Depression Support Groups in Ontario

Online Winter SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
This is an online group for people wit signs and symptoms of SAD, which may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day. ... Fall and winter SAD Trouble sleeping (insomnia) Poor appetite. Weight loss. ...
Photo of Astrid Couples And Family Counsellor Machalitza, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by Astrid Couples And Family Counsellor Machalitza
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Waterloo, ON N2K
This is an online group for people wit signs and symptoms of SAD, which may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day. ... Fall and winter SAD Trouble sleeping (insomnia) Poor appetite. Weight loss. ...
(226) 799-4950 View (226) 799-4950
Online: Help with depression, anxiety, trauma
This group is an open, drop-in group for everyone who deals with depression, anxiety, and trauma. As we can only become free from suffering if we walk through our emotions, I offer this group, where we will get to know ...
Photo of Astrid Couples And Family Counsellor Machalitza, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by Astrid Couples And Family Counsellor Machalitza
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Waterloo, ON N2K
This group is an open, drop-in group for everyone who deals with depression, anxiety, and trauma. As we can only become free from suffering if we walk through our emotions, I offer this group, where we will get to know ...
(226) 799-4950 View (226) 799-4950
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Group
DBT Virtual's online 12-week group program is designed to provide you with effective, practical coping strategies to regulate intense emotions and replace unhealthy, problematic behaviours. You will learn DBT skills aimed at managing emotional and interpersonal difficulties, including mindfulness, distress ...
Photo of DBT Virtual - DBT Program in ON, BC, AB & NS, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by DBT Virtual - DBT Program in ON, BC, AB & NS
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Toronto, ON M4W
DBT Virtual's online 12-week group program is designed to provide you with effective, practical coping strategies to regulate intense emotions and replace unhealthy, problematic behaviours. You will learn DBT skills aimed at managing emotional and interpersonal difficulties, including mindfulness, distress ...
(289) 210-5144 View (289) 210-5144
Supporting Your Voyage Through Life and DBT
13 Week DBT Skills Group (CLOSED - PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT FUTURE DATES). Feeling overwhelmed and looking for strategies to help with impulse control, managing fluctuating emotions, improving communication skills, and building healthy relationships. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a skills-based therapy ...
Photo of Tracie Gignac, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Tracie Gignac
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Tecumseh, ON N8N
13 Week DBT Skills Group (CLOSED - PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT FUTURE DATES). Feeling overwhelmed and looking for strategies to help with impulse control, managing fluctuating emotions, improving communication skills, and building healthy relationships. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a skills-based therapy ...
(548) 483-5520 View (548) 483-5520
DBT Skills
Our group is a fun and interactive atmosphere where participants learn new skills to overcome their challenges. It is also an opportunity to meet other people who share similar struggles. We use activities to facilitate the learning experience. You will ...
Photo of Suzanne McMullin, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Suzanne McMullin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Angus, ON L0M
Our group is a fun and interactive atmosphere where participants learn new skills to overcome their challenges. It is also an opportunity to meet other people who share similar struggles. We use activities to facilitate the learning experience. You will ...
(249) 504-0382 View (249) 504-0382
GJ Counselling
We work with individuals, couples and families. We address all kinds of topics from anxiety and depression, to workplace stress and burnout, interpersonal conflict, stress management, parenting struggles, social anxiety, anger management, adhd & existential crises. We also offer workshops ...
Photo of Graham Watt, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by Graham Watt
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP-Q
Verified Verified
Group meets in Guelph, ON N1H
We work with individuals, couples and families. We address all kinds of topics from anxiety and depression, to workplace stress and burnout, interpersonal conflict, stress management, parenting struggles, social anxiety, anger management, adhd & existential crises. We also offer workshops ...
(548) 490-8971 View (548) 490-8971
Stress Management for Students Program
Work one-on-one with a registered psychotherapist through a 6 week treatment plan designed to improve stress management in secondary and post-secondary students. Offered in person (Burlington) or online (anywhere in Ontario). Includes evidence-based techniques from CBT and DBT. $100+HST per ...
