Later life can bring big changes, often several at once. A health scare, a move, the loss of a partner or friends, or simply more quiet days than you expected. Counselling for seniors in Ottawa is a place to talk those changes through with someone who listens well. You do not need a crisis or a diagnosis to come in. This post explains what older adults bring to therapy, how sessions can adapt to you, and how adult children can help a parent take the first step.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Counselling for seniors in Ottawa, what it is for
Many people in their 60s, 70s and beyond grew up thinking counselling was only for people in serious trouble. Some were taught to keep problems private or to just get on with it. That kind of strength has carried a lot of people through hard times.
Counselling is not a sign that strength has run out. It is a way to share the load. It gives you one hour that is about you, with someone who is not family, not a friend and not worried about you in the same way. You can say things out loud that you might not say at the dinner table.
People often come in when a change feels too heavy to carry alone, or when they notice they are not enjoying life the way they used to. Some come simply to think through a big decision with a calm, outside voice. We see adults 65 and older, and there is no upper age limit to getting support.
What older adults bring to therapy
Therapy for older adults in Ottawa can cover almost anything. Some common reasons people come in:
Health changes, a new diagnosis or living with pain
Caring for a partner who is ill or changing
Losing a spouse, a sibling or close friends
Moving, downsizing or leaving a long-time home
Loneliness, or feeling less needed than before
Worry about the future, money or family
Old memories or regrets that come back with more free time
Grief is one of the most common. When losses stack up, there may be little time to grieve one before the next arrives. Our post on grief counselling in Ottawa talks more about that. Retirement can also shake up your sense of purpose and routine in ways people do not expect. Our post on retirement depression looks at that change in detail.
Low mood is not just part of getting older
Many people believe that feeling low is simply what happens with age. It is not. Mental health problems in later life are common, but they are not a normal part of aging, and they can be treated (see Sources).
Low mood in older adults does not always look like sadness. It can show up as tiredness, aches and pains, poor sleep, losing interest in hobbies or pulling back from people. Because these signs can look like "slowing down," they are easy to miss.
Talk therapy helps older adults too. A large review of research found that psychotherapy for depression works in older adults as well as in younger ones (see Sources). It is never too late to feel better. Our post on signs of depression in older adults explains what to look for.
If these signs sound familiar, they are worth taking seriously. Low mood that lasts for weeks is a good reason to reach out, even if you are not sure it counts as depression.
How sessions adapt to you
Senior counselling in Ottawa does not have to follow a set script. Sessions can move at a steadier pace. Your therapist can write down key points for you to take home if that helps you remember. If you would like a family member to join part of a session, you can ask. If you would rather keep it private, that is your right.
If you have hearing, vision or mobility needs, you are welcome to raise them at the free consultation. We can talk about what would make sessions easier for you, such as the time of day or whether to meet in person or online. Our offices are wheelchair accessible.
You also stay in charge of what you talk about. Some people want to focus on one problem. Others want to look back over their life and make sense of it. Both are good uses of the time.
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, what life looks like day to day and what you hope might change. You can ask questions too, such as how they work and how often people usually meet. There is no test to pass and no wrong answer.
Online counselling for seniors, made simple
Getting to an office is not always easy, especially in an Ottawa winter. Online counselling for seniors lets you meet your therapist by video from your own home. All you need is a tablet, laptop or computer with a camera and an internet connection.
There is nothing to download. Before your session, you receive a secure video link by email. You click it at the time of your appointment, and your therapist appears on the screen. Our online counselling page explains how it works.
If technology feels new or stressful, that is okay. A family member or friend can help you set up the first call and then step out of the room. Many people find that after one or two sessions, it feels as natural as a phone call. You need to be in Ontario during each online session.
If you are worried about a parent
If you are an adult child, you may have noticed changes in a parent. Maybe they seem quieter since a loss, or they have stopped seeing friends. It is natural to want to fix it.
Here are some gentle ways to help:
Choose a calm, private moment, not a busy family event.
Share what you have noticed, using "I" words. "I've noticed you seem tired since Dad died, and I've been worried."
Listen more than you talk.
Offer to help find a counsellor or book the free consultation, if they want that.
Let them choose. It is their decision to make.
Try not to push or set ultimatums. Most people, at any age, are more open to help when they feel respected. If they say no for now, you can raise it again later. If your parent lives in another part of Ontario, online sessions mean distance does not have to be a barrier.
The downtown Ottawa office
Our Ottawa office is at 1 Rideau St, 7th Floor, inside the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a short walk from Rideau Station. You can reach the office at (613) 691-1006. The office is wheelchair accessible.
At the free consultation, our admin team can match you with a therapist for seniors in Ottawa who fits your needs, whether you want to meet in person or online. We also have offices in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. You or a family member can call, and we will help you find a therapist who works with older adults.
If an older adult you love talks about not wanting to live, take it seriously and call or text 9-8-8 together.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health. Older Adults and Mental Health.
Cuijpers P, et al. Psychotherapy for Depression Across Different Age Groups: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 2020.