Anxiety Therapists in Toronto

Browse 19 therapists specializing in Anxiety in Toronto. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Anxiety isn't always loud or visible. It can feel like a steady undercurrent in your day, a mind that won't quite switch off, a body that stays on edge even when nothing is happening. You might overthink small decisions, replay conversations, or feel a constant sense of urgency without a clear reason. Over time, this can affect sleep, focus, relationships, and how present you feel in your own life. If you're looking for help with anxiety or exploring therapy, it often begins with recognizing how much of your energy is going into managing these patterns.

What to look for in an Anxiety therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Experience treating anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety)
  • Use of evidence-based approaches like CBT or exposure therapy
  • Ability to teach practical coping strategies you can use daily
  • A calm, structured approach that helps you feel grounded

19 therapists for Anxiety in Toronto

Browse 19 therapists specializing in Anxiety in Toronto. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Paula Ghelman

Paula Ghelman

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your relationships, work, or school? Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by everything you need to do, and don't feel good enough? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel like you used to? We often put our needs last, justifying this by telling ourselves we have too much to accomplish first. Not addressing your depression, anxiety, or past trauma can lead to isolation, ruin your self-esteem, and make day-to-day life harder than it needs to be. However, there are ways to navigate these personal burdens and make life hopeful again, and you don't have to do it alone. I believe in a trauma-focused, strength-based approach and utilizing evidence-based practice to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma. By creating a safe space where you are not only heard but truly understood, you can start your transformative path towards a more fulfilling life. Providing individual online psychotherapy and an individualized DBT skills program, you will learn how to change negative self-talk, manage emotions, navigate relationships. Getting started is often the hardest part, and therapy help you create a holistic toolkit to enjoy happier, more fulfilling relationships, prioritize yourself, and feel lighter overall. Book a free consultation to take the first step towards a brighter, hopeful future.

Online
View profile
SS

Sam Srijani

Do you find yourself constantly on edge, overcome with anxiety, work-related stress, low self esteem, or people pleasing? Are you putting yourself on the back burner while you struggle to keep up with the demands of your busy life? Are you stuck in a cycle of setting high expectations and never feeling good enough? If you’re feeling like this you may even be experiencing guilt and shame about these feelings. Maybe you're craving the chance to shed your responsibilities and just be yourself. If you’re nodding along, you're not alone. And you've just taken an amazing step in seeking help. I'm passionate about helping you build your confidence and regain control of your life. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and ADHD. My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet your unique needs. My LGBTQ+ affirming culturally sensitive approach honours your unique experience, beliefs, and identity. If you're looking for a therapist who you can be real with; who is there with you through both the tears and the laughs, please reach out! I offer a free 15 minute video consultation so we can touch base and see if we're a good fit to work together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to your best self.

Online
View profile
Fiona Del Rio

Fiona Del Rio

I support individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. No matter what brings you to therapy, I aim to help you deepen self-awareness and develop practical strategies that help build resilience and promote healing. As a therapist, my approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your lived experience. I offer client-centered care that draws from strengths-based and trauma-informed modalities, working with you to build a therapy plan that reflects your values, goals, and vision of wellness. My priority is to foster a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to be your authentic self. My educational background includes a Masters in Counselling Psychology, Masters in Anthropology, and Bachelors in Psychology and Cinema. I possess additional training in several evidence-based and trauma-focused therapeutic modalities. Together, we will design an approach that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, and one that delivers meaningful results. I worked in public, private, and creative sectors before transitioning to counselling, where I gained experience as a crisis responder and in employment and career advising. My diverse professional experiences along with my own mental wellness journey help me to provide well-rounded support that is grounded in continuous self-reflection.

