Discussions

My pre-teen son has been showing some signs of depression for over a year now. He has periods where he hates the way he looks, thinks he has no friends, thinks his teacher doesn't like him and she "always" makes fun of him and "always" embarrasses him in front of his classmates. I'm wanting to get him into some counselling just to be sure that it's not more than the usual pre-teen moodiness. I don't want to use his school counsellor. Can anyone recommend a good youth counsellor?

when i had issues with my son we ended up phoning what is now Child and Youth Community Mental Health  
 
North – 1-866-332-3030  
 
South – 1-866-403-5459  
 
they were great! we first talked to an intake worker who sent the paper work to the people who would likely be able to help him, from there we had a few more appointments to decide on a course of action then implemented it. we went from some saying he didnt need any help to fixing the issues that we saw, from helping him deal with unfair teachers, who were but he also needed to learn to deal with them to self esteem issues he had from those type of things. While your son might not need the same services as ours the intake worker directs where you go for what you need, they are friendly, non judgmental and a great resource, dont be shy just call them and see if it helps  
 
there is also parent/child courses at the Elisabeth Reid center that might fit for you, look into that too  
 
good luck

A lot of parents (I was too) are trepidatious about using the school counsellor. They are confidential and came see the whole picture. They can help with test anxiety and see what goes on in the hallways and inquire with the teachers for the "always" parts. They are trained just like other counsellors. Maybe before you rule them out, call them. Talk with them about your concerns about using that free service. See what they have to say. My son liked talking to his school counsellor. He got out of class for a break and when things got tough for him, he knew he had someone in the school to go to. He's going into grade 11 now and I'm glad I chose to make that call and talk about my reservations. I'm just suggesting that you talk with them before you rule it out. (Obviously unless there is some other reason like conflict of interest or something.)

i do agree the school councilor can be a good resource, ours was one of the people that we were referred too, unfortunately for us the teachers at the school were on the fence about the referral so he wasnt a priority at the school until we got mental health involved, after that things changed for the better  
 
just saying if that is the issue about using the school then just because you phone mental health doesnt mean your son wont get to talk to the school counselor or use those services too, of course if there is a conflict they wont make you either, and i second confidentially too