The initial steps in getting help for your child's mental health can be overwhelming and confusing. We understand the struggle that families often face when it comes to seeking professional help. Learn more
Mental Health Services for Children
KIDTHINK is a major community-based provider of mental health services for children and their families within greater Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba. With a focus on prevention, early intervention, and capacity building of community supports, KIDTHINK provides mental health assessment and treatment services for kids aged 12 and under and their families.
About our Services
KIDTHINK services range from caregiver consultation and outreach treatment to psychological assessments and intensive child therapy. We treat a wide range of mild-to-moderate developmental, emotional, academic, behavioural, and mental health challenges including:
Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in children. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 7.1% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. Anxiety can interfere with a child’s home, school, and social life; making it challenging for them to fully thrive. When addressed early, anxiety is effectively treatable.
Depression
Symptoms such as low mood and hopelessness are not exclusively experienced by adults. 3.2% of children aged 3-17 have a depression diagnosis. There is hope because depression in children is treatable. KIDTHINK incorporates the child’s entire community in the care plan to best empower them to thrive.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can result in communication, social, and behavioral challenges. Children with ASD may also repeat actions and have trouble deviating from their daily routines. ASD is often first noticed when the child begins to have difficulty interacting with their peers. If treated early, a child’s development can be significantly improved.
ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) makes it especially challenging for a child to concentrate on tasks and is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in children. Treatment can help children develop effective strategies to be successful while also aiding parents/caregivers in dealing with the challenges of raising a child with ADHD. Early diagnosis and treatment can result in substantially better outcomes for children and families.
Self-esteem issues
Self-esteem issues in children can cause them to excessively question themselves. They may avoid activities or interactions out of fear that they will be rejected. They may also allow others to treat them poorly and not have the confidence to stand up for themselves. In order to thrive, kids need to have confidence in their abilities. Our clinicians are trained in effectively building these skills.
Learning Difficulties/Disabilities
The varied school environments arising as a consequence of COVID-19 have resulted in significant learning loss. This is exacerbated for those with preexisting learning difficulties and disabilities. KIDTHINK assesses children to determine their strengths and weaknesses and develops an intervention plan to help them succeed to the best of their abilities.
Psychological and Learning Assessments and Consultations
KIDTHINK’s psychological and learning assessment team provides consultation, specialized comprehensive assessment, and clinical clarification through evidence-based psychological and educational testing for children who are experiencing psychological and/or academic challenges.
What are Psychological and Learning Assessments?
The team works closely with the child and family as well as anyone else invested in the child’s success (e.g., teacher) to conduct a thorough examination of a child’s developmental, cognitive, behavioural, emotional, social, and academic functioning through interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests. Psychological and learning assessments are tailored to each child and provide insight into unique strengths and vulnerabilities
How do Psychological and Learning Assessments Work?
Once extensive testing is complete and all information is interpreted, we meet with caregivers to review a detailed report that includes findings, diagnoses (if any), and meaningful recommendations for school and home. For children and families who are active clients of KIDTHINK, an assessment can help support and complement other KIDTHINK services such as therapy, psychiatry, and outreach. We also offer consultation as a bridging service to help families translate assessment findings into actionable steps.
What if I have already received a Psychological and Learning Assessment?
For families of children who have previously undergone psychological and learning assessments, KIDTHINK’s psychological and learning assessment team also offers consultation services to help caregivers, educators, and clinicians understand past reports, conceptualize primary and secondary issues, prioritize recommendations, and determine whether an updated assessment is necessary.
Why should I get a Psychological and Learning Assessment?
Families seek psychological and learning assessments for different reasons. Some of the most common types of concerns include:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Academic Challenges or Learning Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Challenging Behaviors
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Treatment Services
KIDTHINK’s multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians offers evidence-based therapeutic and counseling services to children, caregivers, and their families who are struggling with a wide variety of mild-to-moderate developmental, emotional, academic, and mental health challenges.
How does mental health treatment work?
Our multidisciplinary team includes clinical, school, and child psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, and mental health child therapists who are committed to providing a timely, holistic approach to care for children and their families through direct and outreach support services. We are trained in the most current, evidence-based approaches and the services we offer are strength-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed.
Throughout treatment, clinicians work to create a safe and caring atmosphere. We aim to be transparent, providing information at each step along the way that supports families in making informed decisions about their care. Clinicians aim to empower children, equip parents and strengthen families by providing services that recognize unique strengths and diverse needs.
What types of mental health treatment are offered?
Treatment may include psychoeducation, consultation, and brief, group, and/or long-term intensive therapy with the individual child, caregivers, or family. Collaboration with other service providers, such as the school team, to ensure coordination of treatment interventions across the home and school environment may be recommended. Treatment is offered in-office, virtually, or in the community to support our mission to increase the accessibility of mental health care to children and families across the province.
Why should I seek mental health treatment for my child?
Families seek psychological and learning assessments for different reasons. Some of the most common types of concerns include:
