Youth & Teen Counselling in BC, Online
The teenage years can be turbulent for teens and parents alike. School pressure, friendships, social media, identity, and big emotions can all collide at once, and it's not always easy to tell what's normal and what needs support. Teen counselling gives teens a space of their own to be heard, and gives families practical tools to navigate it together.
Counselling for youth can help teens with:
Anxiety, low mood, or overwhelming emotions
Friendship struggles, bullying, or social pressure
Stress around school and performance
Self-esteem, identity, and figuring out who they are
Family tension and communication
Life Transitions such as parents divorcing, new siblings or a new school
How therapy for teens helps
Therapists for teenagers meet teens where they are, without lecturing, and help them understand their feelings, build coping skills, and feel less alone. Where helpful, we involve parents so the whole family can work together, identifying challenges and developing practical tools not just to cope, but to thrive.
Why online therapy works well for teens
Most of our teen counselling happens online, and for many families, that's actually a better fit than an in-person office visit. A few reasons why:
No travel, no hassle. Parents don't need to build driving time into an already packed week of school, sports, and homework.
A space that feels comfortable. Many teens open up more easily from their own room than in an unfamiliar office. It's one less unfamiliar thing to deal with when they're already feeling vulnerable.
Easier to fit into a busy schedule. Sessions can happen after school, between activities, or in the evening, without losing an hour to commuting.
Privacy that matters to teens. No waiting rooms, no chance of running into someone from school. For a teenager who already feels self-conscious, that privacy can make the first step easier to take.
Access no matter where you live. Whether you're in Vancouver or a smaller community elsewhere in BC, your teen can work with the right therapist without location being the deciding factor.
Our approach to Teenage Counselling
Our therapists offer teen-friendly, collaborative counselling drawing on CBT, DBT skills, and family support. We also protect your teen's confidentiality, so they feel safe being open, while keeping you informed on how to support them at home.
Counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is covered under most extended health plans in BC. Many plans reimburse a portion or all of the session cost, and some allow direct billing so you don't pay out of pocket. Check with your provider for your specific coverage amount and any per-year session limits.
We also work with several funded programs that can cover the cost of counselling for eligible teens and families, such as First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Autism Funding. Not sure what you or your teen qualifies for? Let us know when you book your free consult, and we can help you figure out the best way to cover the cost of care. Katrina is currently accepting new clients and draws on her background in child and adolescent mental health to support young clients.
Your teen doesn't have to figure it out alone or be judged for it. Book a free consult
Therapists who work with teenagers, currently accepting new clients
Katrina Onysko, RCC
Katrina brings 15 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health, with a background that includes ADHD, OCD, trauma, and identity development. As a counsellor for teenagers, she takes a welcoming, nonjudgmental approach and is an approved provider under BC's Autism Funding program for youth under 18. Katrina draws on CBT, DBT, and a feminist relational lens to help teens build coping skills that fit their own experience.
Paula Lazzuri, RCC
Paula is a trauma-informed therapist who works with teens on relationship pressures, bullying, self-esteem, and identity, alongside trauma and life transitions. She uses EMDR and somatic approaches to help teens process difficult experiences at a pace that feels safe. Paula offers sessions in English and Portuguese as a counsellor for teens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Counselling
For parents of Teenagers
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There's no perfect test, and you don't need to be certain before reaching out. If the stress, mood, or conflict is lasting more than a few weeks, or it's getting in the way of school, sleep, or friendships, that's usually a sign it's worth talking to someone.
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We'll keep you involved in the parts that help your family move forward, like general progress and practical tools you can use at home. Specifics your teen shares in session stay private, so they feel safe being open.
For teens
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This depends on your age and the situation. In BC, teens who are mature enough to understand what counselling involves may be able to consent to their own sessions without a parent's permission. If this matters to you, mention it when you reach out, and we can talk through what's possible before you commit to anything.
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Yes, with a few exceptions your counsellor will explain up front, mainly around safety. Otherwise what you share is yours.
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No. A lot of teens start therapy without the words for what they're feeling yet. That's normal, and it's something you can figure out together.
Do you still have questions...?
That's completely okay. It's normal to feel unsure about what you're experiencing or whether counselling is the right fit. You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. We welcome your questions. Our goal is to help you find the support that feels right for you.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute consultation, and we'll help match you with the right therapist.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute consultation, and we'll help match you with the right therapist.
Book a Free Consult · View Rates
Services are available online throughout British Columbia, in English and Portuguese. We work with most extended health plans and funded programs, including CVAP, WorkBC, Autism Funding, Veterans Affairs, and the First Nations Health Authority.