6 Best Psychotherapists in Ottawa
In a world filled with so many stressors and uncertainties, having a good psychotherapist to turn to when it becomes too much to bear is priceless.
Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, navigating the depths of depression, or weathering the tumultuous storms of trauma, Ottawans have various available options.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a detailed look at the best psychotherapists in Ottawa to help get you only the best treatment you deserve!
How We Picked
Choosing someone to give you valid psychotherapy services isn’t easy, because there are many factors that come into play. To better understand how we chose the best psychotherapists in Ottawa, take a look at our list of criteria below:
1. Counseling with Karine
| Services | Individual PsychotherapySpiritual TherapyChildren’s TherapyPTSD Therapy |
| Website | https://www.salusindomino.com/ |
| Address | 854 Wingate Drive Ottawa, ON K1G 1S5 |
| Contact Details | +1 613 859-8740 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday — 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday — 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sunday — CLOSED |
| Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
When it comes to mental health care in Ottawa, Karine Langley of Counselling with Karine stands out as a top choice. With an outstanding 30+ years of experience in offering psychotherapy, there aren’t many that have as much or more expertise.
Whether you have anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, this clinic aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for you to address your concerns. Amazingly, even spiritual issues are tackled here, so don’t be afraid to drop by!
What we can’t help but love about Counselling with Karine is its dedication to accessibility, offering psychotherapy services in both English and French.
It also has the unique perspective of having worked in the prison system, offering therapeutic sentencing for individuals facing problems with the law. If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues regarding the law, you’re welcome here!
What’s more, Karine Langley has had experience working within the Canadian Navy and most recently as an employee assistance therapist. This wealth of experience makes her a suitable support for many kinds of people from differing backgrounds.
Unfortunately, the clinic is closed on Sundays, which could be a drawback for those who only have Sunday as their free day.
Additionally, as a one-man team, Counselling with Karine can get quite busy during peak days. So, you might have a little bit of trouble booking an appointment at times.
Customer Reviews
Very highly recommend
“I was unsure about counselling but wanted to heal. I found Karine online. She is amazing! She is very professional, respectful, caring, knowledgeable, empathetic, honest and friendly. Everytime I felt like I was talking to someone who was genuinely interested in helping me. She is a great listener and has awesome advice! Her advice and exercises are simple yet so so so effective. I felt better and calmer after each session. I very highly recommend Karine. I am so grateful to have found her! Thank you so much for helping me!!!” — Laura Levac
Very relatable
“Dr. Karine is very relatable. She helps to untangle thoughts that should be untangled, and tie together those which should be bound. All with good humour and compassion.”— Michelle B.
2. YourTherapist Psychotherapy
| Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
YourTherapist Psychotherapy is the first on this list not just because of its consistent streak in satisfying clients, it’s also been recognized for its amazing efforts.
Out of all the psychotherapists in Ottawa, it had beaten the competition to win the 2024 Canadian Choice Award for the best mental health services. Now if that isn’t a sign that it’s the right place to go for your psychotherapy needs, then we don’t know what is!
One of its greatest strengths is that, unlike most other clinics, its doors are open and ready to receive you no matter the day of the week!
Moreover, YourTherapist Psychotherapy goes the extra mile by offering a diverse range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.
It’s also one of few clinics in Ontario that provides customized psychotherapeutic treatment to First Responders, RCMP, Canadian Forces Members, and their families.
CSE, CSIS, and other members of the security and intelligence community can also receive specialized services from here that target their exact needs.
Regardless of your culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and age, this clinic is happy to welcome you with open arms to give you support for your mental health.
Aside from a minor complaint that a customer refused to elaborate on, the vast array of services it offers has been a godsend for many Ottawans.
