Find a Psychologist in Ottawa

The average per-session cost for therapy in Ottawa is $160. Sessions typically last 50 minutes.

The cost of seeing a therapist in a public health setting like a hospital or family clinic is typically covered by OHIP. You may also be able to find free therapy in Ottawa via community health centres and other publicly-funded institutions.

You do not need a referral to see a therapist in private practice in Ottawa. However, in order to see a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist in a public health setting like a hospital or medical clinic, you typically need a referral from a doctor.

The cost of seeing a therapist working in private practice in Ottawa is not covered by OHIP. However, if you see a therapist in a public healthcare setting, such as a hospital or a family clinic, the cost is typically covered by OHIP. You may require a doctor’s referral in order to see a therapist who is covered by OHIP.

In Ottawa, the terms “therapist” or “counsellor” refer either to a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Professionals in both categories have advanced degrees related to clinical psychotherapy and must meet the requirements for supervision, training, and continuing education set by their respective colleges.

Psychologists in Ottawa hold advanced degrees in psychology and belong to the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). In order to become certified, a psychologist must have four years of clinical work experience and complete at least one year of supervised practice.

In Ottawa, psychologists are able to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, whereas RPs and RSWs are limited to treatment and may not diagnose patients.

The cost of a psychological assessment in Ottawa can range from $750 to $6,000.

The cost varies according to the hourly fee of the psychologist performing the assessment and the amount of time the assessment takes. Assessments for more complex cases take longer.

A professional certified as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)—sometimes RP (Qualifying) or RP(Q)—holds a license issued by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is in the process of completing an intensive psychotherapy training program. They are registered with the CRPO and accountable to its professional standards and Code of Ethics, and must pass a licensing exam. Finally, they must practice under clinical supervision while completing at least 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision.

For more on Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), see What does "Qualifying" mean for a Registered Psychotherapist?

In Ottawa, MSW designates a level of education, whereas RSW designates registration with a regulating body.

MSW stands for a Master’s of Social Work, a graduate-level degree earned after completing a Bachelor’s. A professional holding an MSW may not necessarily practice clinical therapy, but many do.

On the other hand, RSW stands for Registered Social Worker. An RSW in Ottawa is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). They have met the OCSWSSW’s education and training requirements, follow its code of ethics and professional standards, and participate in continuing education. They are accountable to the OCSWSSW as a regulating body.

Your health insurance plan may specify that you are covered for treatment by an MSW, but typically, this professional must also be registered as an RSW.

For more on MSW vs. RSW, see What does MSW RSW mean in Canada?

Start by clarifying what you want to work on, whether it's anxiety, depression, or trauma recovery. Look for a therapist in Ottawa who specializes in that area and whose approach to therapy matches your needs. Consider practical factors like availability, session format (in-person or online), and cost.

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles, watch introductory videos, and book a free 15-minute consultation to get a sense of their style. This helps you decide if they’re the right fit before committing to ongoing sessions.

Ottawa therapists offer a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, couples counselling, and trauma-focused therapies. The right approach depends on your needs and goals, which you can discuss during your initial consultation.