Hybrid
View profile
Suzanne Paszkowski

Suzanne Paszkowski

Maybe you have tried therapy before and it has helped you work through certain feelings or get through a specific crisis. But maybe you still find yourself repeating the same behaviors in subtle ways—perhaps until they become not so subtle and you find yourself back in therapy, in the midst of another crisis, one that eerily echoes your past experiences. You want not just to work through present issues, but also to delve deeper into your personality and life experiences to come to a better understanding of who you are, where you come from, and what your values are—with the goal of becoming the person you want and are able to be. Together, we will explore your past and present, thoughts and feelings, in order to help you gain a more holistic understanding of yourself and your potential. My background is in ancient philosophy and I am training to become a psychoanalyst because I believe that talk therapy can lead to genuine connection and enable self-discovery and self-understanding. If any of the above sounds intriguing, please feel free to contact me. I am open to new clients, especially those looking to dig deeper. Therapy can be truly transformative; sometimes it just takes finding the right person to connect with.

Hybrid
View profile
Stephanie Markowitz

Stephanie Markowitz

I am a Registered Psychotherapist trained in a range of evidence-based modalities, which I will customize to meet your particular needs and goals. I will work with you, at your own pace, to process the difficulties you are facing and equip you with knowledge and tools for growth and healing.

View profile
Diana Ben

Diana Ben

Hi, I’m Diana! As a first‑generation African Canadian, I understand the complexity of navigating cultural identity, family expectations, people‑pleasing, autonomy, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by unprocessed trauma, anxiety, and the pressure to hold everything together. They often feel alone in their experiences, struggle with confidence, and second‑guess their decisions and experiences. My goal is to offer a non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally sensitive space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. I help you understand the roots of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns so you can shift them with intention. My work focuses on identity, self‑awareness, and healing from trauma and anxiety in a space that feels grounding and supportive. My approach blends insight, compassion, and practical tools to help you create real, sustainable change! Therapy with me is about understanding yourself more deeply so you can move through life with clarity and confidence. I believe insight is a powerful tool for healing; it helps us break old cycles and create new possibilities by moving beyond the feeling of “I don’t know why.” If you’re ready to explore your inner world with support, I’m here to help!

Hybrid
View profile
Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Do you have a story you feel you need to share with someone? Maybe it’s your first time opening up, or maybe you tried before, but just never quite felt heard. If there’s something inside of you that needs telling, I’m here to hear you out. I often work with clients who suffer from depression, trauma, anxiety and relationship issues. I can also be particularly helpful to clients who’ve felt they haven’t gone deep enough in therapy, who tend towards dissociation or intellectualization, or who find themselves between cultures—immigrants, children of immigrants, people from interfaith families, and "third culture kids." I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is based on the premise that the more we understand about ourselves, the more freedom we have to make new choices. If you’ve ever felt stuck without knowing exactly why, or even if you understand why but can’t quite seem to change things, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be immensely helpful. Life can be deeply painful, but it can also be joyous. I aim to be witness to all of you without judgment, so that you can come to know yourself more fully, and therefore have all the more freedom to choose not only how to respond to what life throws at you, but also what life it is you want to live.

Hybrid
View profile
Natalie McMullen

Natalie McMullen

Top Specialities: trauma, anxiety, attachment issues I believe our life events shape us into who we are today. We weren’t BORN with an inner critic, perfectionism, or people-pleasing tendencies! Something happened in our lives that taught us those behaviours. Maybe we learned that it’s less painful to avoid confrontation than to risk rejection or failure. Maybe we learned that to ensure safety, we must be hypervigilant, constantly looking out for threats. Those behaviours likely helped you survive at one time, but now, they might be causing chronic anxiety, difficulties in your relationships, and low self-esteem. I will help you understand your emotions and unlearn beliefs and coping behaviours that are no longer serving you. We’ll learn how your past and present experiences are contributing to the issues you want to let go of, and carve a path forward. Therapy can help you process your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your reactions and emotions. I have experience helping with anxiety/stress/burnout, trauma, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, depression, emotion regulation, and borderline personality disorder. I’m especially passionate about treating developmental/attachment trauma to improve self-esteem, foster safety and security, and move towards secure attachment patterns. My Approach/Style As a therapist, I have a friendly, authentic, and warm demeanour. I believe a strong connection with your therapist is of crucial importance, so I take extra care to ensure I’m understanding your needs and perspective. (This doesn’t mean I’ll never challenge you!). I’m also happy to share appropriate information about my own life if helpful and relevant. I believe everyone has inner wisdom and resilience. I respect your autonomy, so I will always support you in coming to your own conclusions and finding your own solutions. But I also don’t shy away from sharing different insights and perspectives, or giving guidance and advice if needed. Types of Therapy After spending some time getting to know you, I’ll apply the therapy techniques that best suit your concerns. I use techniques informed by schema therapy, inner child work, IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and attachment theory. I am also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, which is an evidence-based and WHO-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out for a free consultation! *Please note, I am located in Toronto, and my working hours are as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am-7pm Eastern Time Thursday: 1pm-7pm Eastern time Friday: 10am-5pm Eastern Time

