Anxiety Therapists in Ottawa, ON

Elliott McLarnon

Elliott McLarnon

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

My name is Elliott, a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, Ontario. I practice from the Humanistic perspective, which emphasizes that (believe it or not) clients know what is best for themselves – not the therapist. With curiosity, an open-mind, and a non-judgmental stance, my hope is to help you reconnect with the most authentic parts of yourself.

Tharshiga Elankeeran

Tharshiga Elankeeran

Registered Psychotherapist MA RP, IMD (candidate)

Virtual

I embrace the profound truth that we are all interconnected when we mindfully inhabit the present moment. As therapists, we acknowledge the intricate web of human experiences, emotions, and relationships. This awareness creates a nurturing space where clients can explore their inner landscapes with compassion. Together, we embark on a journey of empathy, resilience, and shared transformation.

Emma Laughlan

Emma Laughlan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I work with children (10+), teens, and adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the pressure to get everything “right.” You may be stuck in overthinking, people‑pleasing, panic symptoms, health anxiety, or relationship patterns that leave you doubting yourself. On the outside, you might appear high‑achieving and capable. Inside, you feel tense, self‑critical, or never quite enough.

Shraddha Shukla

Shraddha Shukla

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

A multi-cultural therapist offering sessions in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, focusing on help for anxiety, ASD/autism, ADHD, PMDD, anger issues, life transitions, and new to Canadian challenges.

Katharine De Santos

Katharine De Santos

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Healthy Minds Psychotherapy was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing psychotherapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering resilience in each person and our community as a whole.

Gulrukh Khan

Gulrukh Khan

Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying

Virtual

Helping South Asians, immigrants, and BIPOC individuals break free from cultural pressures, heal from trauma, people-pleasing, anxiety, guilt, and perfectionism as they embrace their true identity, and build a life that honours both heritage and personal well-being. At Empowering Roots in Brampton, Ontario, we offer culturally sensitive therapy tailored to your unique experiences.

Gina Lihou

Gina Lihou

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Trauma-informed and EMDR-trained, I offer a warm, collaborative space for healing and self-discovery. I help clients process trauma, navigate life transitions, and build emotional resilience. My approach affirms your identity and lived experience, supporting lasting change rooted in safety, clarity, and inner strength.

Krista Olson

Krista Olson

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

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.

Laura Clarke

Laura Clarke

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I’m a registered psychotherapist supporting individuals who feel stuck in patterns of self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection in their relationships. My approach is warm, grounded, and conversational - integrating Narrative Therapy, EFT, Somatic, and Trauma-Informed practices to nurture safety, awareness, and sustainable change. Complimentary consultations available.

Taylor van der Deen

Taylor van der Deen

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I can work with you to help you uncover your innate curiosity, compassion and clarity, in order to feel a greater sense of peace, presence and purpose in your life. I support individuals who are experiencing emotional/relational challenges, perinatal mental health challenges, students, ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem/identity, trauma and grief. You don't have to navigate this alone!

Erin Ibrahim

Erin Ibrahim

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, EMDR, ADHD-CCSP, BA

Virtual

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship stress, self-esteem struggles, or just feeling stuck, we can work through it together. Pulling from a variety of frameworks to instead suit your unique needs instead of making it feel one-size-fits-all, I have interest in anxiety, depression, relationships, attachment, neurodiversity, and self-esteem. I look forward to connecting!

Kaitlyn Hillier B.A., M.C., Ph.D.

Kaitlyn Hillier B.A., M.C., Ph.D.

Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor

Virtual

In private practice since 2016, I have been providing counselling and psychotherapy virtually and in person. Presently, I operate virtually in providing mental health support for many individuals who seek support while navigating life.

Renata Roma

Renata Roma

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I offer support for individuals dealing with anxiety, including high-functioning anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and phobias, including animal-related fears. Many of my clients come in with relationship struggles. I also specialize in pet loss, and anxiety related to pets.

