILLING

How Sessions and Billing Work

Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Rates vary by therapist and are confirmed during your free consultation. We accept e-transfer and credit cards, and direct-bill most insurers.

Individual therapy

One-on-One Sessions

Sessions are 50 minutes; rates are confirmed at your free consult. Direct billing where your insurer allows, with sliding-scale spots available.

Sliding-scale spots are available based on need. Ask during your free consultation.

Couples therapy

Two People, One Shared Session

$190 per 50-minute session

Same 50-minute format, structured for two participants and shared concerns.

Insurance, Billing, and What to Expect

Insurance coverage

Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker services are covered by most extended health plans in Canada. We recommend confirming your specific coverage before your first paid session. Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and most major insurers include coverage.

Direct billing

We direct-bill where your insurer allows it. Otherwise, you pay at the time of session and submit the receipt for reimbursement.

Receipts

Every session generates a receipt listing the provider's license number, suitable for insurance reimbursement.

In-person or virtual

In-person sessions are held at our Ottawa office. Virtual sessions use a secure, PIPEDA-compliant video platform. You can switch between the two.

Cancellation

We ask for 24 hours notice on cancellations. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee.

Your first session

After the free 15-minute consultation, your first paid session is intake-focused. Bring questions, anything you have already tried, and any goals you have in mind.

Book a free consultation

QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Teen Anxiety Therapy

1

What is teen anxiety therapy?

+

Teen anxiety therapy is counselling tailored to adolescents who struggle with worry, fear, or stress that affects school, friendships, or daily life. At Auren Wellness in Ottawa, a Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker uses age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches like CBT to help teens understand their anxiety and build coping skills. With appropriate consent, parents or guardians are often involved in supporting the teen's progress.

2

How much does teen anxiety therapy cost in Ottawa?

+

Fees for teen anxiety therapy in Ottawa vary by clinician and session length, and private sessions fall within a typical local range. Auren Wellness offers sliding-scale options for families who need them and direct billing to many insurers. A free 15-minute consultation lets you discuss fees, your teen's needs, and fit before booking a first session with an Auren therapist in Ottawa.

3

Is teen therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?

+

Therapy for teens provided by a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Worker is generally not covered by OHIP, but it is often included under family extended health benefits in Ontario. Coverage limits and eligible providers vary, so check your plan, including whether dependents are covered. Auren Wellness in Ottawa offers direct billing to many insurers and receipts for reimbursement.

4

How long does teen anxiety therapy take?

+

Length varies with your teen's goals and the type of anxiety. Many families find that shorter-term, structured work such as CBT can bring helpful change over a few months, while some teens benefit from longer or occasional follow-up support. Your Ottawa therapist will review progress with your teen and, where appropriate, with you, and adjust the pace as needed.

5

Can teen anxiety therapy be done online in Ontario?

+

Yes, many teens engage well with secure online therapy, which can feel comfortable and fit around school and activities. Auren Wellness offers virtual sessions to teens across Ontario, with appropriate consent, as well as in-person appointments at our Ottawa office. Some teens prefer the privacy of meeting from home, while others do better face to face, and your therapist can help you decide.

6

Do parents attend teen therapy sessions?

+

It depends on the teen's age, needs, and consent. Parents or guardians are often involved at the start and at key points to support the teen and share helpful context, while the teen also has private time with the therapist to build trust. At Auren Wellness in Ottawa, your therapist will explain how confidentiality and parental involvement work before sessions begin.

7

What are the signs my teenager needs anxiety therapy?

+

Watch for persistent worry, irritability, avoiding school or social situations, trouble sleeping, frequent stomachaches or headaches, declining grades, or withdrawing from friends and family. If these patterns last for weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek support. A free 15-minute consult with an Auren therapist in Ottawa can help you decide on next steps for your teen.

8

What should we expect in a teen's first therapy session?

+

The first session focuses on building comfort and understanding. The therapist will explain confidentiality and consent, then get to know your teen, what is causing anxiety, and what they would like to change. With permission, parents or guardians may join part of the session. There is no pressure on your teen to share everything at once, and the pace is set with them.

9

Does therapy actually help teenagers with anxiety?

+

Therapy can help many teens reduce avoidance, manage worry, and build skills to face anxious situations more confidently. Approaches like CBT are designed to help teens notice anxious thoughts and respond differently, and effects often last when skills are practised over time. Results vary by individual, and consistent support from both the therapist and family tends to help.

10

What should I do if my teen is in crisis or talking about self-harm?

+

If your teen is in crisis, talking about self-harm, or you fear for their safety, get help right away by calling or texting 988, or 911 if they are in immediate danger. Kids Help Phone (text CONNECT to 686868) also supports youth. Once your teen is safe, ongoing anxiety support such as teen therapy in Ottawa can help address the underlying concerns over time.

Book a free consultation
If you need help right now

Therapy is a longer-term relationship. If you're in acute distress, please reach the services below first. They are free, confidential, and available right now.

We're not the right fit for crisis moments.

Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 9-8-8

24/7, free, available in English and French, across Canada.

Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
613-238-3311

24/7 local Ottawa crisis support, in English and French.

Immediate danger or medical emergency
Call 9-1-1
No items found.

For situations needing emergency responders right now.

Book a free consultationCall
} } }) } }) } } }) } }) } })