Online
View profile
Jan Krynicki

Jan Krynicki

Hey there, I'm Jan! I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and unbiased space for therapy and counseling in an easy-going, relatable way. I have done my BSc in Psychology at the VU Amsterdam and finished my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have worked as a therapist/counselor in Cape Town, South Africa which exposed me to working with diverse groups of people. I have finished my Master's thesis on mindfulness practice and its effects on students in regards to burnout and fatigue. However, I am also trained in motivational interviewing, ACT, and CBT with a constant drive to keep learning. I believe that having a great therapeutic relationship is really important for a good outcome in therapy. I aim to be the therapist that doesn’t recite word for word what they learned in university textbooks but one that integrates therapeutic techniques into tailored sessions all while making it feel natural and comfortable for the client. The first intake session is always free! Ask me about my student rate!

Hybrid
View profile
Lia Marks

Lia Marks

Lia is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist who supports individuals facing anxiety/depression, life transitions, parenting challenges, trauma and attachment difficulties. Whether you’re having trouble managing stress, understanding your emotions and behaviours, or want to develop coping skills, it is helpful to have a sounding board to support you. She provides a non-judgemental space to explore how your past experiences have influenced your current ways of coping. Through this process, she can assist you in developing new strategies to manage complex thoughts and feelings. Lia works from a trauma-informed, collaborative perspective to help you make the changes you want to make in your life

View profile
Melanie Brooks

Melanie Brooks

I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal challenges, and life transitions. Those who have difficulty managing stress, understanding their emotions and behaviours, may find it helpful to work through challenges and develop coping skills to navigate life experiences during therapy sessions. My approach to therapy offers a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental approach with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a safe space working alongside children, adolescents, and families to establish goals and a plan to achieve them in hopes of creating meaningful and sustainable change!

Online
View profile
Amelia Jones

Amelia Jones

Do you struggle with anxiety, people pleasing or feelings of overwhelm? Do you have a difficult relationship with your parents or get easily triggered? Maybe you have ADHD (or think you do) and feel like you can't do life "right"? If you experience any of these, I can help! You likely need to uncover unhelpful patterns, heal the past wounds holding you back, and develop actionable tools to help you return to a more grounded, regulated state. I'll help you process AND keep you accountable (warmly and compassionately of course). I'm trained in both Talk and Art Therapy. You can try both or choose whatever one feels best for you. Why try art therapy? Because sometimes our thoughts and feelings are hard to express with words alone. Creativity can provide another avenue of expression to dig in deeper. Heads up: No art skills are needed and we'll still use talk therapy approaches too! My style is warm, curious and collaborative. That involves both listening AND supporting you shift out of patterns no longer serving you. Together, we'll build on sessions over time with intention and direction. Let's get you thriving, not just surviving! To book a free consult, email or visit my site for the online booking link.

Online
View profile
Chinwendum Onyeocha

Chinwendum Onyeocha

I help clients explore why their mind functions the way it does, especially when they feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, ADHD-related difficulties, or emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while developing practical tools for change. When working with me, clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where we move at a pace that feels supportive. Together, we will work toward greater clarity, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and confidence in how you navigate your life.

