Maybe you've noticed that a few drinks after work has turned into most nights. Maybe it's cannabis, betting apps, gaming or something you'd rather not name out loud. Or maybe it's someone you love, and you don't know how to help. Wherever you're starting from, addiction counselling in Ottawa can give you a private, judgment-free place to talk it through, in person downtown or online.
This post is general information, not medical advice. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
Addiction counselling in Ottawa, who it is for
Counselling is for anyone who feels that a substance or behaviour has started to cost more than it gives. You don't need a diagnosis, a referral or a crisis to reach out. You also don't need to hit "rock bottom" or be sure you want to quit.
Some people come in because they're worried about their own habits. Others come because a partner, parent or adult child is struggling. Many people simply feel stuck and want to understand why something keeps pulling them back.
What we help with
Our therapists offer outpatient counselling for a wide range of substances and behaviours, including:
Alcohol, from "I'm drinking more than I'd like" to drinking that feels out of control
Cannabis and other substances
Gambling, including sports betting and online casinos
Gaming and screen use that's taking over
Porn and other compulsive behaviours
You don't need to fit a label to get support. If you're unsure whether your drinking or other habits are "bad enough," that question alone is a good reason to talk with someone.
Do I have to be ready to quit?
No. Many people start counselling feeling two ways about change, and that's completely normal. Your goals are yours to set, whether that's cutting back, stopping or simply understanding what's going on.
Some of our therapists use motivational interviewing, often called MI. It's a collaborative way of talking about change, developed by psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick. Instead of lecturing or pushing, your counsellor helps you explore your mixed feelings and find your own reasons for change. Your counsellor won't make decisions for you.
What happens in sessions
Your first session is mostly about getting to know you: what brought you in, what you've tried and what you'd like to be different. From there, counselling is shaped around your goals.
Over time, sessions might focus on noticing your triggers, handling cravings, building coping skills and planning for situations that feel risky. Therapists may draw on approaches such as MI and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills. If you slip, that's part of the work, not a failure. You'll talk about what happened without shame and what might help next time.
A typical week in counselling
To make this more concrete, imagine someone who drinks most evenings to unwind after a demanding job. In the first few sessions, they and their counsellor map out what a usual week looks like: when the urge to drink shows up, what sets it off and what it costs them the next morning.
From there, they might try one small change, such as planning two evenings a week that don't involve alcohol, and talk through what got in the way. The counsellor might help them notice the thoughts that show up, like "I've had a hard day, I deserve this," and try out other ways to decompress. Progress is measured by what matters to them, not by someone else's rules.
If you're supporting a partner instead, your sessions might look different. You might work on how to raise concerns without an argument, what boundaries you need and how to stop carrying the whole worry alone.
When addiction and mental health overlap
Substance use and compulsive behaviours often don't happen in isolation. For some people, drinking or gambling becomes a way to cope with stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness or painful memories.
Counselling can look at both sides at once: the habit itself and whatever sits underneath it. Our therapists also work with anxiety, depression and trauma, so you don't have to split your story between different places.
Privacy and confidentiality
In a city where it can feel like everyone knows someone at your workplace, privacy matters. In Ontario, health information is protected under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario explains that consent is generally required before personal health information is shared.
There are a few limits set out in law. For example, PHIPA allows disclosure without consent in certain situations, such as to eliminate or reduce a significant risk of serious bodily harm. Your therapist will go over confidentiality and its limits with you in your first session, so you know exactly what to expect. If being seen downtown worries you, online sessions from home are another option.
For partners and families
Addiction affects everyone close to it. Partners and family members often carry worry, anger, guilt and exhaustion, sometimes for years. You deserve support too, whether or not your loved one is ready to get help.
Our therapists offer individual counselling for family members, as well as couples and family therapy in Ottawa. Sessions can help you set boundaries, communicate without constant conflict and take care of yourself. Our post on how to help someone with addiction shares practical ideas for where to start.
What we do not offer
We provide outpatient counselling only. We do not offer detox, withdrawal management, residential programs or medical treatment, and we don't run groups.
It's important to know that stopping drinking suddenly after heavy, regular use can make a person very sick and can even be life-threatening. If you or someone else has severe withdrawal symptoms or any emergency, call 911.
In person downtown or online
Our Ottawa office is at 1 Rideau St, 7th Floor, inside the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, right downtown. You can reach the office at (613) 691-1006. Our team offers addiction counselling in Ottawa in person, and online sessions are available anywhere in Ontario.
Online counselling can be a good fit if you work odd hours, live outside the core or would rather talk from the privacy of home. If you're a federal employee, it's worth checking what your PSHCP plan covers before you book.
What change can look like
Change rarely looks like a straight line, and it doesn't have to be dramatic to count. Some people cut back. Some stop. Some simply start telling the truth about how much they're struggling, which can be the hardest step of all.
You might notice that slips happen less often, that you recover from them faster or that you feel less shame when they do happen. You might find that your relationships feel a little calmer, or that mornings are easier. Your counsellor will help you notice these shifts and build on them, at a pace that fits your life.
There's no set number of sessions. Some people come for a few months, and others stay longer as their goals change. Your therapist will check in with you regularly about whether counselling still feels useful.
Cost and billing, and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician. Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost, so it's worth checking your coverage. We accept Health Spending Accounts.
We can direct bill many insurers, even for sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), or RP(Q). Desjardins direct billing through TELUS eClaims is available only for sessions with registered social workers, registered psychotherapists and psychologists, not RP(Q).
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. They can answer your questions and help you find a therapist who fits.
If you're in crisis: if someone has severe withdrawal symptoms or may have overdosed, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or self-harm, or anyone is in danger, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night, or call 911. You can find more options on our crisis lines page.
Change rarely happens in a straight line, and you don't have to have it all figured out to start. Reaching out is a strong first step.