Mental Health Services at Willowbridge
Counselling and Psychotherapy for Kids, Parents and Families
Emotional well-being is just as important as skill-building. That’s why our Ontario Autism Program (OAP)-approved counselling and psychotherapy services focus on helping autistic children and youth—and their parents and families—strengthen resilience, develop healthy coping strategies and feel supported through life’s challenges.
Grounded in trauma-informed principles and an attachment-based approach, our specialized autism therapy emphasizes safety, trust and meaningful relationships as the foundation for growth. Every plan is individualized and guided by regulated mental health professionals, ensuring support is compassionate, evidence-based and responsive to each family’s needs.
Our OAP-Approved Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
Every child and family’s journey is different, which is why our autism mental health supports are flexible, collaborative and tailored. From one-to-one sessions to family involvement and program-integrated care, we make sure support meets your needs where it matters most.
Our services include:
- Individual Counselling – Strategies for managing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and life transitions.
- Early Learners Program (Ages 2–6) – Play-based, developmentally appropriate intervention (including the Early Start Denver Model) supporting communication, social interaction and school readiness.
- Family-Inclusive Counselling – Guided sessions that bring caregivers into the process when it strengthens outcomes.
- Integrated Mental Health Supports – Counselling built into other Willowbridge programs (such as day programs) to address mental health alongside skill development.
Contact us to learn more or enrol your child today.
Our Approach to Care
At Willowbridge, we walk alongside children, youth and families as they pursue what matters most to them. Rooted in our belief in people’s strength, the healing power of relationships and services grounded in best practices, our autism-focused care is:
Family-Led & Individualized
Treatment plans are co-developed with families, equipping them with the tools and confidence to support meaningful change every day.
Real-Life Focused
Services fit into where children with autism live, learn and play, with flexible delivery at home, in the community, in our office or virtually.
Strength-Based and Outcome-Oriented
We help children with autism build on their unique abilities while pursuing practical, personalized goals.
Inclusive Across Ages and Stages
From early years to adolescence and transition to adulthood, we adapt to every stage of growth.
Evidence-Based and Trauma-Informed
Grounded in autism spectrum disorder research and delivered with empathy, respect and emotional safety.
Attachment-Focused
We recognize the central role of relationships in learning, behaviour change and resilience.
Collaborative and Coordinated
We work with mental health, trauma-specific and other professionals to provide seamless, integrated care.
Honest About the Journey
We’re transparent about the complexities of autism-related behaviour change and mental health, supporting families through the highs and lows.
Delivered by Qualified Professionals
Every autism service is provided or supervised by regulated professionals in good standing.
Enroling your child in our OAP-approved core clinical autism services is simple:
- Explore our autism program offerings
- Choose the program(s) that best meet your family’s needs
- Fill out our online enrolment form to let us know which service you’d like to enrol your child in.
For more information or additional support, contact us directly.
What Happens After I Enrol?
After you contact us, a member of our Behaviour Services team will follow up with you to learn more about your child and family’s needs and goals. Together, we’ll identify the program(s) that are the best fit. From there, we’ll guide you through the next steps and enrol your child in the agreed-upon services.
Our services are open to any child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As an Ontario Autism Program (OAP)-approved provider, families who are part of the program can use their funding with us, helping to lower out-of-pocket costs.*
Eligibility at a glance:
-
Children and youth ages 2–18
-
A confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional
-
Living within our designated service areas
If your child has very high or urgent needs, you may qualify for Urgent Response Services (URS) or Enhanced Needs Services (ENS). These programs require a referral from Contact Brant. To learn more, visit our Additional Autism Services page or connect with Contact Brant directly.
*Although we are an OAP-approved provider, families do not have to be enroled in the OAP to qualify for our autism services. Families without OAP funding can still access services on a fee-for-service basis.
We offer flexible options for how our services are provided. Our ABA Therapy can be accessed:
- In clinic
- At home
- In the community
- Online
We’ll work with your family to find the best solution to fit your life.
Willowbridge’s main service areas for our Autism Services are:
-
Brant County
-
Haldimand/Norfolk
-
Six Nations of the Grand River
-
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
We provide culturally respectful care within these communities, while also offering virtual service options to families across Ontario.
Willowbridge’s OAP-approved Counselling and Psychotherapy supports cost $150/hour.
Many of our autism services are OAP-approved, offered on a fee-for-service basis, which means less out-of-pocket expenses for OAP-approved families.
Our Urgent Response Services and Enhanced Needs Services are funded by Contact Brant. Children and youth for this service must be enrolled in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and be referred to Willowbridge by Contact Brant. To learn more, visit our Additional Autism Supports page.
To learn more about fees and funding for our autism services, visit our Parent and Caregiver Support page.
Our autism Counselling and Psychotherapy services are delivered and/or supervised by regulated mental health professionals who:
-
Are registered and in good standing with their professional colleges (e.g., Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
-
Bring experience supporting autistic children, youth and families with mental health, coping and resilience.
-
Provide care through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring emotional safety, trust and collaboration.
-
Use an attachment-based approach that builds strong, supportive relationships between children, caregivers and peers.
-
Focus on individualized goals that improve emotional well-being, self-regulation and participation in daily life.
We’ll work to match your child and family with a counsellor based on your needs and preferences, so you feel supported every step of the way.
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is a provincial government initiative that provides financial support to Ontario families of children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Funding is available until the child turns 18 and can be used to access specialized services, including those offered at Willowbridge.
Children and youth must have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD from a qualified professional to be eligible.
To learn more or to apply for OAP funding, please visit the Ontario Autism Program website.