Online
View profile
Kinza Jat

Kinza Jat

Have you ever felt caught between who you are and who others expect you to be? Perhaps you’re navigating cultural pressures, identity-related challenges, or a lingering sense of never fully belonging. As a second-generation Canadian raised by immigrant parents, I understand how isolating it can feel to exist between different worlds and expectations. Drawing from my lived experiences with marginalized identities, I strive to create a warm and inviting space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself on your own terms. I specialize in queer-informed psychotherapy for those aged 14+, and also welcome clients of all identities and orientations. My work is client-centered and exploratory, supporting you in discovering unconscious patterns, emotions, and lived experiences that may be shaping your current challenges, while moving at a grounded pace that feels right for you. Much like a flower that blooms when given the right conditions, I believe meaningful growth unfolds when we are supported in the ways we need most. My goal is to help cultivate those conditions, tailoring our work together to support your growth in a way that feels authentic to you. If this resonates, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation.

Online
View profile
Christine Peddle

Christine Peddle

I (she/her) have been practicing therapy since 2016. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador I’ve made the West End of Toronto home and St. Joseph’s Health Centre my primary workplace where I work as a Child and Family Therapist. I have countless trauma trainings, plus DBT, CBT, DDP, EFFT, Psychodrama for Traumatic Stress, and exposure to Gestalt Therapy. I participate in psychoanalysis and am a true believer in the healing relational aspect of therapy. I know the importance of an intersectional approach to personal growth, and I seek to help you discover wholeness versus the elusive permanent wellness. Relational dynamics are my expertise, they play important roles in how we see ourselves and live our lives.

Hybrid
View profile
Fiona Smith

Fiona Smith

I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, burnout, and perfectionism. I work with clients to develop a more compassionate understanding of themselves and their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that reflects their authentic self and values. I offer low-cost sessions for individuals through the Full Circle Program at Design Your Life Centre as a student therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Thomas. This program is for individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford therapy. My approach is rooted in humanistic and person-centred principles, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded presence to my work. I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences and emotions and to supporting you, with patience and genuine belief in your capacity to change, as you work toward the life you want to lead.

Online
View profile
Monika Mehan

Monika Mehan

In my journey as, first, a therapy client, and then a psychotherapist, one of the most striking things I've learned has been that we tend to hold deep knowledge about what we actually want, need, and feel. That the signals our bodies and brains deliver to us aren't random. The anger that we might try to push down can actually tell us where a boundary of ours - one we might not have even recognized for ourselves yet - is being crossed. The tiredness or pain in our bodies might be telling us to slow down, to pay attention to an important part of ourselves, an important feeling, that we've tried to ignore out of fear. When we have a hard time getting moving on a project, it isn't a character flaw - it's giving us important information about a need we have, perhaps around relaxing our own expectations for ourselves, or getting more clarity around what we're trying to do. It makes sense that we don't always listen to these inner signals of ours, for so many reasons. In today's world, many of us are busy just trying to survive, and might feel like turning inward is unhelpful or a waste of time. We might fear that we'll discover a part of ourselves that's asking for a change that we don't yet feel ready to implement in our lives. We might have learned throughout our lives that our feelings are too big or threatening to handle, so ignoring them becomes the default. I believe, however, that if we're able to receive support in slowing down and listening to that inner voice, we can start to truly move toward an easier, more aligned, more fulfilling life, with more fulfilling connections - with others and with ourselves. I love to support folks moving through this type of work. I often work with clients who might be feeling stuck, unhappy, isolated, or overwhelmed. I also see many clients who are neurodiverse, and hold lived experience with AuDHD myself. I love working with creative people, people who have self-identified as "people pleasers," anyone experiencing relationship difficulties or life transitions - whatever it is you're going through currently, and whoever you are, I'd love to chat about it! I am a graduate of the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and am trained as a relational therapist, which means that I think about the rules we learn implicitly in our lives about relationships - who were we taught that we need to be in order to stay in connection with others? These often-invisible-to-us rules deeply impact how we relate to those around us, but also how we relate to ourselves, and to what degree we're able to listen to that aforementioned inner voice. If we learned our needs were too big and the people around us needed them to be smaller - we'll ignore anything inside of us that's trying to alert us to a need we have. If we learned we had to constantly fight for ourselves, we might have a harder time listening to an inner voice of ours that's asking for some softness. I would love to support you in letting all of the complex pieces of yourself have space to share and room to shine. If my profile resonates with you, please don't hesitate to reach out - I would love to hear from you, and to have the chance to chat about how we can work together! :)

