Individual counselling · Fees & what to expect · Ottawa & online
Counselling Services in Ottawa
Therapy with no surprises: what it costs, how it works, what happens first.
Not every reason to start therapy has a tidy name. Maybe it’s anxiety or depression; maybe it’s grief, a transition, or just the sense that something isn’t right and hasn’t been for a while. This page covers the practical side: services, fees, and what actually happens when you reach out.
Start small. It spreads.
Who individual counselling is for
- You’re navigating anxiety, low mood, or depression that won’t lift.
- You’re grieving, or carrying a loss that never quite got its space.
- A transition (career, relationship, immigration, new parenthood, illness) has knocked the ground loose.
- Old experiences keep shaping present reactions, and you’re tired of it.
- You can’t point to one thing. You just know you don’t feel like yourself.
If your situation fits a focused service, those pages go deeper: EMDR and somatic therapy for trauma, IFS for inner conflict, anxiety therapy, and couples counselling. Not sure? Start here; sorting that out is what the free call is for.
Services and fees
The individual session fee, free consultation and payment arrangements below apply to both Masood Suliman and Maiah Horne. Couples therapy is offered by Masood only.
- Free 15-minute consultation: $0. A no-obligation call to explore your goals, ask questions, and see if it feels like a fit.
- Individual therapy session (50 minutes): $200. One-on-one, evidence-based work tailored to you. In person in Hintonburg, Ottawa, or online across Ontario.
- Couples therapy session (50 minutes): $220. A space to reconnect and work through challenges together. Details on the couples counselling page.
- No referral needed.
- Insurance: you pay per session and receive a detailed receipt with your therapist’s CRPO registration number. We don’t bill insurance directly. Before booking, check whether your insurer covers the actual provider and service, including virtual appointments if applicable. Reimbursement depends on your individual plan; a receipt does not guarantee coverage.
How we work
Therapy here is evidence-informed, client-centred, and trauma-aware. We draw on CBT, EMDR, IFS, and somatic and mindfulness-based strategies, and we tailor them to your needs, goals, and circumstances. You can read about both therapists here.
What to expect, step by step
- 1
The free 15-minute call
No forms, no preparation needed. You say as much or as little as you want; we suggest a starting point.
- 2
First sessions build the foundation
Your history, your goals, and the skills that make harder work possible later. Nothing is rushed.
- 3
The plan stays yours
We check direction together as we go, you’ll never be pushed toward anything you’re not ready for, and you can change course or stop at any time.
Questions people ask before starting
How much does therapy cost in Ottawa?
See current fees and session lengths above. If you plan to use insurance, check coverage for your therapist and the service you will receive before booking.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly; psychotherapy in Ontario doesn’t require a doctor’s referral. Some insurance plans ask for one for reimbursement, so check your plan’s terms.
How often are sessions?
Most people start weekly or every two weeks, and the rhythm adjusts as things steady. Consistency early on matters more than frequency forever.
In person or online, which should I pick?
Whichever you’ll actually attend. In person at 9 Melrose Ave in Hintonburg if you settle better face to face; secure video anywhere in Ontario if travel is the barrier. Many clients mix both.
One small ripple is enough to start.
A free 15-minute call. No forms, no pressure to tell your story before you’re ready.
Book a free 15-minute call