Receiving a diagnosis can bring up complex emotions. Connect with therapists experienced in helping people navigate this transition—watch their intro videos to find someone who feels right for you.
Learning about a medical or mental health diagnosis can be life-changing. Whether it's processing initial shock, working through grief about what the diagnosis means, or adapting to new realities, having support during this time can make a meaningful difference. Many people find that therapy provides a safe space to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and find ways to move forward.
The therapists on First Session understand that adjusting to a diagnosis is deeply personal. Some people need help processing difficult emotions, while others may be looking for practical support with lifestyle changes or communicating with loved ones. Browse therapists in Canada who specialize in this area, watch their intro videos to get a sense of their approach, and book directly online when you're ready.
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Kelly Collins
Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Burlington, ON)
Virtual Sessions in BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, and SK.
Waitlist
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Kelly Collins
Registered Psychotherapist
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$170/session
Trauma, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Childhood trauma, Caregivers, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Identity and Self-Exploration, Perfectionism, Personal Growth, PTSD, Relationships, Spirituality, Workplace stress
Trauma, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Childhood trauma, Caregivers, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Identity and Self-Exploration, Perfectionism, Personal Growth, PTSD, Relationships, Spirituality, Workplace stress
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, Ontario
United States of America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Central & South America
Candice Burnett
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vernon, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, NT, YT, AB, SK, and NL.
Waitlist
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Candice Burnett
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
Creativity, Psychedelic therapy, Disability, Addiction, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Children/Teens, Competitive anxiety, Dreams, Existential questions, Confidence, Identity and Self-Exploration, Learning disabilities, Mind-body connection, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, Personal Growth, Performance anxiety, Sports Performance, Thought Restructuring, Somatic Therapy, Brain injury, Empowerment
Creativity, Psychedelic therapy, Disability, Addiction, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Children/Teens, Competitive anxiety, Dreams, Existential questions, Confidence, Identity and Self-Exploration, Learning disabilities, Mind-body connection, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, Personal Growth, Performance anxiety, Sports Performance, Thought Restructuring, Somatic Therapy, Brain injury, Empowerment
Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, Yukon, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan
Europe, Asia
Monica Andrus
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, MB, BC, and NB.
Waitlist
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Monica Andrus
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers Free Consultation
$200/session
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, ADHD, Attachment, Emotional regulation, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Transitioning into Adulthood, Anxiety, Depression, BIPOC, Burnout, Trauma, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Fertility, Couples, Break-up recovery, Nervous system regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Attachment trauma, Perfectionism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Perinatal, Building Meaningful Connections, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, ADHD, Attachment, Emotional regulation, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Transitioning into Adulthood, Anxiety, Depression, BIPOC, Burnout, Trauma, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Fertility, Couples, Break-up recovery, Nervous system regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Attachment trauma, Perfectionism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Perinatal, Building Meaningful Connections, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships
Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick
Anna Loch
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Anna Loch
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$155/session
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, New Brunswick
United States of America
Ryan Yellowlees
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Victoria, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC and AB.
Waitlist
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Ryan Yellowlees
Registered Clinical Counsellor
He/Him/His
Offers Free Consultation
$100/session
Disability, Chronic Illness, Caregivers, Chronic and acute illness, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Motivation, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, Men's issues, Masculinity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Conflict resolution, Relationships, People pleasing, Family Conflict, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Effective communication, Physical Disability, Grief and Loss
Disability, Chronic Illness, Caregivers, Chronic and acute illness, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Motivation, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, Men's issues, Masculinity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Conflict resolution, Relationships, People pleasing, Family Conflict, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Effective communication, Physical Disability, Grief and Loss
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Virtual Sessions in BC, MB, ON, NT, AB, SK, YT, NU, and NL.
Waitlist
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Mohamad Shabib
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$110/session
Addiction, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attention and Impulsivity, Borderline Personality Disorder, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Familial and social relationships, Empowerment, Depression, BIPOC
Addiction, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attention and Impulsivity, Borderline Personality Disorder, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Familial and social relationships, Empowerment, Depression, BIPOC
British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador
Lydia Azaribe
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Edmonton, AB)
Virtual Sessions in MB, NT, AB, NU, YT, NL, BC, SK, and ON.
Waitlist
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Lydia Azaribe
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/her
Offers Free Consultation
$120/session
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
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
Ontario, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan
United States of America, Asia, Central & South America, Europe
Lisa Schwartz
Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in NS and ON.