Pros
- Won the 2024 Canadian Choice Award for the best mental health services
- Available everyday
- Offers diverse & inclusive services
Cons
- Minor customer complaints
Customer Reviews
You will not be disappointed
“Amazing place, very welcoming and accomodating. Dr. Zahra Nafhar is an amazing therapist and really cares about her patients. She goes the extra mile and is great about sharing resources. The tech support is great as well as the schedulling and reception. The place is centrally located with underground parking and easy access via LRT and busses. I am so grateful for all the guidance and care I have received from Zahra Nafar. I would recommend this therapist without any hesitancy to anyone in my close circle. I feel very lucky to be a patient of that amazing clinic. You will not be disappointed. The clinic also does appointments online for ur convenience.” — Maria Linda
Extremely friendly, attentive, and responsive
“I have enjoyed my first few sessions with my dedicated therapist. The physicians and admin staff are extremely friendly, attentive, and responsive. I would highly recommend for anyone exploring any sort of counselling, there is a wide array of support options.” — Steve M
3. Centre for Cognitive Therapy
| Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Choosing the right psychotherapist can be a daunting task, but the Centre for Cognitive Therapy (CCT) in Ottawa stands out for several important reasons.
First and most importantly, it offers personalized matching, ensuring that each client is paired with a therapist who can best address their unique needs and concerns.
This tailored approach significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome, helping you make meaningful progress and growth in your mental health journey.
What’s more, all psychotherapists at CCT are registered with the Ontario College of Psychotherapists, guaranteeing a high standard of professional practice.
Having this accreditation ensures that clients receive treatment from qualified professionals who adhere to strict ethical guidelines and standards of care.
If you ask us what’s the biggest advantage of CCT, it has to be its commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
Its psychotherapists actively engage in continuing education, staying at the forefront of the latest research and therapeutic techniques.
This dedication to staying informed and evolving with the field ensures that clients receive treatment that is informed by the most current evidence-based practices.
While its range of services is unfortunately more limited compared to other psychotherapy services, CCT is certainly good at what it does offer.
From cognitive therapy, anxiety, and stress management, and depression treatment, to assistance with eating disorders, there’s no doubt that its team is there to help.
Pros
- Offers personalized matching
- All psychotherapists are registered with the Ontario College of Psychotherapists
- Continuously learning and updating themselves on the latest research and therapeutic techniques
Cons
- Limited approaches
Customer Reviews
5 stars
“I would recommend the Centre for Cognitive Therapy to any of my close friends and family. Everyone at the office is extremely warm and helpful, and they are always happy to help. The director made me feel very comfortable for my first appointment, and my therapist that I met with afterwards is great! 5 stars!” — Brian Lee
Great service
“Anyone looking for a therapist should go to this center. The receptionists are welcoming and always helpful, and the doctors are fantastic. My family and myself have come here for their services, and have always left the office feeling better.” — Michael Charbonneau
4. Ottawa Therapy Group
| Credentials | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you’re on the hunt for psychotherapy services in Ottawa, look no further than the Ottawa Therapy Group. What sets it apart is its dedication to offering a diverse range of therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs.
One standout feature is its availability on weekends, making it convenient for those with busy weekday schedules to access therapy.
Even if you can’t go in person on weekends for whatever reason, there’s no need to worry, because it offers online psychotherapy services. Whether you have kids you can’t leave alone, or have mobility issues, this clinic will do its best to meet you anyway!
Moreover, it’s got a big team of professionals with various skills, specialties, and approaches, so you’ll more than likely find a therapist that fits your needs.
Another advantage of the Ottawa Therapy Group is that it offers insurance coverage, alleviating financial concerns for many clients.
Just keep in mind that your insurance may also only cover a certain amount of the total payment, but at least most insurance plans and companies do help cover your fees.
Aside from its registered psychotherapists, it also has student interns employed as well. While they do undergo supervision and training, their limited experience may be a drawback for some clients seeking more seasoned professionals.
