Question 1

Am I depressed? How do I know if what I'm feeling is depression?

Accepted Answer

Depression is more than sadness — it's a clinical condition that reshapes how you think, feel, and function. Key signs include persistent low mood for 2+ weeks, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. If several of these have been present most days for two weeks or more, it's worth speaking with a therapist. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/am-i-depressed

Question 2

Do I have anxiety? What are the signs of an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

An anxiety disorder involves worry or fear that is persistent, out of proportion, and interferes with daily life. Common signs include constant worry, avoidance of feared situations, sleep problems, and physical symptoms like racing heart or nausea. Normal anxiety lifts when the stressor resolves; an anxiety disorder persists regardless. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/do-i-have-anxiety

Question 3

What is the difference between stress and an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stress is a response to an identifiable external demand and eases when circumstances change. Anxiety persists even without a clear stressor — it attaches to hypothetical futures and does not resolve when things improve. If worry feels chronic, pervasive, and disproportionate to the situation, that pattern is more consistent with an anxiety disorder. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/stress-vs-anxiety

Question 4

Am I burnt out, or is it something more serious?

Accepted Answer

Burnout is chronic exhaustion from prolonged demands and typically lifts with genuine rest and removal from the stressor. Depression is more pervasive and does not reliably improve with time away alone. If you have taken significant time off and still feel hollow or hopeless, that pattern is more consistent with clinical depression. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/am-i-burnt-out

Question 5

How do I know if I have trauma or PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Trauma is defined by its lasting impact on your nervous system, not the severity of the event. Signs of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional numbing, and hypervigilance. Complex trauma can also show up as emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, and a pervasive sense of being fundamentally different. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/trauma-signs

Question 6

Is my grief normal? When does grief become something that needs support?

Accepted Answer

Normal grief is intense and non-linear, but tends to soften over time. Complicated grief is characterized by grief that remains acutely debilitating for many months with no change, and a persistent inability to engage with life. If your grief has not shifted at all, or has triggered depression or trauma symptoms, therapy can help. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/is-my-grief-normal

Question 7

How do I find the right therapist in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of good outcomes — so finding the right fit matters as much as credentials. Start with a rough sense of what you want support with, check your insurance requirements, and use a free consultation to gauge the connection before committing. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/how-to-find-therapist

Question 8

What is the difference between an RP and an RSW?

Accepted Answer

Both Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW) are regulated, graduate-trained professionals providing psychotherapy in Ontario. The main practical difference is insurance eligibility — some plans cover RPs, some cover RSWs, and some cover both. Always verify with your specific plan. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/rp-vs-rsw

Question 9

What happens in a first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an intake — your therapist will learn why you've come in, what your life looks like, and what you hope to work on. You won't be pushed to disclose anything before you're ready. Most people leave feeling a mix of relief and slight vulnerability, which is completely normal. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/first-therapy-session

Question 10

What is the difference between CBT, DBT, and EMDR?

Accepted Answer

CBT is a structured, skills-based approach with strong evidence for anxiety and depression. EMDR is a trauma-specific protocol that helps the brain reprocess stored traumatic memories. DBT was developed for emotional dysregulation and is used broadly for self-harm, eating disorders, and interpersonal difficulties. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/therapy-approaches

Question 11

How much does therapy cost in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy in Ottawa typically ranges from $140–$200 per 50-minute session with an RP or RSW. Many employer benefit plans cover a meaningful portion of this — check your plan for annual limits and eligible provider types. We provide itemized receipts for insurance reimbursement after every session. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/therapy-cost-ottawa

Question 12

Does insurance cover therapy in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Most group health benefit plans include mental health coverage for registered psychotherapists and registered social workers. Coverage depends on your specific plan design, not just your insurer. The key things to check are eligible provider types, annual maximum, and whether pre-authorization is required. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/does-insurance-cover-therapy

Question 13

Which major insurance plans cover Registered Psychotherapists?

Accepted Answer

Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Greenshield, and Equitable Life all include RP and RSW coverage across most standard plan tiers. Coverage varies by your specific plan design, not just the insurer. All Valisen therapists are Registered Psychotherapists (RP). Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/which-plans-cover-rps

Question 14

Can I claim therapy costs on my taxes in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Therapy with a regulated professional in Ontario may qualify as a medical expense under the CRA's Medical Expense Tax Credit. Sessions with RPs and RSWs are likely eligible, though CRA guidance can change annually. We provide itemized receipts after every session with the documentation needed for a claim. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/tax-deductible-therapy

Question 15

How often should I go to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Weekly sessions are the standard starting cadence — they build consistency and momentum in the early stage of therapy. As you make progress, many people move to biweekly. The most important factor is showing up reliably; imperfect consistency still produces better outcomes than sporadic attendance. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/how-often-therapy

Question 16

How long does therapy take? When will I feel better?

Accepted Answer

Short-term focused work (8–20 sessions) works well for specific, circumscribed issues. More complex presentations — trauma, chronic depression, deep relational patterns — typically take longer. Most people notice some shift within the first few sessions; meaningful symptom improvement often appears within 6–12 weeks of weekly work. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/how-long-therapy

Question 17

What if I don't know what kind of therapy I need?

Accepted Answer

Not knowing what you need is the most common starting point — you don't need a diagnosis, a clear goal, or any knowledge of therapy modalities. Your therapist will help clarify what to focus on as you go. A free 20-minute consultation is enough to start the process. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/dont-know-what-i-need

Question 18

What is Valisen Mental Health?

Accepted Answer

Valisen Mental Health is a private therapy practice in Ottawa offering evidence-based individual therapy from a focused team of registered, experienced therapists. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Virtual sessions are available across Ontario. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/what-is-valisen

Question 19

How do I book a consultation or my first session?

Accepted Answer

Browse our therapist profiles, choose who feels right for you, and book a free 20-minute consultation directly with them through Jane — no referral or intake form needed. Sessions are typically available within a few days. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/how-to-book

Question 20

Do you offer therapy in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Our team currently offers therapy in English and Mandarin. Language access significantly affects the depth and safety of therapy — especially for early-life experiences. Filter by language on our therapists page to find the right fit. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/languages-offered

Question 21

Are your therapists licensed and regulated in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Valisen therapists are Registered Psychotherapists (RP) with CRPO — a regulated designation requiring graduate-level training and professional accountability. You can verify any therapist's registration through the college's public registry. Full answer: https://valisenmentalhealth.ca/faq/therapist-credentials

Honest answers to the questions we hear most

Mental Health Signs

Am I depressed? How do I know if what I'm feeling is depression?

Do I have anxiety? What are the signs of an anxiety disorder?

What is the difference between stress and an anxiety disorder?

Am I burnt out, or is it something more serious?

How do I know if I have trauma or PTSD?

Is my grief normal? When does grief become something that needs support?

Browse all topics

Mental Health Signs

Finding a Therapist

Cost & Insurance

About Sessions

About Valisen

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