Where To Find Depression Counselling: Canada & Mental Health Services

During any given year, about 5% of Canadians over the age of 14 experience major depressive disorder, and around 11% of adults will develop the condition at some point in their lives. Depression can affect a person’s life with low mood and feelings of hopelessness, creating a need to find mental health support. One of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of depression is through counselling with a trained professional. This article outlines the therapy options available in Canada and how to choose a therapist who fits your needs and preferences. 

Understanding depression and its impact 

Major depressive disorder is a common condition with both emotional and physical symptoms. Depression doesn’t manifest the same way in every person. The most common symptom tends to be a sad mood that lasts for more than two weeks, which can leave you with a sense of hopelessness. Other common symptoms of depression include the following:

• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of interest in your hobbies
• Irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Major depression is typically the most common form of depression, but other forms of the condition may also occur, such as psychotic depression, postnatal depression, and persistent depressive disorder. 

The impact of clinical depression doesn’t stop at a personal level. Because it often involves social withdrawal, the family members and friends of a person with depression may experience its effects as well. The impacts on families when an individual experiences untreated depression can be substantial, up to and including loss of contact, separation, or divorce. Depression is also one of the leading causes of lost productivity and work-related disability. 

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has found that the economic cost of mental illness reaches at least $50 billion a year. It estimates that by 2041, the direct cost of mental illness to Canada’s social services, healthcare, and income support systems will reach $291 billion, with indirect costs totaling more than $16 billion.

Why don’t more people get help for anxiety and depression?

If you don’t have depression, it can be easy to wonder why someone doesn’t get help as soon as they begin to see their mental health decline. One study found that half the people who met criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder hadn’t spoken to a health professional about their mental health within the past 12 months. Among individuals who had received counselling, however, 64.3% believed their needs were met, perhaps indicating that it’s often worth it to seek professional support.

For example, in Ontario, the average wait time for children and youth to begin attending therapy is 67 days, and for intensive treatment, the wait time extends to 92 days. Long wait times can be discouraging and may contribute to a sense of hopelessness.

Mental health services available in Canada

A variety of mental health resources are available across Canada. These include publicly funded supports and community-based resources, such as non-profits. 

Public mental health services through the health care system

Universal mental health care isn’t currently available in Canada, and low-cost public health care services vary between different provinces and territories. 

According to the Canadian Medical Association, the following mental health services are free:

• Psychiatry services
• Services deemed medically necessary, such as working with a clinical counsellor through a government-funded clinic
• Community-based mental health services
• Programs that serve specific communities, such as First Nations people or veterans

In addition, publicly funded services may be available in specific areas. For example, people living in Alberta can access low-cost in-person and virtual therapy through Counselling Alberta, which was established through a partnership between the Government of Alberta and Calgary Counselling Center. There is no waitlist, and the organization uses sliding scale fees to offer therapy without financial barriers. 

The Canadian Mental Health Association and other organisations offer trusted support and ongoing support, as well as helplines with toll-free numbers. In cases of mental health emergencies, you may access help through the nearest hospital or community center.

Counselling can help those dealing with depression by guiding individuals and families toward resilience. 

Available treatments and programs in Canada

Individuals experiencing depression may require one of several types of treatment, or a combination of treatments. These most commonly include psychotherapy, medication, or inpatient treatment. Canada offers structured programs for children, youth, and adults. A medical provider or mental health professional can offer a diagnosis to an individual and determine what treatment plan would be most successful in managing symptoms.

Finding depression and anxiety counselling in urban vs. rural areas

The area where an individual lives can greatly impact their opportunities to attend therapy. According to Mental Health Research Canada, people living in rural parts of Canada are less likely to receive support from a mental health professional, with an estimated 6% gap between the groups.

Rural Canadians are also more likely to receive mental health support from a family doctor or general physician than a mental health professional. Family doctors can effectively treat some mental health challenges but may not be equipped for more complex or severe conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

Suicide rates among Indigenous Peoples in Canada appear to be much higher than the rest of the population. Among First Nations, the rate is three times higher, and among Inuit people, the rate is nine times higher. 

One contributing factor may be limited opportunities to receive mental health care. Around 26% of Indigenous women and men between the ages of 19 and 45 live in a remote area of Canada, compared to 3% of non-Indigenous people. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.

Online mental health care options for depression counselling in Canada

A growing number of mental health professionals offer telehealth services in addition to in-person counselling. Online therapy platforms are also growing in popularity. Using a service like BetterHelp, individuals can connect with a counsellor to attend weekly therapy sessions through video, audio, or online chat. Because users can meet from anywhere with an internet connection, this kind of service can make it easier to attend therapy when you live hundreds of miles away from the nearest provider. 

A large body of research suggests that online therapy can produce the same results as traditional in-person therapy. For example, in a 2019 study, participants who used BetterHelp for three months experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity.

How to choose the right counsellor for your needs

As you search for mental health support, it may be helpful to determine what you’re looking for in a therapist. Research what kind of approach a potential therapist uses, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, and consider scheduling a short consultation to determine how comfortable you are talking to them.

Credentials and specializations

The type of credentials and specialization you’re looking for in a therapist depend on your goals, but the therapy models below are frequently used to treat depression.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often considered the gold standard in treating anxiety disorders and depression. 
• Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships, which can reduce symptoms of depression. 
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines mindfulness practices with CBT and may prevent a relapse of depression symptoms.
• Psychodynamic therapy explores the underlying emotional patterns and past experiences that may be contributing to depression symptoms. 

Finding a good fit for depression counselling in Canada through consultation sessions

Some therapists offer free or low-cost 15-minute consultations. During this time, you can ask relevant questions about the provider’s background and evaluate what kind of rapport the two of you have.

Here are some questions to ask during a consultation call:

• Have you worked with clients who have my concern before?
• What evidence-based treatment do you use?
• What’s your general availability? What about during an emergency?
• What kind of therapy do you typically recommend? 

Addressing specific concerns

For some, depression can occur alongside some common concerns such as alcohol misuse, bereavement, or relationship stressors. When seeking mental health treatment for depression, it can be important to factor in these challenges to find the right therapist to meet your needs. When working with your particular case, the therapist can provide the best support to reduce stress, encourage constructive thoughts, and provide training for healthy coping.

Additional support for depression and anxiety

Along with therapy, you may consider additional in-person and online resources that can help you navigate depression symptoms. Many of these supports are available for free and can be used to supplement depression counselling throughout the week.

Support groups

Support groups can offer a safe place to share your story and connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. They’re not a replacement for therapy, but a way to find community among others. 

• The Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia hosts more than 25 in-person and online support groups.
• The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba hosts weekly in-person and virtual support groups.
• Hope + Me, part of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, offers virtual peer support groups to Ontario residents. 

Crisis hotlines

If you are experiencing severe emotional distress due to depression symptoms and believe you could be in immediate danger, consider turning to a crisis intervention hotline. Most are available 24/7 and are staffed by trained crisis counsellors who will listen without judgment and help you connect with additional resources as needed.

• The Suicide Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Counsellors are trauma-informed, and bilingual crisis support is available. Call 9-8-8.
• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples can call the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7, which offers emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals. Support is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call 1-855-242-3310.
• Canadians aged five to 29 can call the Kids Help Phone 24/7 to talk to a trained first responder. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• Crisis Services Canada is a 24/7 hotline committed to supporting any Canadian who has been affected by suicide. Call 1-833-456-4566.