Depression Therapists in Canada

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For many people, it shows up as a quiet heaviness that lingers through the day, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and losing interest in things that once felt easy or meaningful. You might still go to work, reply to messages, and keep routines going, but it feels distant, like you’re not fully in it. Even small decisions or everyday tasks can feel disproportionately exhausting. If you’re searching for help with depression or wondering whether therapy could make a difference, it often starts by recognizing these subtle shifts, not just how you feel, but how much effort everything now seems to take.

What to look for in a Depression therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Experience working with depression and mood disorders
  • Approaches like CBT, behavioral activation, or interpersonal therapy
  • A balance of empathy and gentle structure to support progress
  • Focus on small, realistic steps toward improvement

37 therapists for Depression in Canada

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For many people, it shows up as a quiet heaviness that lingers through the day, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and losing interest in things that once felt easy or meaningful. You might still go to work, reply to messages, and keep routines going, but it feels distant, like you’re not fully in it. Even small decisions or everyday tasks can feel disproportionately exhausting. If you’re searching for help with depression or wondering whether therapy could make a difference, it often starts by recognizing these subtle shifts, not just how you feel, but how much effort everything now seems to take.

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!

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Peter Reid

Peter Reid

I work with LGBTQ2S+ adults who are tired of being "hooked" by their own minds—that loop of anxiety, the "not good enough" narrative, or that "stuck" feeling. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or just feeling "flat," I help you get your hands back on the steering wheel of your life.

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Ramona Saeedi

Ramona Saeedi

If you landed on this page, you took the first step. As humans we have the capacity to adapt and discover more meaning & joy in life as we face and overcome obstacles in life. To me, happiness is the process of solving problems and developing more adaptive ways of being. I am excited to help you overcome challenges and achieve your wellness goals. Hi, my name is Ramona and welcome to my page! As a therapist, I take you seriously. Not just what you say, but what you’re bringing with you. My clients often tell me they feel genuinely understood, because I notice the weight you’re carrying, the patterns you’ve been sitting with, and the parts of your story that actually matter. I’m curious about who you are in the context of everything that shaped you: your culture, your relationships, your upbringing. I connect those threads with what’s happening with you now. I see individuals and couples across a wide range of experiences: mood disorders like depression and anxiety, identity work, ADHD, grief, and trauma. I’m equally comfortable supporting someone navigating a single difficult season or working through patterns that have persisted for years. I have particular experience with adolescents and young adults, as well as adults in midlife transitions. Whether you’re coming in with a specific crisis or just a sense that something needs to shift, I meet you where you are. Over my 10+ years as a therapist, I’ve developed an integrative approach. I draw on CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and EFT for couples. For trauma, I use EMDR, inner child work, and attachment-based approaches. I trained in nervous system work and trauma-informed yoga in Indonesia. I understand how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. More than the techniques, what ties them together is that I believe you already have the answers within you. My job is to create the conditions where those answers surface. Real trust and empathy. The safety to explore. The space to discover what change actually looks like for you. I’m a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and specialize in relational therapy. I work from a multicultural, anti-oppressive perspective, which means I’m attuned to the systems and contexts that shape your experience. With me, you get access to therapy from the comfort of your space!

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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.

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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!

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Yaroslav Grechkin

Yaroslav Grechkin

Hi there and welcome! I’m Yaroslav (or Y for short), a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. If you are here, you might be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or weighed down by challenges that feel hard to manage on your own. Maybe you are dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, or simply a loss of direction. Whatever brings you here, I want you to know you don’t have to face it alone. I work with adolescents (12+) and adults, individually or in couples, supporting clients through stress, anxiety, depression, intense emotions, addictions, and relationship ruptures. Therapy with me is collaborative—we will focus on your unique needs, strengths, and goals, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

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Jessica Charles

Jessica Charles

I specialize in helping young adults with CPTSD symptoms like low self-worth, depression, substance misuse, and neglect. Honestly – everybody needs to be empathetically challenged. To see if we’re a fit, email me for a free 15-min consultation :).

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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.

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Marc-Anthony Racco

Marc-Anthony Racco

Are you struggling to maintain relationships? Maybe you feel disconnected, unable to get through the day without negative thought patterns. As a psychotherapist, I work with both teens and adults, specializing in relational and childhood trauma. However, I also work with individuals who have faced various life challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. Holding a queer identity and a crisis counselling background, my therapeutic space is highlighted in inclusivity, incorporating anti-oppressive and strength-based frameworks to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts freely. My sessions often take a client-centred approach, building a collaborative process of unlearning damaging self-beliefs, practicing healthy coping skills, and reclaiming your life through newly formed self-awareness. This is your journey, and I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. I view trauma as a relational experience. Not only is it often experienced in relationships with others, but it is also a new development of healthy relationships that can assist in healing.

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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.

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Kinza Jat

Kinza Jat

Have you ever felt caught between who you are and who others expect you to be? Perhaps you are carrying the weight of discrimination, cultural pressures, or the lingering feeling of never fully belonging. As a second-generation Canadian raised by immigrant parents and someone who holds multiple marginalized identities, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate the space between different worlds. I offer a warm, affirming, and culturally sensitive environment where individuals aged 14 and up can slow down, feel understood, and reconnect with themselves. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and MA in Counselling Psychology student working under clinical supervision, I take a client-centred and collaborative approach rooted in psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based practices to foster insight, explore patterns, and support meaningful change. Much like a flower that blooms when given the right conditions, I see therapy as a space where growth unfolds when safety and understanding are present. Together, we can cultivate deeper self-awareness and draw on the resilience that already lives within you. If this resonates, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation.

