For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding area.
For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding area.

When life is challenging, we’re here for you.

Schedule a free counselling session or browse support groups.

When life is challenging, we’re here for you.

Schedule a free counselling session or browse support groups.

Kindly note that Counselling Connect will have fewer counselling appointments available over the holidays (December 21st and January 2nd). Immediate support is available by contacting the Ottawa Distress Centre (1-866-996-0991) or Youth Services Bureau's crisis lines (1-877-377-7775).

You, your partner or your children may be concerned about:

✓ Sleep issues 
✓ Anxiety and depression 
✓ Bullying 
✓ Behavioural issues
✓ Separation
✓ Relationships
✓ Grief and loss
✓ Drugs and alcohol
✓ Gender and sexuality
✓ Adjusting to life in Canada 
✓ Problem gambling
✓ Isolation and loneliness

How can we help?

Individual

Counselling

Quick access to 1-3 free counselling sessions. You choose a convenient date and time. No waiting list. 

Services available in English

Services offerts en français

Servicio disponible en español

الخدمات المتوفّرة بالعربية

提供普通话/国语服务

Get Started →

Support Groups

Free mental health and addictions support in a group setting. Available in English and French. Led by peers or staff. 

Get Started →

Counselling Connect provides free individual counselling and support groups. Our services are for people of all ages in Ottawa and the surrounding area, from Renfrew to Cornwall and the places in between.


We offer each person 1-3 individual counselling sessions. Most clients tell us just one session is enough.


We don’t offer on-going long-term counselling beyond 1-3 sessions. We are also not able to offer documentation for court-involved individuals.


We provide a safe and supportive space for everyone. We do not tolerate abusive language or behavior, ensuring a respectful and healing environment for all our staff and clients.

You can also book a Counselling Connect session by calling 2-1-1.
211 Ontario is a confidential service.

About Counselling Connect

There is a critical need for quick and easy access to individual and group counselling. With planning and development support from the Ottawa Health Team-Équipe Santé Ottawa, Counselling Connect launched in May 2020. 


We provide free phone, in-person and video counselling. More than 100 counsellors from more than 20 community-based mental health and substance use organizations make free counselling appointments available to book through this website. 


We are client-led and focused on equity. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Counselling Connect services are provided by counsellors of diverse backgrounds and experience including Indigenous communities; African, Caribbean and Black communities; other racialized communities; and LGBT2SQ+ communities. In English, French or Arabic.


Thank you to the City of Ottawa, Ontario Health, Ottawa Community Foundation, and United Way East Ontario for their generous financial support.


Learn more and access our reports. 

For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Kindly note that Counselling Connect will have fewer counselling appointments available over the holidays (December 21st and January 2nd). Immediate support is available by contacting the Ottawa Distress Centre (1-866-996-0991) or Youth Services Bureau's crisis lines (1-877-377-7775).

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