Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Ottawa and Gatineau
Cognitive behavioural therapy with regulated professionals in the Belleisle network, for clients in Ottawa and Gatineau, offered online across Ontario and Quebec.
Sessions in English or French · No referral required.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an approach to psychotherapy that looks at the connections between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours. It starts from the idea that certain ways of thinking and acting can help keep a difficulty going, and that it is possible to examine them and change them gradually.
CBT is generally structured and organized around goals set with you. It rests on active collaboration: the professional and the client look together at what is happening, choose what to work on, and observe the effects of that work.
Reviewed by the Belleisle Clinics clinical team. Last updated: 29 September 2026.
What difficulties is CBT used for?
CBT is used for a wide range of difficulties. It is a well-documented approach for several anxiety disorders, in adults as well as in children and teenagers. For depression in adults, Canadian guidelines recommend it among the first-line psychological treatments.
It can also be adapted to other difficulties, such as stress, certain sleep-related difficulties, or the organizational difficulties associated with ADHD. Whether CBT is the right fit depends on the situation, on the reason for consulting and on the person’s goals.
For some of these difficulties in particular, you may want to read our pages on therapy for anxiety, therapy for depression, ADHD and psychotherapy for children and teenagers.
What CBT can involve
What happens in CBT varies with the difficulty, the goals and the person. The work may include:
- understanding the difficulty better: what sets it off, what keeps it going, and how it affects daily life;
- examining certain thoughts: noticing the ones that come back often and considering them with more distance, in light of the facts;
- returning to activities: gradually reintroducing activities that matter to you or that bring some satisfaction, particularly when mood is low;
- facing avoided situations gradually: in a planned way and at an agreed pace, when avoidance is keeping anxiety going;
- building particular skills: problem solving, communication, assertiveness or stress management, depending on what is needed.
The work often continues between sessions, through exercises or observations agreed on together. How much of this there is, and what form it takes, depends on your situation.
How CBT works in practice
The first meeting is mainly there to understand what brings you in, your situation and what you would like to work on. It can also be a starting point for the therapeutic work itself.
Goals are then set out more precisely with the professional. Sessions often follow a structure: a look back at the period since the last session, work on a goal, then what will be tried before the next one. Progress is reviewed as you go, and goals can be adjusted.
The length of CBT varies depending on the nature and duration of the difficulties, their impact, the goals involved and how the work evolves. After a few initial assessment sessions, the professional is often able to offer a first estimate, which can be adjusted as the work goes on.
CBT with children and teenagers
CBT can be adapted to a young person’s age and development. Depending on that development, some interventions may use play, drawing or other suitable means to support communication and the therapeutic work.
How much parents take part varies with the young person’s age, their needs, consent, the mandate agreed for the service and the professional’s approach. To read more, see our page on psychotherapy for children and teenagers.
CBT does not suit every situation
One approach is not necessarily preferable to another in every situation. Other approaches, for example psychodynamic, relational, emotion-focused, or based on acceptance and commitment, may fit some needs better, or may be combined with elements of CBT.
The professional can explain how they work and how that relates to your needs.
Who provides CBT?
“CBT therapist” describes an approach, not a regulated professional title. CBT is provided by professionals authorized to practise psychotherapy who have trained in the approach.
The professionals in the Belleisle network who provide CBT are independent and regulated: each belongs to a professional order or college in the province where they practise and works within their own areas of competence. In Ontario, several regulated professions may provide psychotherapy within their scope of practice; at Belleisle you are most likely to work with a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) or a Psychologist (CPBAO).
In Quebec, the practice of psychotherapy is reserved. Psychologists, physicians and couple and family therapists practise it without a separate psychotherapist permit; members of certain other professional orders may practise it while holding the psychotherapist’s permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.
It is therefore worth checking the professional’s exact title, their registration with a professional order or college and their training in CBT. For more on professional titles, see our psychotherapy page and our guide, Psychologist vs. Psychotherapist in Ontario.
CBT online in Ottawa and Gatineau
CBT can also take place online, in Quebec as well as in Ontario.
The online format can reduce travel and some scheduling constraints. It does require a space private enough for a confidential conversation, and it does not suit every situation.
For services provided at a distance, authorization requirements can vary depending on the jurisdictions involved and on where the client and the professional are located during the session. The professional must make sure they comply with the rules that apply to their situation.
For therapy in Ottawa and Gatineau, you may also want to read our page on online therapy in Ottawa and, in French, Psychothérapie à Gatineau.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CBT and psychotherapy?
CBT is one of several approaches to psychotherapy. A course of psychotherapy may rest entirely on CBT, draw on some of its elements, or follow a different approach altogether.
Do I need a diagnosis to start CBT?
No. The work can start from the difficulties you are noticing, with no prior diagnosis.
Is there work to do between sessions?
Often, yes. Exercises or observations may be agreed on with the professional. They are adapted to the person’s situation, goals and pace.
How long does CBT take?
It varies from person to person, depending on the nature of the difficulties, their impact and the goals involved. After a few initial assessment sessions, the professional is often able to offer a first estimate and a direction for the work, which can be adjusted as therapy goes on.
Can I ask for CBT specifically?
You can mention your preference when you send your request. The professional can then discuss with you which approach best suits your situation.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No. Neither Ontario nor Quebec requires a physician referral for psychotherapy in private practice. Some extended health insurance plans do require a doctor’s note for reimbursement, so it is worth checking the wording of your plan before your first session.
Getting started
You can send a request to Belleisle with a brief note about what brings you in, your province, your language preference and your availability, along with your interest in CBT if that applies.
Depending on needs and availability, the network aims to direct you to a professional whose area of practice matches your request.
Reference
Lam, R. W., Kennedy, S. H., Adams, C., et al. (2024). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2023 Update on Clinical Guidelines for Management of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 69(9), 641-687.
In a crisis
The services described on this page are not a substitute for crisis or emergency services.
If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, you can call or text 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
In Quebec, you can also call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) or dial 811, option 2, for Info-Social.
The content on this page is provided for information only. It is not individualized professional advice, does not create a therapeutic relationship, and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health professional.