If you live in Orléans, Barrhaven, Kanata or another part of Ottawa outside the core, finding mental health support close to home can feel like a puzzle. You might search for a psychologist in Orléans, Ottawa and find long lists without a clear sense of who does what. This guide explains the difference between a psychologist and a therapist, what our Ottawa team offers and the two simple ways people across the city work with us: online from home or in person downtown.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
Looking for a psychologist in Orléans, Barrhaven or Kanata
To be clear up front: we don't have an office in Orléans, Barrhaven or Kanata. Our Ottawa clinic is downtown at 1 Rideau Street, and we also offer online sessions. Many people who live in the suburbs choose online therapy from home. Others like to come downtown, especially if they already work or study nearby.
Before you search for a psychologist in Orléans, Ontario, it helps to think about what you need first. Do you want a diagnosis or an assessment? Or do you want someone to talk to about anxiety, low mood, stress, a relationship or something else? The answer often points to the right kind of professional.
People search in lots of ways. Some look for a psychologist in Ottawa West, others for someone closer to the south end or Manotick. Whatever you typed, the questions underneath are usually the same: who can help with what I'm going through, and how do I get there?
If you're not sure, that's okay. Our free 15-minute consultation is a quick way to talk it through with our admin team.
Psychologist, psychotherapist or social worker, who does what
These titles can be confusing, so here's a plain-language summary:
Psychologists are trained in the assessment, treatment and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions, and they can diagnose. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario regulates psychologists in Ontario.
Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) provide psychotherapy, often called talk therapy. They're regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is registered with the College and practises with clinical supervision while completing the requirements for full registration.
Registered Social Workers (RSWs) also provide therapy. Many hold a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and can prescribe medication. They don't usually provide ongoing talk therapy.
In everyday terms, psychologists assess and diagnose, and RPs and RSWs provide therapy. Some people who search for a psychologist are really looking for therapy, and a therapist can be a great fit for that. If you need a formal assessment, a psychologist is the right person.
Online therapy from home in the suburbs
For many people in Orléans, Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville or Manotick, online therapy is the simplest option. You can join from your living room, your car or a quiet room at work, with no commute and no parking to find.
Online sessions use a secure video link. You meet with the same Ottawa team, and many of our therapists also see clients online anywhere in Ontario. Online therapy can also be easier to fit around school pickups, shift work and long days.
A few tips can make online sessions feel more private and comfortable. Choose a spot where you won't be overheard, use headphones if others are home and keep a glass of water and some tissues nearby. If home doesn't feel private, some people join from a parked car. Your therapist can help you set things up in the first session.
Coming downtown to Rideau Street
Some people prefer a dedicated space for therapy, away from home. If that's you, our Ottawa office is at 1 Rideau Street, 7th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, inside the Fairmont Château Laurier. You can reach our Ottawa team at (613) 691-1006.
People who choose in person often work downtown already, like a clear boundary between home and therapy, or simply feel more comfortable face to face. You can also mix the two, with some sessions in person and others online.
What people in Ottawa see us for
Our Ottawa clinic offers individual therapy for children (6 and up), teens and adults, as well as therapy for couples. Our therapists in Ottawa also work with:
Anxiety and low mood. Worry, stress, panic and depression.
OCD. Including ERP, a structured approach that helps you face fears without doing compulsions.
ADHD. Support with the day-to-day challenges ADHD can bring, like focus, planning and overwhelm.
Pregnancy and new parenthood. Prenatal and postpartum therapy.
Relationships. Sessions for couples working on communication, conflict and reconnection.
If what you're dealing with isn't on this list, ask anyway. Our admin team can tell you honestly whether one of our clinicians is a good fit.
All of these are available in person downtown or online. Whether you were searching for a psychologist in Barrhaven, a psychologist in Stittsville or a therapist in Kanata, you can reach the same Ottawa team either way.
Psychological assessments in Ottawa
Sometimes you do need a psychologist. In Ottawa, we offer psychological assessments for children (6 and up), teens and adults, including ADHD. Our page on assessments for adult ADHD explains how the adult process works. A psychological assessment usually includes an in-depth interview, questionnaires and sometimes testing, followed by a detailed written report and recommendations for next steps. An assessment can bring clarity about what's going on and point to next steps.
For adult ADHD assessments, in-person and virtual appointments are both available, so you can complete parts of the process remotely if the drive downtown is hard to manage. If you're not sure whether you need an assessment or therapy, ask during your free consultation. We can explain the options without any pressure.
Fees for psychological assessments vary, so our admin team will go over costs with you directly during the free consultation.
Cost, billing and benefits
Here's what to know about the cost of therapy:
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Couples sessions range from $170 to $200.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies by plan and by type of practitioner, so it's worth checking your plan.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers, including for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Desjardins is the exception: through TELUS eClaims, we can direct bill Desjardins for sessions with an RSW, RP or psychologist, but not for an RP (Qualifying).
Many people in the Ottawa area have benefits through work. Check your plan to see which practitioners it covers before you book. If your plan lists only certain titles, our admin team can tell you which of our clinicians fit before you book your first session.
Questions to ask in your free consultation
A short call can save you a lot of guesswork. Here are a few questions worth asking:
Do I need an assessment, therapy or both? Our admin team can explain the difference for your situation.
Which clinicians fit my plan? Benefits plans often list specific practitioner types.
Can I start online and come in person later? Many people switch between the two.
What approach might fit me? Ask how a therapist works with concerns like yours.
You don't need to have all the answers before you call. That's what the consultation is for.
Your first step
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. They can help you figure out whether you need a psychologist or a therapist, explain online and in-person options and help you find someone who's a good fit, wherever you live in Ottawa.
If you're in crisis: if you're having thoughts of 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.
Wherever you are in the city, support is closer than it might seem.