Waitlist
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Lisa Schwartz
Registered Social Worker
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Children/Teens, Familial and social relationships, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Dating challenges, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Navigating challenging relationships, Parental divorce, Parenting, Meaning and purpose, Life transitions, Low mood, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Workplace stress, School challenges, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Children/Teens, Familial and social relationships, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Dating challenges, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Navigating challenging relationships, Parental divorce, Parenting, Meaning and purpose, Life transitions, Low mood, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Workplace stress, School challenges, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Virtual Sessions in ON, NT, YT, NU, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
Waitlist
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Michael Kang
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers Free Consultation
$195/session
ADHD, Anger Management, Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Caregiver burnout, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Low mood, School challenges, Self harm, College or University Coaching, Relationship anxiety, Relationships, Racism, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), BIPOC, Grief and Loss
ADHD, Anger Management, Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Caregiver burnout, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Low mood, School challenges, Self harm, College or University Coaching, Relationship anxiety, Relationships, Racism, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), BIPOC, Grief and Loss
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Wellness Counselling, Dating challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Family issues, Mindfulness Practices, Life transitions, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Relationships, Transformative dream work, Spirituality, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Women's Health, Grief and Loss
Wellness Counselling, Dating challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Family issues, Mindfulness Practices, Life transitions, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Relationships, Transformative dream work, Spirituality, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Women's Health, Grief and Loss
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Erica Berman
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Aging, Anger Management, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Body Dysmorphia, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Couples
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Aging, Anger Management, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Body Dysmorphia, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Couples
Manitoba, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, Ontario, Yukon, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan
United States of America, Europe, Australia
Daisie Auty
Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Daisie Auty
Registered Social Worker
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$165/session
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, College or University Coaching, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Dating challenges, Decision making, Effective communication, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Nervous system regulation, Self-Regulation, Sleeping difficulties, Neurodiversity, Attention and Impulsivity
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, College or University Coaching, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Dating challenges, Decision making, Effective communication, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Nervous system regulation, Self-Regulation, Sleeping difficulties, Neurodiversity, Attention and Impulsivity
Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Alberta, Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories
Christy McLeod
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Chilliwack, BC)
Virtual Sessions in MB, ON, BC, SK, AB, NL, YT, NT, and NU.
Waitlist
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Christy McLeod
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$155/session
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anger Management, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Behaviour, Building Self-Care Routines, Christian counselling, Decision making, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Depression coping skills, Goal Setting, Life transitions, Managing ADHD symptoms, Emotional regulation, Panic attacks, Mindfulness, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Overwhelm, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anger Management, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Behaviour, Building Self-Care Routines, Christian counselling, Decision making, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Depression coping skills, Goal Setting, Life transitions, Managing ADHD symptoms, Emotional regulation, Panic attacks, Mindfulness, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Overwhelm, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Adjusting to a diagnosis is the process of coming to terms with new information about your health. This often includes emotional responses like shock, denial, anger, sadness, or anxiety. It may also involve practical considerations such as understanding treatment options, making lifestyle changes, navigating relationships differently, and integrating the diagnosis into your sense of self. Everyone's experience is unique, and there's no single "right" way to adjust.
How can therapy help with adjusting to a diagnosis?
Therapy can provide a supportive space to process the complex emotions that often accompany a diagnosis. A therapist may help you work through feelings of grief or loss, manage anxiety about the future, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Many people find that having a dedicated time and place to explore their feelings—without worrying about burdening loved ones—can be particularly valuable during this transition.
What should I expect in therapy for adjusting to a diagnosis?
In therapy, you can expect a non-judgmental space to share your thoughts and feelings about your diagnosis. Your therapist may help you identify patterns in how you're coping, explore the meaning the diagnosis holds for you, and work on practical strategies for moving forward. Sessions might address topics like communicating with family, managing stress, or finding acceptance. The pace and focus of therapy will be guided by your individual needs and goals.
How do I find the right therapist for help with a diagnosis?
Finding the right therapist starts with identifying someone whose approach resonates with you. On First Session, you can search for therapists who have experience with health-related challenges and adjustment issues. Watching their intro videos gives you a sense of their personality and style before booking. All therapists on the platform have their credentials verified during onboarding, so you can feel confident in their qualifications.
Is therapy right for me if I'm struggling with a diagnosis?
Therapy can be helpful at any stage of adjusting to a diagnosis—whether you've just received the news or have been living with it for some time. If you're experiencing persistent distress, difficulty functioning in daily life, or feeling isolated in your experience, therapy may offer meaningful support. Even if you're coping reasonably well, many people find value in having professional guidance during significant life transitions. Learn what makes a good therapeutic fit.
How do I get started with finding a therapist?
Getting started is straightforward. Browse therapists on First Session who specialize in helping people adjust to health-related challenges. Watch intro videos to get a feel for different therapists' styles and approaches. When you find someone who seems like a good fit, you can book directly through their profile. Many therapists offer a free consultation to help you decide if they're the right match. If you have questions about therapy costs, that information is available on each therapist's profile.