A practical list of mental health resources in Ottawa

Auren Wellness is not the only place to get support in Ottawa, and depending on your situation we are not always the right one. Here is a practical, current list of resources we hand to anyone who asks — organized by what you need.

If you are in immediate crisis

• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8 anytime, in English or French.
• Ottawa Distress Centre — 613-238-3311, 24/7.
• Mental Health Crisis Line (Ottawa) — 613-722-6914 or toll-free 1-866-996-0991.
• The Ottawa Hospital Emergency Department — If you are unsafe and need in-person help right now.

If you are looking for low-cost or no-cost therapy

• Counselling and Pastoral Services (Saint Paul University) — Sliding scale services from supervised graduate-level therapists.
• Walk-in Counselling Clinic (Family Services Ottawa) — Single-session free counselling, no appointment needed.
• Catholic Family Service Ottawa — Sliding scale counselling for individuals and families.
• The Royal's Anxiety Disorders and Mood Disorders programs — Specialized publicly funded outpatient programs.

If you are a student

• uOttawa Student Wellness — On-campus counselling and crisis services.
• Carleton Health and Counselling Services — Same-day and ongoing support for Carleton students.
• Empower Me — Bilingual virtual support available through many student insurance plans.

If you are looking for community or peer support

• CMHA Ottawa — Peer support, recovery programs, and community education.
• Centretown Community Health Centre — Counselling and group programs on a sliding scale.
• 2SLGBTQ+ Centre at uOttawa or Kind Space — Affirming peer support for queer and trans community members.

How we fit in

Auren Wellness offers private, fee-for-service psychotherapy in Ottawa. Sessions are with a Registered Psychotherapist, virtual or in-person. Receipts can be submitted to most extended health plans (PSHCP, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, GreenShield, etc.). A free 15-minute consultation is the way to start.

Last reviewed May 2026. We update this list when programs change — if you spot something out of date, please let us know at info@aurenwellness.ca.