ACT Learning Centre Neurodiversity Affirming Mental Health Services
Therapy centre located in Ottawa, Ontario providing assessment and intervention to children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
Who We Are
ACT’s Mental Health clinicians support clients of all neurotypes, with specialized experience in supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as ADHD and autism.
We provide neurodiversity-affirming care that recognizes and respects each person’s unique strengths, needs, communication styles and lived experiences.
Whether you are seeking support for emotional wellbeing, navigating a new autism diagnosis, building self-understanding, managing daily challenges or strengthening family relationships, our team is here to help.
At ACT Learning Centre, our team supports children, teens, adults, caregivers, couples and families at our clinic in Ottawa or virtually.
All mental health services are eligible for OAP Core Funding and third-party insurance coverage.
What to Expect
Free consultation
Virtual or in-person sessions
Thoughtfully matched clinician
Neurodiversity-affirming approach
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Service in English or French
Our team has the training and expertise to assess and provide treatment for a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to):
Mental Health Services
- One-to-One Counselling: Counselling is individualized and guided by the goals of the client. Sessions provide a safe, supportive and affirming space to address concerns, build coping skills, strengthen self-understanding and support emotional wellbeing. Our clinicians have experience supporting autistic children, youth and adults with concerns related to anxiety, identity, relationships, self-advocacy, masking, burnout and life transitions.
- Caregiver Coaching: Sessions are designed to support through education, modelling and feedback to better understand a child or individual’s mental health needs and build practical skills they can use in everyday situations.
- Family Counselling: Counselling the family unit to address concerns around boundaries and relationship dynamics.
- Advocacy: Supporting a client or family’s rights, needs and access to appropriate services.
- System Navigation and Management: Supports clients and families to understand, access and coordinate mental health and related services.
Contact ACT Learning Centre
"*" indicates required fields
Downloads
Children's Friendship Group
10-Week Social Skills Program
A program supporting neurodiverse elementary school-aged children who struggle to make and maintain friendships.
- September 22 – November 24
- Tuesdays, 5 – 6 PM
- Colonnade Clinic, Nepean
Teen Neurodiversity Group
10-Week Social Group
A warm and welcoming group where teens can make friends and take part in activities suggested by youth.
- September 24 – November 26
- Thursdays, 5 – 6 PM
- Colonnade Clinic, Nepean
Kaleidoscope Crew
Teen 2SLGBTQIA+ Group
A Narrative Therapy-based group helping teens examine the stories they hold about themselves, their relationships, and the systems they navigate.
- September 30 – November 18
- Wednesdays, 5 – 6:30 PM
- Colonnade Clinic, Nepean
Resilient Minds
Anxiety Group
Build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills through psychoeducation, sensory exploration, mindfulness and creative activities.
- October 1 – November 5
- Thursdays, 5 – 6:30 PM
- Colonnade Clinic, Nepean
Mental Health Groups
In addition to family and one-to-one counselling, we also offer groups for neurodiverse children and teens. Each group meets weekly for 6 to 10 weeks, with new sessions beginning in the fall, winter and spring.
Resilient Minds
Ages 7 to 9
Build upon emotional awareness and self-regulation skills through a combination of psychoeducation discussions, sensory exploration, mindfulness and creative activities.
Children’s Friendship Group
Ages 9 to 12
In support of neurodiverse elementary school-aged children who struggle to make and maintain friends.
Teen Neurodiversity Group
Ages 13 to 17
A chance to make friends and take part in activities (suggested by youth) in a warm and welcoming space!
Kaleidoscope Crew
Ages 13 to 17
Narrative therapy group offers a supportive and affirming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent youth to explore identity, community and mental well-being.