Tips on how to choose a Child Psychologist in Calgary

Step 1: Start with Trusted Referrals

One of the best ways to find a child psychologist in Calgary is through word of mouth. Ask friends, family, your doctor, or even colleagues who have children. Parents who have had positive experiences with a psychologist are often more than happy to share a referral. Knowing that a professional has successfully helped someone else’s child can give you confidence when choosing that psychologist.

Step 2: Do Your Own Research

Once you have some names, do your homework. Use online directories such as Psychology Today, Theravive, and Counselling Alberta to look up the recommended Calgary psychologists to determine their experience, specialty, approach, and other factors.

As you browse, ask yourself:

Does this psychologist specialize in the concerns my child is facing (e.g., anxiety, ADHD, trauma, depression)?
Do they mention working specifically with children or teenagers? What age range do they primarily work with?
Do there testimonials or client stories highlight their ability to connect with my child’s specific needs?
What is their approach when dealing with different scenarios and child needs?

Choosing a psychologist with a research-based, age-appropriate approach ensures they can effectively support your child’s specific needs, development and emotional well-being.

Step 3: Assess Their Expertise

A child psychologist may work with your family over an extended period, so selecting someone with the right knowledge and experience is crucial. Beyond helping your child, a psychologist should also provide guidance for parents to reinforce strategies at home. Many therapy models for children involve parents participation in some capacity, whether it’s reinforcing home challenges offered, supporting exposures, or adding connection-building rituals into daily family life.

Step 4: It’s Okay to Meet More Than One Psychologist

Many parents schedule introductory calls with multiple psychologists before making a final decision. Arranging an initial session where both the parent and child meet with different psychologists to see who feels like the best match is also a great idea. Empowering your child—especially teens—to have a say in who they feel comfortable talking to can make therapy more effective. A strong therapeutic connection is one of the biggest predictors of successful outcomes in counselling.

Step 5: Consider Location and Accessibility

Think about practical factors like location, business hours, and availability when choosing a psychologist in Calgary. Driving across the city during rush hour or fitting appointments into a busy after-school schedule can create unnecessary stress. If your schedule is tight, look for a psychologist closer to home or one who offers flexible appointment times.

Step 6: In-Person vs. Virtual Sessions—What’s Best for Your Child?

Many psychologists now offer virtual sessions, which can be convenient for some families. However, in-person sessions are generally recommended for children and teens. According to Tasha Belix, Clinic Director, “Therapy is a relationship-based process, and we know that brains connect and regulate best when they are together in real time.” 

In-person therapy allows psychologists to pick up on body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues that are crucial for assessing a child’s emotional state. While virtual sessions can be helpful for families with transportation barriers or medical limitations, most child psychologists in Calgary encourage in-person visits whenever possible.