Addiction Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Krista Gatti
Registered Social Worker
I began my career by providing support to individuals who were facing life's challenges. I have experience working with a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, separation, and self-esteem. I am also trained in self-compassion, Mindfulness, grounding techniques and breathing exercises. I use a unique blend of evidence-based modalities to fit the individual needs of the person.
Michael Greene
Registered Psychotherapist
ARE YOU YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY? Do you constantly criticize yourself? Do you measure yourself unfairly against other people? Do you make bad choices or sabotage your good choices? Is the story you tell about yourself one that diminishes who you are? Over the years I have helped many people with self esteem issues. I help them see themselves in a new way that is positive and fulfilling.
Carol D.B. Whaley
Psychotherapist
I am a Vancouver based Psychotherapist in a diverse and inclusive Private Practice offering both in person and virtual sessions. I have over 22 years of extensive clinical experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. I work with all ages on any issues that are getting in the way of the client experiencing life to its fullest in the very personal way they want to live.
Michelle Strazzeri
Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
For 9 years I have worked with individuals, couples and families on a wide variety of issues including communication breakdown, trauma, abuse, accident, injury, addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. I understand that change is difficult, and it is hard to take the first step in seeking out therapy support. I know it takes courage to start this process.
Lylla Goheen
Registered Psychotherapist RP (Qualifying), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)
Do you and your partner speak different languages? Whether it’s the silence of a "roommate phase," sexual dysfunction, or the weight of chronic illness, you don't have to navigate it alone. I provide inclusive Sex Therapy, Gottman Couples Counselling, and Chronic Pain support in Etobicoke & Toronto. My practice is judgment-free and not "one-size-fits-all." Let's start your new era.
Tanja Ivic
Registered Social Worker
*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.
Chris Pankewich
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and non-directive, partnering with you to develop a customized toolkit that includes conceptual frameworks, practical skills, and a solid knowledge base. This toolkit is designed to enhance your quality of life, help you overcome obstacles, and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Krista Olson
Registered Social Worker
I honour the courage and vulnerability it takes to ask for help and to truly look at ourselves. It is a privilege to hold a safe and meaningful space, and to collaborate with clients in the often delicate process of self-exploration, experiential healing, and growth. I would love the opportunity to join you on your journey.
Lisa O’Donovan
Registered Psychotherapist
I offer Psychodynamic, trauma-informed therapy for adults and couples in-person in Burlington and virtually. I support clients navigating complex trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, family dysfunction, and life transitions helping to uncover and understand emotional and relational patterns, process experiences, build greater self-awareness in a safe, compassionate space.
Joey Mercer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I support adults and young adults healing from addiction, social anxiety, and depression, and guide trauma recovery through an EMDR-informed lens. As a non-Indigenous person working with Indigenous clients, I strive to honour a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective and practice with cultural humility. Recovery doesn't happen to you, it happens because of you. I'll be there beside you.
Daniel Wayow
Registered Psychotherapist
Daniel is a therapist specializing in men’s issues, relationships, addiction, and depression, while also working with women and couples. Rejecting rigid, clinical therapy, he uses humor, curiosity, and holistic care—integrating mind, body, and spirit. With a background in fitness and NASM nutrition training, he offers a collaborative, down-to-earth approach so clients never have to do life alone.
Parker Willis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Feeling disconnected from yourself can make every challenge feel heavier. I work with adults, young men, school‑aged children, and teens to understand their inner world, navigate anxiety and stress, and reconnect with who they are becoming. Reach out to book a 15‑minute consultation.
Shannon Jervis
Registered Social Worker
Throughout my career, I have provided unwavering support to clients affected by neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, and various mental health challenges. I specialize in creating a collaborative and meaningful treatment plan tailored to individual needs, fostering a therapeutic environment. As a therapist, I use a strength-based, client-focused approach.
