Resources & FAQs

​If you are looking for more information, here are some resources you may find helpful. Click on the resource below to be directed to their website.

Distress and Crisis Support

1

National Suicide Crisis Line

(24/7, 365 days of the year)
2

Distress Centre of Ottawa

(for general mental health support and resources)
3

Crisis Line of Eastern Ontario

(for situational crises)
4

Kids Help Phone

5

Youth Services Bureau

6

Hope for Wellness Helpline

(24/7 support for Indigenous peoples across Canada)

Community Resources

1

Youth Services Bureau

(Walk-in counselling)

2

Ottawa Walk-in Community Clinics

(free counselling services, no appointment necessary)

3

Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario

(to access a variety of local community and social supports)
4

Ottawa Withdrawal Management

(safe and structured support from substance withdrawal)
5
6

Community Legal Services of Ottawa

(free legal services for persons with low income living in Ottawa)

7

Champlain Healthline

(links to various health services for those living in the Champlain Health Region, i.e. Ottawa and Northeastern Ontario)

Sites relating to our profession

1

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

(exists to protect the public under statutory regulation)
2

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

(exists to promote the interests of those practicing in the profession)

If you are in any emergency,

take yourself to the nearest hospital or call 9-1-1.

FAQs

Psychotherapy is a change process by which patterns of thoughts and behaviours are explored to assist an individual’s emotional well-being and improve their relationship with self and others. This can include developing one’s self-awareness to understand ways current patterns are no longer helpful, yet once served an adaptive purpose. Psychotherapy can consist of verbal or non-verbal communication used to promote an individual’s healing via a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

You can self-refer for psychotherapy services. However, some insurance companies require a doctor referral in order to claim services through your insurance provider.

Our fees vary depending on the Psychotherapist you choose to work with. Our fees are competitive with other therapists in Ottawa.

A Registered Psychotherapist is a regulated member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. You can learn more about the College here.

Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency has identified psychotherapy as a valid medical expense in Ontario.

Each therapist has their own separate policy.

Yes. Most insurance providers will cover the cost or part of the cost of psychotherapy as Registered Psychotherapists (RP’s) are recognized by most insurance companies as provincially regulated professionals. Each employer’s plan varies however and therefore we strongly recommend you verify your specific coverage. Coverage can also be provided under third-party providers including: Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations, and Blue Cross for Canadian Veterans and CF Members.

Please contact each therapist directly to determine availability and possible wait times.

Our schedules vary depending on the Psychotherapist you choose to work with. Generally, hours are Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.

Generally our sessions are 50 minutes with 10 minutes to allow for administrative tasks such as scheduling follow-up sessions.

There is no prescribed amount as the number of sessions you require depends on your treatment goals. These will be discussed between you and your Psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is a process, with each person and issue being different.

We suggest that you read each of our biographies of each therapist to determine if they have experience working in the area you want to address. You may want to have a brief phone call with your Psychotherapist prior to booking an appointment to get a sense of their style, approach, and availability prior to making your decision.