BIPOC Therapists in Ottawa

Licensed BIPOC therapists serving Ottawa. Available online and in person. Watch intro videos, compare backgrounds and approaches, and book a free 15-minute consultation directly.

Jenny Scott

Registered Social Worker

Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Grief and Loss, People pleasing, Befriending the Nervous System, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career Stress, Caregivers, ADHD, Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, General Mental Health, Highly Sensitive Person, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Health anxiety, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Panic attacks, Parts Work, Perfectionism, Personal Growth, Self-Criticism, Trauma processing

Tania Hernandez

Registered Psychotherapist

Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Relationship to self and others, Life transitions, Attachment, Burnout, Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Depression, Effective communication, Interpersonal dynamics, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, Relationship anxiety, Self-Criticism, Trauma processing, Women's Health, Work-Life Balance, Somatic Therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists

Mira Berlin

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Anxiety, Befriending the Nervous System, Couples Therapy, Anger, Attachment, Betrayal Trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Creativity, Deep connections, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Group Therapy, Identity and Self-Exploration

Sarah Jane Di Lorenzo

Registered Psychotherapist

Mind-body connection, Parenting, Relationship to self and others, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Attachment trauma

Arooj Rehman

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Childhood trauma, Depression, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Behavioural Issues, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coping Skills, Decision making, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Goal Setting, Life transitions, Mental Decolonization, Negative thinking and ruminating, People pleasing, Relationship to self and others, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Stress, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Vulnerability, Understanding & Regulating Emotions

Aaron Rousseau

Registered Social Worker

Addiction, LGBTQ2IA+, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Burnout, Caregivers, College or University Coaching, Coming out and identity, Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Harm Reduction, Identity and Self-Exploration, Masculinity, Personality & Mood Disorders, Relationship to self and others, Self harm, Sexuality, Substance Use, Transitioning into Adulthood, Psychosis

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Stuart Verlinden-Kitchen

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

ADHD, Emotional regulation, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Coping Skills, Depression, Harm Reduction, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Parenting, Substance Use

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Graeme Ash

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Pain management, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues

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Olivia Johnson

Registered Psychotherapist

Trauma, Relationships, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Regulation, Personality & Mood Disorders, Panic attacks, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Building Meaningful Connections, Coping Skills, Couples, Couples Therapy, Dissociation, Family Conflict, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Social anxiety

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Mendy Bisk

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Self-esteem, People pleasing, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Couples Therapy, Couples, Imposter syndrome, Identity and Self-Exploration, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Relationship anxiety, Shadow Work, Vulnerability

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Joy MacKey

Registered Psychotherapist

ADHD, Empowerment, Mindfulness, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Befriending the Nervous System, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Dating challenges, Ecopsychotherapy, Insomnia, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Mindfulness Practices, Overwhelm, Parenting, Parental divorce, Personal Growth, Relationship anxiety, Relationships, Sleeping difficulties, Wellness Counselling, Work-Life Balance, Workplace stress, Therapy for Teachers, Trauma, High Performance Athletes

Vanessa Marie Miller

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Weight Management, Women's Health, Spirituality, Chronic Dieting, Family Conflict, Eating disorders, Negative body image

Julie Sadhu

Registered Psychotherapist

Children/Teens, Family issues, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, ADHD, Anger Management, Assertiveness, Attachment trauma, Attention and Impulsivity, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Eating disorders, Social anxiety, Relationship anxiety, PTSD, Parenting, Negative thinking and ruminating, Mindfulness, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Imposter syndrome, Grief and Loss, Family Conflict, Emotional regulation

Leo Xinchao Liu

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Relationships, Trauma, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behavioural Issues, BIPOC, Caregiver burnout, Depression, Family Conflict, Fears and phobia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Motivation, PTSD, Self-Criticism, Work-Life Balance

Tanya Gabrielle

Counselling Therapist

Befriending the Nervous System, Building Self-Care Routines, End of Life Support, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Creativity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Empowerment, Existential questions, Highly Sensitive Person, Life transitions, Nervous system regulation, Overwhelm, Parenting, Perimenopause mental health support, Personal Growth, Relationship to self and others, Relationships, Self-esteem, Separation and divorce, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Work-Life Balance, Postnatal Care

Live in Ottawa? Connect with a BIPOC Therapist in-person or online.

Licensed BIPOC Therapists based and insured in Ontario. All Therapists on EST timezone unless otherwise noted.

