Toddlers to teens
Behaviour and mental health
Development, attention, mood and worry, taken seriously
Late talking, attention that wanders, big feelings, worry or low mood. We start with a careful first assessment, involve school when it helps, and build a plan your family can follow.
If your child is in crisis right now
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your child talks about suicide or self-harm, or you are worried about their safety now.
- In Canada, call or text 9-8-8 at any time to reach the suicide crisis helpline.
- For worries that can't wait but aren't an emergency, registered families can call our nurse line at (613) 555-0199.
What to expect
How we approach behaviour and mental health
Many of the biggest worries parents bring us aren't about fevers. They're about speech, attention, sleep, behaviour, worry or mood. These concerns deserve time, not a rushed five minutes at the end of a checkup.
We book longer visits, often across more than one appointment. When a child needs more than we can offer in clinic, we help you find the right next step and stay involved.
What's included
- Development and speech concerns, from toddlers to school age
- Attention and learning worries, with input from school when it helps
- First assessment for anxiety, low mood and big feelings
- A written plan the whole family, and school, can follow
- Referral pathways for counselling, therapy and specialist care when needed
How it works
Four steps, no surprises
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1. Book a longer visit
Tell us it's about behaviour or mood when you book, so we set aside proper time.
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2. Listen and gather
We hear your story, talk with your child, and may send short questionnaires for home and school.
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3. Make a plan
Practical steps at home, support at school, and whether more assessment makes sense.
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4. Follow up
We check in on how the plan is going and adjust it together.
Good reasons to book a visit
- Speech or play that seems behind other kids the same age
- Attention or behaviour worries raised by you or by school
- Worry, sadness or anger that is getting in the way of daily life
- Big changes in sleep, eating or friendships
Tell us it's about behaviour or mood when you book, and we'll set aside a longer visit.
Who you'll see
Clinicians who focus on this
Questions parents ask
Good to know
My toddler isn't talking much yet. Should we wait?
Book a visit rather than wait and wonder. Many late talkers catch up, and some benefit from early support. A check helps you know which, and your pediatrician will guide the next step.
Do you diagnose ADHD?
We start the assessment, gather input from home and school, and follow kids with an existing diagnosis. Some children need a specialist assessment, and we help arrange it.
What if my child is in crisis?
If your child talks about suicide or self-harm, or you are worried about their safety right now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In Canada you can also call or text 9-8-8 at any time.
More answers on the FAQ page, or ask us directly.
New to Sunside? Let's get you registered.
Five short steps online, about four minutes. Or call and our front desk will do it with you.