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Lisa Vanderpas

Lisa Vanderpas

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, specializing in nervous system regulation and the mind-body connection. My work focuses on understanding how chronic stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma, and chronic pain can impact both psychological and physiological wellbeing. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities including CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy to support emotional awareness, resilience, and lasting personal growth. I am passionate about psychoeducation and helping individuals better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and nervous system responses. I strive to create a grounded, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic environment where healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change can take place.

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Roberta McClelland

Roberta McClelland

You are thinking about facing an issue that you are carrying (big or small), and changing things for the better. I'd like to be a part of that change. I'm Roberta McClelland. I'm a registered social worker with over 10 years of experience in the field. I work with female teens, post-secondary students, and adults who are coping with grief, caregiver fatigue, major and minor life transitions, relational stress, depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and abuse via in-person, virtual, and phone appointments I will create a safe, collaborative space for you that is focused on your strengths, that respects your needs and your voice, and that will flex with you as you move through your change journey. And I will support you in this journey by using a variety of treatment techniques based on what fits best and feels best for you. As a counsellor I'm committed to providing a non-judgmental place where you can bring what is heavy, look at what hurts, say what you need to say, and plan for a better tomorrow. If this sounds like a good fit for what you're looking for right now, please get in touch and consider meeting with with me for a free 15 minute consult to see if we're a good match Call or Email Roberta McClelland now for a free 15 minute consultation - (226) 242-3641 Let's Connect(226) 242-3641

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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.

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Tehreem Fatimah

Tehreem Fatimah

I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and have several years of experience working within community mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing challenges related to substance use, homelessness, depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma, and systemic barriers. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the resilience and strength individuals demonstrate while navigating difficult life circumstances. My work has shaped a compassionate and client-centred approach that is rooted in empathy, respect, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity. I understand how trauma, chronic stress, and experiences of marginalization can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being. Because of this, I am committed to creating a supportive, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and healing. I take a holistic and strengths-based approach to counselling, recognizing that every person brings unique experiences, abilities, and inner resources to the therapeutic process. I believe in working collaboratively with clients, allowing them to guide their journey while supporting them in developing practical coping tools, building resilience, and fostering greater self-awareness. My goal is to help individuals enhance their emotional well-being, improve their quality of life, and create sustainable, positive change.

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Vivian Chu

Vivian Chu

I offer a supportive and reflective space for individuals who are navigating the everyday challenges and complexities of life. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship concerns, or simply looking for a place to pause and reconnect with yourself, I am here to help. My goal is to provide a calm and compassionate space where you can feel heard and supported as you make sense of what you are going through. My approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for your lived experience. We can explore your thoughts and emotions to better understand what might be keeping you feeling stuck. I work with people from all walks of life who are seeking clarity, growth, and emotional well-being.

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Elika Yamauchi

Elika Yamauchi

Hello! My name is Elika (Eh-lee-ka) and I am a neurodivergent, cisgender, second generation Okinawan immigrant settler occupying the stolen traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. I am an intern counsellor completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree, and am excited for the opportunity to lean into over 15 years of experience working in community-based programs and social services. I have had the privilege of working alongside individuals of all ages, identities, and diverse family/caregiver structures such as young folks living in the foster care system. I bring a deep passion for welcoming and exploring the unique story of each person, nurturing their strengths, interests, and capacities while creating a supportive space to work through life’s challenges. Together, we’ll explore how your past experiences, your environment, and the different parts of who you are shape the person you are becoming today. Through developing a meaningful and trusting connection to ground our work together, I strive to support your vision of health and well-being with warmth, openness, empathy, and kind care. I believe in exploring and (re)discovering your inner resources, and nurturing your authenticity in a way that is meaningful to you.

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Related specialties

Frequently asked questions

What type of therapist is best for depression?

Many licensed professionals can treat depression, including counsellors, psychologists, and social workers. The most important factor is finding someone experienced with mood disorders and whose approach fits your needs, whether that is structured techniques, deeper exploration, or a mix of both.

How long does therapy for depression take?

The timeline varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, especially with structured approaches, while others benefit from longer-term support when depression is linked to life patterns, relationships, or unresolved experiences.

Can therapy work without medication for depression?

Yes, many people improve with therapy alone, particularly for mild to moderate depression. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral activation can be effective. For more severe cases, therapy and medication are sometimes combined for better results.

What happens in a depression therapy session?

Sessions typically involve discussing your thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences while identifying patterns that contribute to low mood. Therapists may introduce practical exercises, small behavioral changes, or ways to shift thinking patterns to gradually improve energy and outlook.

Do I need to feel ready before starting therapy for depression?

No. Many people begin therapy while feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure. A good therapist meets you where you are and helps you take small, manageable steps forward, even if you do not feel fully ready or hopeful at the start.

Depression Therapists in Canada — Find a Depression Therapist | Purple Lotus