Dynamic Minds Therapy

Embracing Differences, Empowering Growth.

Therapy in Barrie & virtually across Ontario for children, youth, and families. Specializing in neurodiversity-affirming care.

In-person & virtual appointments available

Neurodiversity-informed & affirming practices

Specializing in working with children & teens

Smiling teacher and little child talking and playing at preschool

I want my child to have confidence, friendships, and problem-solving skills.

As parents, we never want to see our kids struggle, feel left out, or fall behind. These issues can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioural challenges that affect you, your child, and the entire family.

At Dynamic Minds Therapy, we help children and teens achieve their full potential in emotional, social, and mental well-being.

Psychotherapy in Barrie & across Ontario

Diagnosis or not, the effects of mental health struggles are real.

Feelings you may be experiencing as a parent

Feelings your child or teen may be experiencing

We can help you move forward.

Psychotherapy in Barrie & across Ontario

Our Therapy Services

We provide children and teens with a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their feelings and develop effective strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

Group of children smiling and looking at the camera

Children (2-12)

Children face challenges with focus, behaviour, and social interactions. We help them develop skills and thrive both emotionally and socially.

Multiracial group of happy classmates at high school hallway looking at camera.

Teens (13+)

Teens may struggle with academics, relationships, and self-esteem. We create a safe space where they can excel and build confidence and lasting friendships.

Portrait of a man who is on the autism spectrum sitting on a couch. Shot with window light.

Young Adults (18+)

We offer support for neurodivergent young adults helping them manage responsibilities and navigate adulthood with confidence.

A mother is helping her autistic son spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough in preparation for dinner.

Parent Support

We provide parents with resources to effectively understand their child’s unique struggles and support their development.

Psychotherapy in Barrie

Areas We Support

Life is full of ups and downs, including joyful moments and unexpected challenges. Dynamic Minds Therapy helps children, teens, and young adults in Ontario navigate through it all.

We use CBT, ACT, Play Therapy, ABA principles, & AutPlay Therapy as part of our therapeutic process.

Supporting Your Unique Journey

Get the tools and compassionate support you or your child needs to thrive. Book a free 15-minute consultation call to get started.

About us

Why Work With Dynamic Minds Therapy

Carmela Diano, Registered Social Worker in Barrie, child therapist, autism therapist
Carmela Diano
MEd, MSW, RSW
Founder/Clinical Lead

“We all experience the world differently, it’s our job to ensure you feel understood and seen for who you are.”

Navigating your child’s emotional, social, and mental well-being can be challenging. Every child has unique developmental needs, and our child-centered approach to therapy is designed to meet those needs with confidence and care.

With over 20 years of experience, we help you and your child thrive through a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed framework. We empower parents to support their child’s growth equipping them with the right tools and strategies to build a foundation of resilience together.

We offer Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, Psychoeducation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, ensuring we help you get the results you need.

Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to be understood and valued. We honour each individual’s journey, respecting their worth and identity as we work together.

Inclusive Environment

We offer an inclusive space where individuals feel supported and empowered to be themselves and express their feelings without judgment.

Neurodiversity Affirming

We understand that being neurodivergent is not something to be ‘fixed’ but instead a natural part of human variation.

Tailored Support

We strive to help every child reach their full potential by utilizing varied evidence-based therapeutic frameworks and modalities.

Our Therapists

Meet Our Team

Our Approach

How Our Therapy Works

We meet with
parents first

It’s important that we have a good understanding of your family and your child’s history, experiences, schooling, and challenges. We want this to be a time to openly share what you are observing, what your concerns are, and what you would like for your child.

We meet with
your child

We then meet with your child alone and gather additional information. A parent can join in for the first 10 minutes of their child’s first session. The initial phase of therapy can last 4-8 sessions and is a time when trust is being established in the therapeutic relationship; once we have enough information, we develop a plan unique to your child’s care.

We continue to
work together

We will meet with parents after 6-8 sessions to review and share what has been worked on while maintaining a level of confidentiality that honours your child’s therapy process. Parents are encouraged to continue to have appointments after every 8 sessions or sooner if requested.

Questions About Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

A 50 minute individual therapy session starts at $180. An 80 minute family therapy session starts at $270. Whether you visit us in-person in Barrie or virtually from anywhere in Ontario, our therapy sessions fees are the same.

We strive to provide exceptional care while respecting the time of both our clients and therapists. If you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide 24 hours notice. The full hourly rate will be charged for any missed appointments without the full 24 hours notice and will be paid prior to your next therapy session. Emergency situations are exceptions.

We do not offer direct billing to private insurance companies. Most private health insurance providers cover Registered Social Workers – MSW. It is up to you to confirm the details with your specific insurance provider prior to your first session. Once payment is received for an appointment, a receipt will be issued which you can then send to your insurance provider.

If your child is receiving AccessOAP funding, mental health services are covered under core clinical services and our Registered Social Workers/Psychotherapists are approved providers. You are still responsible for payments for your child’s services. Receipts will be issued to you.

Payments are due at the time of the appointment. You can upload your credit card in your client portal, which will be provided to you once you have booked an individual or virtual counselling appointment with us. We also accept e-Transfers.

The length of time in therapy varies with each child. Usually children require a minimum of 6-8 sessions for the initial play therapy phase. You are encouraged to speak with your therapist if there is a concern around the number of sessions. Parents ultimately decide how long their child will attend therapy and can cancel therapy at any time. However, it is advisable to provide us with at least 4 weeks notice when possible so that we can therapeutically end with your child and you.

If the child’s other parent has custodial decision-making rights, we may be obligated to ensure that both parents consent to therapy. While children usually benefit from both their parents being involved in their therapy, there may be some situations that preclude parental involvement. Parents are asked to discuss concerns related to parental consent during the initial consultation phone.

Therapy provides children with a neutral, supportive setting to address difficult concerns and life stressors. It is an important part of their therapy process for parents to respect their child’s need for privacy and honour their work in therapy. Your child’s therapist will establish an agreement with them about what information will be shared with parents and how it will be communicated. Parents will be advised if there are any concerns around your child’s safety.

If you are in crisis please contact one of the following numbers or go to your local hospital Emergency Department:

CMHA 24 hour Crisis Help Line at 705-738-5044 or 1-888-893-8333.
Suicide Crisis Support Line – text/call 988 and website https://988.ca/

If your child needs support, they can contact the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 and website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Dynamic Minds Therapy

How To Get Started

We help children and teens reach their potential. We provide psychotherapy in Barrie and online sessions across Ontario.

To get started with Dynamic Minds Therapy, you can book a free consultation online using our secure online booking system. You can also call, email, or use our contact form for any questions or assistance with booking.

705-985-6845

hello@dynamicmindstherapy.ca

schedule an appointment

Contact Us!

Psychotherapy In Barrie & Virtually Across Ontario

Dynamic Minds Therapy

Where Every Mind Finds Its Strength

Our New Location

Effective September 8, 2026 our new office location is: 185 Dunlop St. East, Unit C4, Barrie, ON, L4M 1B2