School Challenges Therapists

Academic struggles, social pressures, and school-related stress affect many students. Connect with therapists on First Session who understand these challenges.

Start your search

School can be a source of stress for students of all ages. Whether it's academic pressure, social difficulties, test anxiety, learning differences, or navigating transitions between schools, these challenges can affect confidence, mental health, and overall well-being. Therapy can provide a supportive space to work through these experiences and develop coping strategies.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who specialize in supporting students facing school-related challenges. Watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach feels right, then book a session directly online. All therapists have had their credentials verified during onboarding.

Cathy-Jo Shortt

Canadian Certified Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, AB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Cathy-Jo Shortt

Cathy-Jo Shortt

Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/her
$140/session
Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Relationships, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Family issues, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Self-esteem, Maternal mental health, Navigating challenging relationships, School challenges, Parenting, Befriending the Nervous System, Low mood, Depression, Nervous system regulation
Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Relationships, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Family issues, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Self-esteem, Maternal mental health, Navigating challenging relationships, School challenges, Parenting, Befriending the Nervous System, Low mood, Depression, Nervous system regulation
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Calgary, AB)
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Kate Newby

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
$130/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Rima Sehgal

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, YT, NU, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Rima Sehgal

Rima Sehgal

Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
$190/session
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Kelly Budenz

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vaughan, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Kelly Budenz

Kelly Budenz

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$175/session
Anxiety, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anger Management, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Assertiveness, Children/Teens, Caregivers, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Mindfulness, School challenges, Self harm, Suicidal ideation, Stress, General Mental Health, Parenting
Anxiety, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anger Management, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Assertiveness, Children/Teens, Caregivers, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Mindfulness, School challenges, Self harm, Suicidal ideation, Stress, General Mental Health, Parenting
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Burk's Falls, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Shannon Bradley

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$140/session
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Alexandra Walcott

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Alexandra Walcott

Alexandra Walcott

Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
$160/session
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Stephanie Neshcov

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Tiny, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, NL, MB, NS, QC, and NB.
Waitlist
Show More
Stephanie Neshcov

Stephanie Neshcov

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$160/session
Anxiety, Stress, Life transitions, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Dating challenges, Depression, School challenges, Relationships, Workplace stress
Anxiety, Stress, Life transitions, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Dating challenges, Depression, School challenges, Relationships, Workplace stress
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Ean Burchell

Registered Counselling Therapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Halifax, NS)
Virtual Sessions in ON, NS, NB, PE, and NL.
Waitlist
Show More
Ean Burchell

Ean Burchell

Registered Counselling Therapist
$100/session
Men's issues, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Couples, Depression, Conflict resolution, Emotional regulation, Court Mandated Counselling, Existential questions, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, School challenges, Negative thinking and ruminating, Phobias, PTSD, Trauma, Anger, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Men's issues, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Couples, Depression, Conflict resolution, Emotional regulation, Court Mandated Counselling, Existential questions, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, School challenges, Negative thinking and ruminating, Phobias, PTSD, Trauma, Anger, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Sieran Yung

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Sieran Yung

Sieran Yung

Registered Psychotherapist
He/him
$150/session
Sexuality and gender issues, LGBTQ2IA+, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Neurodiversity, Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Career guidance, School challenges, Motivation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Overwhelm, Depression, Anxiety, BIPOC
Sexuality and gender issues, LGBTQ2IA+, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Neurodiversity, Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Career guidance, School challenges, Motivation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Overwhelm, Depression, Anxiety, BIPOC
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Atheesan Mahendrarajah

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, NS, NT, YT, and NU.
Waitlist
Show More
Atheesan Mahendrarajah

Atheesan Mahendrarajah

Registered Psychotherapist
He/Him
$185/session
Addiction, Cultural Challenges, Productivity, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Empowerment, Family Conflict, Masculinity, Pain management, Relationships, School challenges, Self-Development, Self-Regulation, Stress, Workplace stress, BIPOC
Addiction, Cultural Challenges, Productivity, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Empowerment, Family Conflict, Masculinity, Pain management, Relationships, School challenges, Self-Development, Self-Regulation, Stress, Workplace stress, BIPOC
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Bolton, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Joe Gentile

Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
$125/session
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Meagan Gallacher

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Oshawa, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Meagan Gallacher

Meagan Gallacher

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$150/session
Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Emotional regulation, Effective communication, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Infidelity, School challenges, Mindfulness Practices, People pleasing, Phobias, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Emotional regulation, Effective communication, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Infidelity, School challenges, Mindfulness Practices, People pleasing, Phobias, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist
No results found. Your criteria may be too specific.
Search finds the closest match while filters exclude profiles that do not match your criteria. Try clearing your filters and using search to find a match.
We add therapists weekly. Sign up to receive updates.
Browse All Therapists
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
About First Session
What are common school challenges that therapy can help with?

Therapy can help with a wide range of school-related difficulties, including academic stress and performance anxiety, social challenges like bullying or trouble making friends, transitions to new schools, learning differences such as ADHD or dyslexia, motivation and procrastination, and the emotional impact of academic pressure. Each person's experience is unique, and therapy can be tailored to address specific concerns.

Who might benefit from therapy for school challenges?

Students of any age who are struggling with aspects of school life may benefit from therapy. This includes children, teens, and young adults in college or university. Parents may also find it helpful to work with a therapist to better support their child. If school-related stress is affecting mood, behavior, relationships, or overall functioning, therapy can be a valuable resource.

What's it like to work on school challenges in therapy?

Sessions often involve talking about what's happening at school, exploring feelings and reactions, and developing strategies for managing difficult situations. For younger children, therapists may use play or creative activities. For teens and adults, sessions might focus on building skills for organization, stress management, social navigation, or self-advocacy. The approach depends on the individual and what they're facing.

How long does therapy for school challenges typically take?

The duration varies depending on the nature of the challenges and individual goals. Some students benefit from short-term support during a particularly stressful period, while others may prefer ongoing sessions to build skills over time. Your therapist can help you determine what makes sense for your situation.

How do I know if a therapist is right for my child or me?

On First Session, you can watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their personality and approach. Look for someone who seems warm, understanding, and experienced with the types of challenges you or your child is facing. Many therapists offer free consultations to help you decide if they're a good fit.

How do I book a session?

Browse therapists on First Session who work with school challenges. Watch their intro videos, read about their experience, and book a session directly online when you find someone who feels right. Getting support early can make a meaningful difference.