Dr. Hou cares deeply about cultural diversity, health equity, and lived experiences and offers science-based, culturally responsive psychological care to support young people and families navigating mental health, health conditions, and everyday challenges.
Specializes in Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Health and Wellness
Dr. Sharon Hou is a Licensed Psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Dr. Hou specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults living with anxiety, low mood, challenges related to school and relationships, and coping with changing life circumstances or stressors. Dr. Hou is also experienced in working with children and youth living with serious and complex health conditions (for example, coping with cancer). Dr. Hou is particularly passionate about supporting individuals and families in their experiences with immigration and acculturation. Dr. Hou is fluent in English and Mandarin.
Evidence-Based, Anti-Oppressive, and Culturally Responsive Approach
Dr. Hou uses interventions that are supported by science, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She also incorporates strategies from motivational interviewing, emotion-focused family therapy, and self-compassion. Dr. Hou’s clinical approach is collaborative, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Dr. Hou will get to know the youth and their families to develop a treatment plan that best fit with their strengths, needs, and circumstances.
Psychoeducational and Psychodiagnostic Assessments
Dr. Hou provides psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with learning, attentional, and social/emotional challenges. By conducting these assessments, Dr. Hou aims to help children and youth better understand their strengths and needs and offer personalized strategies that best address their current challenges, such as accessing appropriate resources and supports related to academic learning and daily living.
Educational Background and Clinical Training
Dr. Hou earned her Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Guelph, and her Bachelor of Arts (BA Honours) in Psychology and French from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Hou completed her predoctoral residency at Alberta Children’s Hospital where she received specialized training in pediatric oncology, adolescent mental health inpatient, and mood, anxiety, and psychosis outpatient. Dr. Hou subsequently completed postdoctoral fellowships specializing in psychosocial oncology at the University of Calgary and in implementation science/knowledge mobilization at the University of British Columbia.
Current Roles and Scholarly Contributions
In addition to her role at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, Dr. Hou is a psychologist ad investigator at BC Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Hou conducts research to better understand the social and cultural processes that shape children’s health and well-being, and actively publishes scientific articles in this area of work. Dr. Hou is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
Personal Background and Interests
Dr. Hou immigrated with her family from Taiwan to Canada at an early age and grew up on the North Shore. Much of Dr. Hou’s work is shaped by her immigration experience and exposure to cultural diversity over her life. Outside of work, Dr. Hou enjoys traveling, hot yoga, and spending time with her beloved family and friends and her cat Mosa.