Jenny Scott

Registered Social Worker

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Female, LGBTQIA+

Tania Hernandez

Registered Psychotherapist

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Female, BIPOC, 2nd Generation Immigrant

Mira Berlin

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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Female

Sarah Jane Di Lorenzo

Registered Psychotherapist

Mind-body connection, Parenting, Relationship to self and others, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Attachment trauma

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Female

Arooj Rehman

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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1st Generation Immigrant, Female, BIPOC

Aaron Rousseau

Registered Social Worker

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LGBTQIA+, Male

Stuart Verlinden-Kitchen

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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2nd Generation Immigrant, Male

Graeme Ash

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Pain management, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues

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Male

Olivia Johnson

Registered Psychotherapist

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LGBTQIA+, Female

Mendy Bisk

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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Male, 1st Generation Immigrant

Joy MacKey

Registered Psychotherapist

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Female

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Trauma, Anxiety, BIPOC, Addiction, Attachment trauma, Life transitions, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Building Meaningful Connections, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Conflict resolution, Cultural Challenges, Career guidance, Depression, Deep Brain Reorienting, Deep connections, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Family Conflict, Familial and social relationships, Anger Management, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)

Registered Counselling Therapist

Men's issues, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Couples, Depression, Conflict resolution, Emotional regulation, Court Mandated Counselling, Existential questions, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, School challenges, Negative thinking and ruminating, Phobias, PTSD, Trauma, Anger, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration

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Male

Vanessa Marie Miller

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Weight Management, Women's Health, Spirituality, Chronic Dieting, Family Conflict, Eating disorders, Negative body image

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Female

Leo Xinchao Liu

Registered Clinical Counsellor

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BIPOC, 1st Generation Immigrant, Male

Robert Phillips

Registered Professional Counsellor - Provisional

Addiction, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Men's issues, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression

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Male

Michelle Brewer

Counselling Therapist

Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health

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Female

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Couples Therapy, Addiction, Anxiety, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Conflict resolution, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Grief Processing, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Panic attacks, Self-Development, Social anxiety, Work-Life Balance

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Female

Lydia Azaribe

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Aging, Attachment, Behaviour, Behavioural Issues, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Career guidance, Caregivers, Cultural Challenges, Christian counselling, Conflict resolution, Effective communication, Depression coping skills, Goal Setting, Emotional regulation, BIPOC

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Female

What does it mean to search for a BIPOC therapist?

Searching for a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) therapist means looking for a mental health professional who shares, or has a deep understanding of, your racial, cultural, or lived experiences. For many people, this can reduce the need to explain cultural norms, family dynamics, experiences of racism, or identity from the ground up, and help create a stronger sense of understanding and trust from the start.

Choosing a BIPOC therapist is a personal preference. Some people find it makes therapy feel more comfortable or culturally affirming, while others prioritize factors like therapeutic approach or area of expertise. First Session makes it easy to search based on what's most important to you, including therapist identity.

Ottawa's diverse population, shaped by immigration, its role as Canada's capital, and its large public sector workforce, is reflected in the therapists serving the city. Many BIPOC therapists bring both clinical expertise and lived or cultural knowledge of immigration, racial identity, intergenerational family dynamics, and navigating predominantly white workplaces and institutions.

Every therapist on First Session is a licensed, regulated mental health professional. The BIPOC filter simply helps you narrow your search to therapists whose background may resonate with your own. Every profile also includes a short introductory video so you can get a sense of personality, communication style, and fit before booking.

What to know about BIPOC therapists in Ottawa

In-person and online therapy

Ottawa offers a solid selection of therapists providing in-person sessions, as well as access to a much larger network of BIPOC therapists who see clients virtually across Ontario. If you're hoping to meet in person, it's worth checking each therapist's profile directly, as availability can be more limited.

Credentials you'll see in Ontario

You may see Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Social Workers (RSW), Psychologists, and, where applicable, Registered Clinical Counsellors who are eligible to practise in Ontario. A therapist's professional designation reflects their education, training, scope of practice, and regulatory oversight. What matters most for the success of therapy, however, is the fit.

Language availability

As a bilingual city, Ottawa has strong demand for both English- and French-language therapy. Some BIPOC therapists also offer care in additional languages. If receiving therapy in a particular language is important to you, you may filter by preferred language and review each therapist's profile before booking.

