Looking for a therapist in Ottawa, and not sure where to start? You're in the right place.
Vistas Psychotherapy & Wellness offers warm, nervous-system-informed psychotherapy for adults and teens. Amanda Carver, R.P., sees clients in person by appointment at 317 Catherine St., and our team offers secure video sessions for Ottawa clients, with daytime and some evening times available.
You're welcome to book a free 15–20 minute consult to ask questions and see whether the fit feels right.
Finding a therapist can feel like standing at a trailhead with too many signposts. You don't need to know which path is right before you start. A first conversation can help you get your bearings.
Our work centres on stress, anxiety, and trauma, and the ways they show up in both mind and body. Explore the support that fits what you're facing:
For worry, panic, feeling constantly "on," and the physical tension that comes with it.
Paced, consent-based trauma therapy for PTSD and experiences that still feel stuck.
For flatness, fog, heaviness, and burnout, with lower-cost options available.
Talk-based, non-touch psychotherapy that includes breath, sensation, and grounding.
Yoga-informed psychotherapy, plus separate one-on-one yoga instruction.
Clinical supervision and EMDR consultation for students, RP (Qualifying) registrants, and clinicians.
We also support grief and life transitions, relationship and attachment patterns, perfectionism, and sleep difficulties, including CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) with Sandra Gautreau, R.P. See everything we work with on Conditions We Treat.
| Therapist | For Ottawa clients | Areas of focus include |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Carver, R.P. | In person by appointment, or virtual | Anxiety, trauma and EMDR, somatic and yoga-informed work, ACT, depression |
| Sandra Gautreau, R.P. | Virtual | Spiritual psychotherapy, inner child work, CBT-I for sleep, somatic-informed work |
| Heather Lash, RP (Qualifying), under clinical supervision | Virtual; our most affordable option | Indigenous and culturally informed care, narrative therapy, DBT-informed skills |
Sandra and Heather also see clients in person in Toronto. Meet the full team, or let us help you find your fit.
Every approach is body-aware, paced, and collaborative. Depending on your needs and your therapist's training, sessions may draw on CBT, DBT-informed skills, ACT, attachment-focused and parts work, narrative therapy, polyvagal-informed grounding, and EMDR when appropriate. Psychotherapy at Vistas is talk-based and never involves touch.
Cultural safety means we honour your autonomy and your relationships, your family, community ties, and the knowledge systems that support you, if and when you choose to bring them in. You're welcome to request an Indigenous therapist or a culturally informed therapist if that feels important for your comfort or connection.
When you search for therapy in Ottawa, you'll see several kinds of providers. Here's a quick guide to how they differ in Ontario:
| Provider | What they typically offer |
|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) | Psychotherapy for a wide range of concerns. Regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Does not diagnose. |
| Psychologist | Psychological assessment and diagnosis, as well as therapy. Regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. |
| Social worker | Counselling and psychotherapy, often with a focus on systems and practical supports. Regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. |
Vistas provides psychotherapy with Registered Psychotherapists, not psychological assessments or diagnoses. If you need diagnostic clarity, a psychologist or physician can work alongside your therapy.
Your first session is usually less about deep work and more about getting to know each other, at a comfortable pace.
You're invited to share only what feels okay. There's room for pauses, uncertainty, and changing your mind.
Ottawa office (by appointment): Vistas Psychotherapy & Wellness, 317 Catherine St., Ottawa, ON
Alongside therapy: Ottawa clients can also access mindfulness & meditation coaching and one-on-one yoga instruction virtually. Dr. Makoto Trotter, Naturopathic Doctor, offers naturopathic care virtually and in person in Toronto. These are separate services, each billed on its own; see how we bill our services.
No. You don't need a diagnosis or a referral to start psychotherapy. Some extended health plans ask for a referral for reimbursement, so it's worth checking yours. If you want a formal diagnosis, a psychologist or physician can work alongside your therapy.
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want assessment and diagnosis, a psychologist may be the right step. If you want ongoing support, practical tools, and space to process experiences, a Registered Psychotherapist may fit well. Some people work with both at different times.
Private psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist is generally not covered by OHIP. Many extended health plans do cover Registered Psychotherapists, so check your plan for provider type, session limits, and any referral requirements.
Yes. Amanda Carver, R.P., sees clients by appointment at 317 Catherine St. In-person times are limited, and our therapists also offer secure video sessions across Ontario. Some people mix in-person and virtual sessions.
Yes. Each of our therapists offers a limited number of sliding-scale spaces, and sessions with Heather Lash, RP (Qualifying), who practises under clinical supervision, are our most affordable option. Ask about current availability during your free consult.
Therapy can't promise specific outcomes, and everyone's experience is different. Many people find it a helpful space to understand their patterns, build coping skills, and feel less alone with what they're carrying. Learn more about anxiety therapy and depression counselling in Ottawa.
That's common. Medication decisions are made with a physician, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist. You can attend therapy at Vistas at the same time, and with your consent, your therapist can coordinate with your broader care team.
Fit often shows up as feeling reasonably safe, heard, and respected, even when conversations are tender. A free consult is a low-pressure way to sense whether the relationship and approach feel workable.
A free 15–20 minute consult is a simple first step. Ask questions, share a little about what you're facing, and see whether the fit feels right, in Ottawa or online.
Vistas is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in crisis, at risk of harm, or unable to stay safe, please call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), call 9-1-1, or go to your nearest emergency department. This page is for general information only and does not replace individualized mental health care, medical advice, or psychological diagnosis. It does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.