Hybrid
View profile
Rachelle Choueiri

Rachelle Choueiri

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite belong—like you’re putting on a mask just to make it through the day? Maybe life feels heavier than it should, or quietly exhausting. I work with people who are navigating anxiety, procrastination, imposter syndrome, and a lingering sense of disconnection. Together, we’ll gently explore what may be keeping you stuck and begin creating a life that feels more authentic and more your own. With a PhD in chemistry and a background outside of mental health, I understand the pressures of high performance, the weight of expectations, and the loneliness that can come with feeling different. I work relationally, offering a calm, curious space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can get a sense of how I work and ask any questions. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just a willingness to take one step. If something in this profile resonates with you, I invite you to reach out and begin the conversation.

Online
View profile
Godfrey Benjamin

Godfrey Benjamin

Life gets hard. So many responsibilities, it's hard to put ourselves first and we can stumble. We can feel isolated, overwhelmed, a sense of dread and anxiety with each passing day. This can lead to depressive feelings, loss of self confidence, addictions, self harm, and even suicidal thoughts. You're not alone if you're feeling this way. It can be especially hard to understand what is happening inside, if we had challenges in our past. I use an integrative person-centred approach so that together, we can work together to untangle the past, connect fully with yourself today, and build tools for the brighter future that you are hoping for. There may be many goals on your journey to well-being. In collaborating together, you will have a safe place to name your feelings for what they are: yours. I offer a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens to understanding, processing, and healing the roots of negative thoughts, feelings and experiences that may have been holding you back. Stepping into healing is an amazing act of courage. Working together, we can explore what is most meaningful for you today, as we navigate your journey towards mental health and well-being.

Hybrid
View profile

Looking beyond Toronto? Browse all Anxiety therapists in Canada.

Anxiety therapists in Toronto — at a glance

accepting new clients
19/ 19
offer online sessions
17/ 19
offer sliding scale fees
15/ 19

Frequently asked questions

What type of therapist is best for anxiety?

Many licensed counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers support anxiety. The best fit is usually someone with experience treating your specific anxiety concerns and an approach that matches how you like to work.

How long does anxiety therapy take?

Some people notice useful changes within a few sessions, especially when therapy is skills-focused. Others work longer term when anxiety is connected to trauma, relationships, burnout, or longstanding patterns.

Can online therapy help with anxiety?

Yes. Online therapy can be effective for many anxiety concerns, especially when sessions include practical tools, reflection, and exercises you can use in daily situations.

What is the difference between generalized anxiety and panic disorder?

Generalized anxiety involves persistent worry across many areas of life. Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath. Both are treatable with therapy.

Do I need a diagnosis before starting anxiety therapy?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start therapy. Many people seek support for anxiety symptoms without ever receiving a clinical label, and a good therapist will work with your experience rather than requiring a diagnosis first.

What is exposure therapy and is it used for anxiety?

Exposure therapy is a structured technique where you gradually face feared situations or thoughts in a controlled, manageable way. It is commonly used within CBT for anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. A therapist guides the pace to keep it manageable.

Can anxiety be treated without medication?

Many people manage anxiety effectively through therapy alone, particularly with structured approaches like CBT or ACT. Others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Whether medication is right for you is a conversation to have with your physician or psychiatrist based on the severity and type of anxiety you are experiencing.

How do I find an anxiety therapist in Toronto?

Browse therapists in Toronto who specialize in anxiety and filter by availability, fee, and session format. Many Toronto therapists offer both in-person and online sessions, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and comfort.

Is anxiety therapy covered by insurance in Toronto?

Coverage depends on your plan. Many extended health benefits in Toronto cover sessions with a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker. Check your policy for eligible designations and annual limits before booking.

Related specialties in Toronto