. Free or Low-Cost Psychotherapy Services
- Counselling Connect: Offers 1–3 free phone or video sessions with no waitlist, available in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin). Services are open to all ages in Ottawa and surrounding areas 134.
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program: Provides free evidence-based CBT for adults (18+) with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and related conditions. Access via AccessMHA.ca, which helps navigate mental health services in Eastern Ontario 26.
- BounceBack: Free telephone and online CBT program for youth (15+) and adults managing mild-to-moderate anxiety, depression, or stress. Managed by CMHA 136.
- Walk-In Counselling Clinic: Immediate, free counselling for individuals, couples, and families without appointments. Locations and times vary 18.
2. Crisis and Immediate Support
- Distress Centre of Ottawa: 24/7 crisis line at 613-238-3311 (call/text/chat). Supports all ages and issues 138.
- Mental Health Crisis Line: 24/7 bilingual support for ages 16+ at 613-722-6914 13.
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for 24/7 support in English/French 38.
- Youth Services Bureau (YSB): 24/7 crisis line (613-260-2360) and online chat for youth 138.
3. Specialized Services
- uOttawa Students: Free psychotherapy in English/French, including intake appointments (virtual/in-person). Call 613-562-5498 or use the CHR Connect app 5.
- Indigenous Communities:
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 24/7 culturally sensitive support at 1-855-242-3310 1.
- Talk 4 Healing: Crisis line for Indigenous women in 14 languages 1.
- LGBTQ+ Support:
- Kind Space: Peer support and counselling (613-563-4818) 8.
- Centretown LGBTQ+ Health Clinic: Free health and counselling services 8.
- Immigrants/Refugees: OCISO offers culturally specific counselling (613-725-0202) 8.
4. Addiction and Family Support
- Rideauwood: Programs for substance use, youth, and families (613-724-4881) 810.
- National Overdose Response Service (NORS): Overdose monitoring via 1-888-688-6677 3.
5. Additional Resources
- AccessMHA: Centralized portal for mental health and addiction services in Eastern Ontario 36.
- Psychology Today: Directory to find therapists by location, insurance, or specialty 2.
- Self-Help Tools:
- AbilitiCBT and MindBeacon: Online CBT with therapist guidance 2.
- Calm and Headspace: Meditation apps for stress management 10.
For a full list of services, visit Ottawa Mental Health Community Resource Directory 2 or contact 211 for community program referral