Depression Therapy in Toronto and Across Ontario
Feeling low, flat or exhausted is not weakness. Support that meets you where you are, by video across Ontario.
Free 15-minute call · No pressure
Depression is more than a bad week
Everyone has low days. Depression is when low mood, numbness or exhaustion hangs around for weeks and starts to change how you sleep, work, eat and connect with people. It can look like sadness, but it can also look like irritability, emptiness, or losing interest in things you used to care about.
Many people with depression keep performing. You show up to work, take care of everyone else and look fine from the outside while feeling empty inside. You do not have to be unable to get out of bed to deserve support.
Common signs of depression
- Low or flat mood: most days, for two weeks or more
- Loss of interest: things you used to enjoy no longer land
- Exhaustion: tired even after sleep, or sleeping much more or less
- Foggy thinking: trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Appetite changes: eating much more or much less than usual
- Harsh self-talk: feeling worthless, guilty or like a burden
- Pulling away: cancelling plans, going quiet, isolating
- Hopelessness: feeling like things will not get better
If you are having thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself, please call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time, anywhere in Canada. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
How therapy for depression can help
- Understanding what is behind it: depression often grows out of burnout, grief, loss, long-term stress, relationship strain or past experiences. Naming what is driving it is a first step.
- Interrupting the cycle: low mood leads to withdrawing, and withdrawing leads to lower mood. Practical approaches such as CBT, including behavioural activation, help you rebuild routines and energy in small, doable steps.
- Easing self-criticism: approaches such as ACT and AEDP help you make room for hard feelings and respond to yourself with more kindness.
- Rebuilding connection: therapy gives you a steady place to talk, and helps you reconnect with the people and things that matter to you.
Therapy and medication
We do not prescribe medication. Therapy can be used on its own or alongside medication prescribed by your family doctor, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. If you are curious about medication, or if your low mood may have a physical contributor such as a thyroid issue or a sleep problem, your doctor is the right first stop. We are happy to work alongside them.
Depression in different contexts
How do I get started with therapy?
Three simple steps. You set the pace.
Book a free 15-minute consult
Tell us what is going on and what you hope will change. We talk about fit, availability and fees. No pressure.
Meet your clinician
Your first session is by secure video. We listen, get clear on your goals and agree on a plan that suits you.
Build momentum
How often we meet is something we decide together. We check in on progress and adjust as you go.
Who will I work with?
Registered clinicians who believe real change starts with genuine connection.
Megan Sigmundson
BA, BEd, MA, RP · Registered Psychotherapist
Nine years in practice. Megan supports students, young adults, women, men and parents with anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions, and is a Certified EFFT Caregiver Workshop Facilitator. Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Christina Abounassar
Founder · MSW, RSW · Registered Social Worker
Over 10 years in practice. Christina works with driven professionals, couples and individuals who are ready to do deeper work, in a space where you can feel heard without judgment. Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy
How do I know if it is depression or just a rough patch?
A rough patch usually eases when circumstances change. Depression tends to last two weeks or more, show up most days and affect your sleep, energy, concentration or interest in life. If you are unsure, a free 15-minute consult is a low-pressure place to talk it through.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You can start therapy for low mood without a diagnosis. If you want a formal assessment, your family doctor, nurse practitioner or a psychiatrist can provide one.
Is therapy or medication better for depression?
It depends on you, and it is a decision to make with your doctor. Many people use therapy alone, and many use both. Therapy builds skills and understanding that last beyond any one treatment.
How long does therapy for depression take?
It varies. Some people notice shifts within a few months, while others stay longer to work on patterns that run deeper. We review progress together and adjust as you go.
I do not have the energy to book. What can I do?
That is common with depression. The first step can be very small: a free 15-minute call, or a short message through our contact page. You do not need to have it all figured out.
Do you offer online sessions for depression?
Yes. Virtual sessions by secure video are available anywhere in Ontario. You need to be physically in Ontario during your session.
Is depression therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
OHIP does not cover private therapy, but many extended health plans cover Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists. We provide receipts. See our fees and insurance page for details.
Take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
Book a free 15-minute consult and tell us what is going on. We will talk about how we would work together and whether we are the right fit.
If you are in crisis
- Call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24/7 anywhere in Canada.
- Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 for mental health and addictions services.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
The Heart of Healing is not a crisis or emergency service.
(289) 819-3399 · theheartofhealingcs@gmail.com · 1015 Lakeshore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4M 1B0
Virtual therapy for clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Barrie.