Johann Kong
MSW,RSW
I can bring in our work together a wide range of expertise and experiences from a seasoned professional mindset that puts your needs at the centre. More importantly, I understand pain and trauma and know how hard it can be to navigate through these experiences towards health and wellness. I am committed to providing a safe, caring, non-judgmental space to support you in your journey.
Jeremy Mayer
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker at Psychotherapy For You
Mohamad Shabib
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Mohamad Shabib is a trauma-informed counsellor specializing in PTSD, addiction, and complex trauma. He integrates CBT, EMDR, and evidence-based approaches with a culturally responsive lens shaped by refugee and public health experience. He supports vulnerable populations, including refugees and first responders, in healing, resilience, and recovery.
Brayden Keeler
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Brayden (she/her) obtained a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult, Brayden is particularly attuned to the challenges faced by others with neurodivergence, especially recognizing symptoms often overlooked in youth identifying as female.
Kathryn Jones
Registered Social Worker
I provide evidence-based therapy for Anxiety, OCD, Depression, ADHD, Behavioural Addictions (ie., shopping, gambling, pornography, gaming), Stress, Unhealthy Relationships, Body Image, and Trauma. Together, we'll clarify your goals and identify the thoughts, beliefs, or behaviours getting in your way. We'll create a roadmap with realistic, meaningful steps toward living your best possible life.
Anna Marson
Registered Psychotherapist
Anna Marson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment, stress, and emotion regulation. She integrates evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and ADHD coaching to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for lasting, positive change. Her approach is compassionate, brain/body-informed, and strength-based.
Therapy Collective
Registered Psychologist/Counselling Therapist/Certified Counsellor
We are a group practice with psychologists, CCC's, CT's, and a therapy dog who offer counselling and formal psycho-educational assessments. We cover a broad range of presenting concerns for children, youth, families, couples, and individuals. We offer a variety of approaches as well: EMDR, Cognitive-Hypnotherapy, Art Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Somatic.
How do therapists in Ottawa, ON compare?
Number of therapists listed
Average years in practice
Currently accepting new clients
Therapists in Ottawa, ON who prioritize treating:
How therapists see their clients
Top therapy approaches used in Ottawa, ON:
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction
What is addiction and how does therapy help?
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use or behaviour despite negative consequences. It involves changes in brain circuitry affecting reward, motivation, memory, and impulse control. Therapy helps by addressing the underlying psychological drivers of addiction — trauma, mental health conditions, emotional dysregulation, social isolation — as well as the thought patterns and triggers that sustain addictive cycles. Therapy is most effective when combined with other supports such as medical care and peer support.
What types of addiction can therapy address?
Therapy addresses a wide range of substance and behavioural addictions, including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis dependence, cocaine and stimulant misuse, prescription medication misuse, gambling disorder, sexual addiction, internet and gaming addiction, and food addiction. Many addiction counsellors are also trained to address co-occurring mental health conditions, which are extremely common among people with addiction — often called dual diagnosis.
What therapy approaches are used for addiction?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is widely used to help people explore their ambivalence about change in a non-judgmental way. CBT for addiction addresses the thoughts and patterns that trigger substance use and builds skills for managing cravings and high-risk situations. Twelve-step facilitation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed approaches, and community reinforcement are also evidence-based. Many therapists integrate multiple approaches based on where you are in your recovery journey.
Does therapy require me to commit to abstinence?
Not necessarily. Many therapists and programs work with a harm reduction model, which supports safer use and reducing negative consequences without requiring abstinence as the only goal. Others work within an abstinence-based framework. Some people want abstinence; others want to reduce use or improve their relationship with a substance. Discuss your goals openly with a potential therapist — a good therapist will work with your goals rather than imposing a single approach.
Is addiction counselling covered by insurance in Canada?
Coverage varies by province and plan. Many extended health benefits cover psychotherapy for addiction when provided by a registered psychologist, social worker, or counsellor. Some provinces offer publicly funded addiction services through health authorities — waitlists vary by region. It is worth contacting your province's addiction services line for information on publicly funded options, and checking your extended benefits for privately covered therapy.
