Comprehensive Downtown Toronto and North York Psychology Clinic

Welcome to Step Stone Psychology

A Warm Welcome From Dr. Barbara J. Mancini

Welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.

Step Stone Psychology was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to provide individualized, evidence-based care that truly centers the needs of each client across the lifespan. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to creating a warm and welcoming space where people feel seen, understood, and supported—exactly as they are.

Our clinic was born out of Dr. Mancini’s extensive experience working across diverse mental health settings—from hospital-based care (CAMH), to supporting community agencies and schools across the GTA, to private practices. Her work has spanned addictions and mental health, gender-affirming care, and even providing psychological support or advisement in corporate and entertainment industries as a creative consultant and clinical assessor. As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto, she’s also helped shape the next generation of clinicians through her doctoral research committee work, practica and residency training and teaching. Through this diverse variety of clinical and teaching experiences, one thing became abundantly clear for Dr. Mancini: there was a significant gap in comprehensive complex private practice care, as well as in affirming, accessible mental health care for 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals in Toronto.

And thus, Step Stone Psychology was born.

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Known for our comprehensive work, forensic services, gender-, queer-, and neurodiverse-affirming care, our clinics are especially dedicated to serving diverse clients and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities with warmth, respect, and clinical excellence. We are also known for our comprehensive Forensic youth psychological services, including psychotherapy for youth, parents, and families, as well as legal assessments for court or third-party purposes, delivered with professionalism, clarity, and compassion.

As a lifespan clinic, we are proud to serve individuals across all stages of life—from infants and parents, to children and youth, as well as emerging adults, adults, and seniors navigating later adulthood. Whether you're coming in for a one-time assessment, seeking support for your family, or pursuing ongoing therapy for growth or to navigate a major life transition, our team will bring a wide range of specialties and lived experiences, united by a shared passion for fostering inclusive, client-centered healing that is grounded in your experiences.

Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or continuing your journey, we’re here to walk alongside you.

So join us today and work towards your goals one step at a time.

You are not alone.

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At Step Stone Psychology Clinic, we will walk alongside you, to help you navigate challenges and show you how to build healthy relationships and supportive systems towards the achievement of your goals.

Step Stone Psychology is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, evidence-based assessment and therapy services through comprehensive expertise that reaches beyond the therapy or assessment room. Look to us to provide assistance and advocacy specific to your unique needs and circumstances in all areas of life.

Services are available in English, French, and Russian.

Individualized Approach

Our clinic’s approach honours your own unique context, perspectives, and abilities.

We work diligently with you to build self-understanding through the exploration and identification of concerns that cause you or those you love difficulty or disruption in life.

We work together towards the achievement of your goals for your well-being and future by creating comprehensive psychotherapy, counselling or clinical treatment plans.

With our collaborative team approach, your needs can be met all in one place, together.

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Demonstrated Excellence & Practice

We are an internship and practicum student training site for universities like the University of Toronto, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Fielding University, The University of Western Ontario, and The University of Guelph.

We provide specialized training and supervision to candidates for registration as psychologists, psychological associates and psychotherapists.

With connections to the research community, Step Stone Psychology participates in leading-edge research. Members of the senior team have cross-appointments and affiliations with major universities, research, and healthcare centres.