We see what's strong before we see what's hard.
Supporting children, teens, and the families who love them.
Our approach
What you can expect from us, every time.
Strength-based, always
We start with what your child can do. Every plan is built on capability and possibility, not deficit, not labels.
Evidence-based practice
Approaches grounded in the latest research, applied thoughtfully to each child's unique situation.
Family is part of the picture
We work with the people around your child, in whatever way works best for everyone involved.
Mind and body, together
Mental and physical health are rarely separate in children. It is at the heart of why we exist.
Every child is different
We take the time to understand your child before recommending anything.
Community clinic
Built by clinicians who wanted clinical-level care in the communities where families live.
Who We help
What brings families to us.
Every family arrives differently. Some know exactly what they are looking for. Others are still figuring it out. Either way, you are in the right place.
ADHD
Your child has a way of thinking and feeling that doesn't always fit the system. We help them find where it becomes a strength.
→Autism
Not every child moves through the world the same way. We learn how your child does, and we build from there.
→School Avoidance
When mornings become a battle and school starts to feel impossible. We help families understand what is underneath it and find a way forward.
→Anxiety and OCD
When worry starts running the day. We help children and teens understand what is happening and move through it.
→Mood and Depression
When your child seems far away from themselves. We help families name what is going on and find a way back.
→Emotion Regulation
Big feelings are not a flaw. We help children make sense of them before they take over.
→Friendship and Belonging
Friendships don't always come easily. We help children and teens understand how they connect and build confidence doing it.
→Chronic Illness
A diagnosis changes more than health. We support the whole child through what it means for their life and who they are becoming.
→
How we help
The right support, at the right time.
We offer a range of support because children's needs don't fit a single mold. Whether your family is navigating a new diagnosis, working through something that's been hard for a while, or just not sure where to start, we will help you find the right fit.
Therapy
Individual therapy for children and teens, grounded in evidence and built around who your child is.
Assessment
Comprehensive psychoeducational and diagnostic assessment. Available in English and French.
Health Psychology
Support for children managing chronic illness, pain, and the emotional weight of medical life.
Parent and Family Support
Coaching, consultation, and family therapy for the people who show up every day.
Our team
The people behind the work.
Founded the clinic with the belief that the right care, offered early, changes everything for a child.
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Dr. Stella Dentakos
Dr. Sahar Borairi
Guides our clinical work with experience that families and colleagues alike rely on.
SENIOR CLINICAL LEAD
Dr. Hadas Dahary
Leads our autism services with a commitment to understanding every child on their own terms.
AUTISM SERVICE LEAD
Dr. Cynthia Shih
Helps families find clarity when the picture is complicated and the path forward is not yet clear.
COMPLEX CARE LEAD
Dr. Melissa Howlett
Brings the same warmth and rigour of Whole Kids Health to families in the west end.
OAKVILLE CLINICAL LEAD
What Makes us different
Pediatric health psychology, in a community setting. That's rare.
We understand that a medical diagnosis affects more than the body. It affects how a child sees themselves, how they move through school, and how the whole family goes through it together. And we know that the mind and body are not separate. What happens in one always shows up in the other.
We work alongside your medical team to support the psychological side of physical health.
Chronic illness and physical symptoms
Pain that doesn't go away
Needle and medical fears
Helping your child live fully with a diagnosis
Where to find us
Two locations. One standard of care.
North York
Yonge & Sheppard · Toronto
4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1206
Toronto, ON M2N 6K1
(647) 249-4431
info@wholekidshealth.ca
Oakville
Halton Region · Greater Toronto Area
2904 S Sheridan Way, Suite 100
Oakville, ON L6J 7L9
(647) 249-4431
info@wholekidshealth.ca
Can't make it in person?
Virtual care across Ontario.
Same clinicians, same standard of care, from wherever you are.
Ready when you are