Cost and insurance

Therapy in Ottawa commonly ranges from $100 to $250 per session, depending on the therapist's designation and experience. Many employer plans cover services provided by Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs), but it's always best to confirm coverage with your insurer before booking.

How to choose a BIPOC therapist in Ottawa

Find someone with experience in your concerns

BIPOC therapists serving Ottawa support clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, burnout, life transitions, stress, and family issues. On First Session, you can filter therapists by the concerns you'd like support with and explore profiles to find someone whose experience matches your needs.

Watch intro videos

Every therapist profile on First Session includes a short video introduction, so you can get a sense of each therapist's personality, communication style, and approach before booking. Research suggests that the connection you feel with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy, so it's important to connect with someone who feels like the right fit.

Check insurance coverage

Before booking, confirm that your benefits plan covers therapy services, and review any reimbursement limits, annual maximums, or referral requirements.

Book a free consultation

Every therapist on First Session offers a free 15-minute consultation. It's an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and get a sense of whether the therapist feels like the right fit before committing to ongoing therapy.

Looking for something more specific?

Filter by specialty in Ottawa

BIPOC Therapists in other cities

Helpful reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a BIPOC therapist online if there isn't one near me?

Yes. Many BIPOC therapists in Ontario offer secure virtual therapy, which gives you access to a wider range of therapists than you might find locally. If you're open to online sessions, you'll typically have more options.

Can non-BIPOC therapists provide culturally competent therapy?

Yes. Many non-BIPOC therapists have extensive training and experience working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. At the same time, some people prefer working with a therapist who shares similar lived experiences. The right choice depends on what helps you feel understood and supported.

Can I choose a therapist from a specific racial or cultural background?

Yes. Therapist profiles on First Session include identity tags if therapists have chosen to share this information, so you can narrow your search to a background that feels most relevant to you.

How do I know if a therapist will understand my cultural or religious background?

The best place to start is their profile. Many therapists describe the communities they work with, the languages they speak, and the lived experiences or clinical training they bring to their practice. If you're unsure, you can also ask during your free initial consultation.

How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?

The best predictor of successful therapy is often the relationship you build with your therapist. Consider whether you resonate with their communication style, therapeutic approach, and experience with the concerns you'd like to work on. On First Session, every therapist profile includes a short introductory video so you can gauge fit before booking.

Helping Every Therapy Seeker Find the Right Fit

Compatibility is the most important factor when choosing a therapist. But finding the right fit isn’t easy. First Session takes the time, guesswork, and emotional labour out of that process.

Search a curated Therapist network

Narrow your search to a list of rigorously vetted Therapists you’ll actually consider booking. Because finding a BIPOC Therapist shouldn’t involve reading endless generic bios.

Assess for fit before you commit

Decide if a Therapist is the right fit for you before booking with interview videos and in-depth bios. No more switching or re-telling your private feelings and story.

Book directly  (and instantly)

Schedule an available session or free consultation right from the First Session platform. No 3rd party intake calls or back and forth emailing required.

Free yourself from the stress of endless searching and switching

Convenience-first approach to finding a Therapist

Burnout from endless search results and unhelpful Therapist profiles.

Disappointment and frustration from generic intake calls and unproductive “free” consultations

Emotional stress from repeatedly revealing private thoughts and feelings to incompatible Therapists

Stalled mental health progress because of limited availability, timezone differences, or constantly switching providers

Risk of abandoning therapy process altogether because of frustration, exhaustion, or depression

Connection-first approach to finding a Therapist with First Session

Instantly create a short-list of Therapists serving Ottawa qualified to support your journey

Get to know a Therapist’s personality, approach, and experience before booking

Share your private history, thoughts, and feelings only if there’s a connection

Save time and minimize stress by finding the right fit without endless switching

Make meaningful progress sooner and commit to lasting, meaningful change

Find your Therapist

Find your BIPOC

“I wish I’d known about this platform sooner! I loved the introductory videos–this is what helped me choose the therapist to book an intro consultation with.”

— First Session Client, 2025

“I was able to use First Session to find my therapist for the past two years within 24 hours. First Session eliminated a lot of the friction associated with finding a therapist....”

— Satisfied First Session User

“Having short videos of the therapists sharing a little bit about themselves and their approaches is such a simple concept but made an absolute world of difference.”

— Satisfied First Session User

Find your BIPOC therapist in Ottawa

Watch intro videos, compare approaches, and book a free 15-minute consultation with the therapists who feel like the right fit. No intake calls, no back-and-forth. Just direct booking.

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