SUPPORT FOR LOW MOOD & DISCONNECTION
Depression Counselling
When it’s hard to feel like yourself.
Low mood, lost interest, or feeling emotionally flat can make ordinary days feel difficult. MHASO offers individual counselling to help you talk through what is happening and explore support that fits your needs.
Individual Counselling
In-person & Virtual options
Ottawa, Ontario
UNDERSTANDING YOUR EXPERIENCE
Depression doesn’t
always look like sadness.
It can affect your energy, relationships, and sense of connection. You may still be meeting responsibilities while finding each day harder than it looks from the outside.
You can ask for support even when you’re unsure what to call what you’re feeling.
Feeling low, numb, or disconnected
Persistent sadness, irritability, or a sense of emptiness. Things you usually enjoy may feel less meaningful or harder to engage with.
Everyday things take more effort
Low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty concentrating can make work, relationships, and daily tasks feel more demanding.
Being hard on yourself
You might notice guilt, self-criticism, or a sense of hopelessness. It can become harder to see your own needs with kindness.
These experiences can have different causes. A healthcare professional can help assess them.
Learn about depression from CAMH ↗
HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP
Space to talk.
Support for everyday life.
Your goals and circumstances help guide the conversation. Together, you and your clinician can explore what feels difficult and decide where to begin.
Understand what’s happening
Talk about how you have been feeling, changes in your life, and pressures that may be affecting your wellbeing. Make room for the things you have been carrying on your own.
Explore thoughts & relationships
Notice patterns of self-criticism, withdrawal, or feeling stuck. Discuss different ways of responding to difficult thoughts and communicating what you need.
Find manageable next steps
Explore routines, activities, and connections that matter to you. Set realistic goals together, with room to adjust when your energy or circumstances change.
COMMON QUESTIONS
It’s okay to
feel unsure.
Being unsure where to start can be part of reaching out.
Can counselling be part of care that includes medication?
Yes. Treatment for depression may involve psychotherapy, medication, or both, depending on individual needs. A doctor or other qualified prescriber can discuss medication options. Tell your clinician about any care you are already receiving.
Should I speak with my doctor as well?
A primary care professional can assess symptoms and check for medical conditions or medications that may contribute to how you’re feeling. This can be helpful alongside counselling, particularly when symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening.
Do I need a diagnosis before reaching out?
You can contact the intake team about low mood, loss of interest, or feeling unlike yourself without having a diagnosis. Describe what you’re experiencing so the team can explore whether MHASO is an appropriate fit.
What if I don’t know why I feel this way?
You don’t need to identify a cause before asking for help. Counselling can be a place to explore your experience, including feelings or changes that are hard to explain.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn’t one timeline that fits everyone. Your concerns, goals, and chosen approach help shape the plan. You and your clinician can discuss session frequency and review how things are going.
YOUR FIRST CONVERSATION
You can begin
where you are.
You don’t need a polished explanation or a list of goals. You can start by sharing what has changed, what feels difficult, or what prompted you to reach out.
Your clinician can ask questions, explain how they work, and talk with you about possible next steps. You can ask questions too.
IF FINDING THE WORDS IS HARD
“I haven’t been feeling like myself, and I’d like some support.”
A few practical details
Finding an appropriate fit
Tell the intake team that you’re looking for support with depression or low mood. Share any preferences, accessibility needs, or questions about a clinician’s experience.
Appointment options
Ask about current in-person, virtual, and phone availability. Options depend on the service and clinician.
Our office is at 1489 Merivale Road, Unit 200, Ottawa.
Contact & directions↗
Fees & coverage
Confirm your session fee and length before booking. Services are not covered by OHIP. Extended health benefits may cover eligible care; ask about NIHB coverage if applicable.
Fees & Coverage↗ NIHB Information↗