Emily Smail

Emily Smail

Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Virtual

We all experience changes in our lives that challenge our relationships. These changes can cause us to feel distant and disconnected from our partner, leading to low sex drive or libido, poor communication, and recurring and frequent disagreements. I want to support you to refuel your emotional and sexual intimacy, reignite your passion, strengthen your communication, and Your overall connection

Jialin (Sherry) Yang

Jialin (Sherry) Yang

Intern Associate Therapist

Virtual

Hi there! I'm Jialin Yang, or you can call me Sherry! An Associate Therapist offering low-cost virtual counselling services cross-Canada under the supervision, I support youth and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, identity struggles, and perfectionism.

Khysandra Lee

Khysandra Lee

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Christina Hong

Christina Hong

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Virtual

Hello there! I am Christina, I have a genuine love and care for connecting with people. I’m here to support you if anxiety has been making life feel heavy or overwhelming. I believe that, counselling at its core is the genuine collaborative connection of individuals coming together to navigate this wonderfully bizarrely life of ours. In my role, my mission is to create a warm, supportive, and j…

Carla Barbosa

Carla Barbosa

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I’m a bilingual psychotherapist (English | Portuguese) offering LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adults navigating autism, ADHD, burnout, and identity exploration. I integrate compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based care to help clients feel seen and empowered across life’s transitions.

Fanis Makrigiannis

Fanis Makrigiannis

Hypnotherapist

Virtual

Mind Spirit Body Hypnosis is a virtual practice based in Oshawa, Ontario, serving clients across Ontario and the US. Founded by Fanis Makrigiannis — Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner & EMDR Practitioner — offering support for anxiety, trauma, weight loss, sleep, confidence, smoking cessation, and habit change. Fully virtual. Ages 10 and up.

Michelle Philippe

Michelle Philippe

Registered Psychotherapist, MA Counselling Psychology

Virtual

I'm so glad you are here. Sometimes we can feel weighed down by sadness, anxiety, shame, a harsh inner critic, or not feeling “good enough”. This can sometimes occur with difficulty with people pleasing, perfectionism, chronic worry, or unreasonably high self-standards. Are you a high performer, an artist, athlete, dancer (or former)? Has a life transition or loss left you feeling overwhelmed? ...

How do therapists in Ottawa, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

255

Average years in practice

6.9 Years

Currently accepting new clients

98 %

Therapists in Ottawa, ON who prioritize treating:

100% Anxiety
62% Depression
51% Trauma and PTSD
50% Relationship Issues
38% Self Esteem
32% Stress
27% ADHD
25% Grief

How therapists see their clients

2% In Person & Online
91% Online Only
7% In Person Only

Top therapy approaches used in Ottawa, ON:

39% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
31% Trauma Focused
28% Person-Centered
27% Strength-Based
26% Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
25% Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
24% Attachment-based
22% Narrative

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that is disproportionate to the situation and significantly interferes with daily life. They are the most common mental health condition in Canada, affecting approximately 1 in 4 Canadians at some point in their lives. Unlike ordinary nervousness, anxiety disorders do not resolve on their own without support.

What types of anxiety disorders does therapy treat?

Therapists treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, health anxiety, and separation anxiety. Each has distinct features — for example, GAD involves pervasive worry across many areas, while panic disorder centres on recurring unexpected panic attacks. A therapist will assess your specific presentation before recommending a treatment approach.

Which therapy approaches are most effective for anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for anxiety disorders and is widely considered the gold-standard treatment. Other effective approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure-based therapies, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and EMDR for anxiety rooted in past trauma. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific presentation.

Do I need medication to treat anxiety?

Therapy alone — particularly CBT — is highly effective for most anxiety disorders and produces lasting change by addressing underlying thought and behaviour patterns. Some people benefit from combining therapy with medication such as SSRIs or SNRIs, especially when symptoms are severe. This decision is best made in consultation with your therapist and a physician or psychiatrist.

How long does therapy for anxiety typically take?

Most people with anxiety disorders see meaningful improvement within 12–20 weekly sessions of CBT. Specific phobias and panic disorder often respond faster, sometimes within 6–12 sessions. The timeline depends on the severity of your anxiety, any co-occurring conditions, and how consistently you practise skills between sessions.