Pros
- Available everyday
- Offers online psychotherapy
- Covered by most insurance plans & companies
Cons
- Limited experience of student interns
Customer Reviews
Safe and comfortable
“I personally see Maude and in the little time we have worked together I have felt more comfortable opening up to her than therapists I had seen for years. My husband is also a patient of another therapist Kristen P. and despite him never going to therapy he feels safe and comfortable and has recovered so much in his journey of healing. I thank you all for the amazing work you do.” — Sarra Jada Pittman
An extremely gifted listener, source of support, and guide
“Maude Eloise Saulnier is an extremely gifted listener, source of support, and guide. I highly recommend her care to anyone who is in need of a keen ear & wise insight while on their path to self-development and improvement. Maude is excellent at challenging you in a safe and comfortable way that supports the need to heal on your own timeline.” — Em Lanthier
5. Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy
| Services | Counselling & Psychotherapy: Individuals and Couples | Addictions, Anger Management, Relationship Issues, Workplace Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Reduction | Coaching for ADHD/ADD | Federal Government Workers | Military & RCMP Families | Motor Vehicle Injury (MVA’s) |
| Website | https://rorybatchilder.com/ |
| Address | 2396 Iris St., Ottawa, K2C 1C6 |
| Contact Details | Contact them via their website |
| Operating Hours | By appointment basis |
| Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Our experience with Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy was truly transformative, as their commitment to providing exceptional services was evident from the moment we walked through their doors. The quality of care and expertise of their therapists surpassed our expectations, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our healing journey.
Transitioning to efficiency, we were impressed by how effectively our sessions were conducted. The therapists at Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy were highly skilled at identifying and addressing our needs, allowing us to make significant progress in a relatively short amount of time. Their efficient approach to therapy maximized the effectiveness of each session.
Moving on to affordability, we found Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy to offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of their services. Their transparent pricing structure and willingness to work with our financial situation made therapy accessible and affordable. The investment in our mental health and well-being was undoubtedly worth every penny.
Lastly, their facilities further enhanced our overall experience. With comfortable and inviting therapy rooms, we felt at ease and welcomed from the moment we arrived. The calming atmosphere and well-appointed spaces provided the ideal setting for our therapy sessions, fostering a sense of safety and trust.
Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy sets the standard for excellence in mental health care. With their unwavering focus on quality, efficiency, affordability, and top-notch facilities, they have established themselves as a trusted resource for individuals seeking support and guidance. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges or working through mental health concerns, Westboro Counselling & Psychotherapy offers the expertise and compassion needed to facilitate healing and growth.
Pros
- Available everyday
- Offers online psychotherapy
- Covered by most insurance plans & companies
Cons
- No promos at the present
6. Drice Psychotherapy
| Credentials | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Approach | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
For some of us, the general atmosphere, approaches, and practices of most psychotherapy services may not sit well, especially for minority groups.
That’s why Drice Psychotherapy stands out as a haven for inclusive and personalized mental healthcare in Ottawa.
It’s led by therapist and supervisor Shamira Drice, who advocates for a client-centered approach, focusing on strengths, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration.
One of the notable strengths of Drice Psychotherapy is its commitment to inclusivity and allyship. It values diversity and aims to create a safe and supportive space for individuals from all backgrounds.
This includes African, Caribbean, and Black-identifying individuals, People of Color, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and those with learning and thinking differences.
This emphasis on inclusivity ensures that clients feel understood, respected, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Moreover, Drice Psychotherapy prioritizes accessibility, offering both in-person and virtual sessions to cater to the diverse needs of its clients.
Whether seeking individual therapy, group therapy, or ADHD courses, clients can expect a personalized and compassionate approach to their needs.
However, it’s important to note that Drice Psychotherapy currently has limited availability for new clients, which could be a drawback for those seeking immediate support.
Additionally, while the practice offers reduced-fee therapy, there may be concerns about the experience level of therapist interns, which could impact the quality of care provided.
Pros
- Accessible & personalized care
- Inclusive approaches
- Focuses on client-centered care
Cons
- Limited availability
- Therapist interns may lack experience
Customer Reviews
Really good and friendly
“Shamira Drice is really good and friendly, she offers online and started offering in-person again. She has an amazing reputation in Ottawa.” — Jessica Herrington
I am so excited for the next session
“It feels so good to be supported, encouraged and inspired. My cup is full and I am so excited for the next session!” — Samaya M.
FAQs About Psychotherapists in Ottawa
Getting the right mental health support is important, especially when we’re going through hard times. If you feel like you’re in need of more specialized care, take a look at our list of the best psychologists in Ottawa.