Photo of Tara Watson, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by Tara Watson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Burlington, ON L7R
Work one-on-one with a registered psychotherapist through a 6 week treatment plan designed to improve stress management in secondary and post-secondary students. Offered in person (Burlington) or online (anywhere in Ontario). Includes evidence-based techniques from CBT and DBT. $100+HST per ...
(289) 276-1789 View (289) 276-1789
Abundant Living Counselling Group
ALCG is a client-centered team of psychotherapists providing counselling services throughout the Ottawa area. We offer individual, couple, family, and group counselling to help clients overcome challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, infidelity, professional challenges and life transitions. With ...
Photo of Lorraine Jaksic, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ontario
Hosted by Lorraine Jaksic
Marriage & Family Therapist, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Nepean, ON K2G
ALCG is a client-centered team of psychotherapists providing counselling services throughout the Ottawa area. We offer individual, couple, family, and group counselling to help clients overcome challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, infidelity, professional challenges and life transitions. With ...
(613) 727-4455 View (613) 727-4455
Mental Health First Aid Certification Course
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a 9-hour evidence-based certification course that equips participants with tools to recognize signs, initiate conversations, and offer appropriate support to individuals experiencing a decline in mental well-being or a mental health crisis. The course ...
Photo of Kimeiko Hotta Dover, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario
Hosted by Kimeiko Hotta Dover
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, PsyDip
Verified Verified
Group meets in Markham, ON L3T
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a 9-hour evidence-based certification course that equips participants with tools to recognize signs, initiate conversations, and offer appropriate support to individuals experiencing a decline in mental well-being or a mental health crisis. The course ...
(365) 363-3990 View (365) 363-3990
The Oak Centre for Child and Family Psychology
A group practice of highly skilled clinicians who provide treatment to children, adolescents, families and adults, for a range of mental health and developmental concerns
Photo of Christina Ricciuti, Psychologist in Ontario
Hosted by Christina Ricciuti
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakville, ON L6H
A group practice of highly skilled clinicians who provide treatment to children, adolescents, families and adults, for a range of mental health and developmental concerns
(289) 677-5508 View (289) 677-5508
ReVamp Group Therapy
Revamp Group Therapy is a 6 week group that uses trauma informed ACT therapy to help you work on your mental health and wellness. Group Goals:  1. Help you create a meaningful life 2. Teach you the skills to handle ...
Photo of Gray Matter Health -Brampton Psychotherapists, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Gray Matter Health -Brampton Psychotherapists
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Brampton, ON L6V
Revamp Group Therapy is a 6 week group that uses trauma informed ACT therapy to help you work on your mental health and wellness. Group Goals:  1. Help you create a meaningful life 2. Teach you the skills to handle ...
(289) 302-8255 View (289) 302-8255
Integration Online Groups
Please join me monthly for a workshop on Integration. I will lead us in a meditation and use Himalayan Singing Bowls. This class is free for the first session.
Photo of Hilary Lupton, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Hilary Lupton
Registered Social Worker, MSW , RSW , BA
Verified Verified
Group meets in London, ON N6P
Please join me monthly for a workshop on Integration. I will lead us in a meditation and use Himalayan Singing Bowls. This class is free for the first session.
(226) 702-4856 View (226) 702-4856
Adolescent & Young Adult Therapy Group
In person group. Over an eight week period, two Registered Psychotherapists will work with participants to uncover and manage issues and contributing factors related to loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety. Focused topics include identity, sexuality, worldview, family, social connections and ...
Photo of David Johnston, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by David Johnston
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CRPO, OCT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakville, ON L6J
In person group. Over an eight week period, two Registered Psychotherapists will work with participants to uncover and manage issues and contributing factors related to loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety. Focused topics include identity, sexuality, worldview, family, social connections and ...
(289) 812-0243 View (289) 812-0243
Unmasking Depression Group
Sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness or losing interest in your favourite activities are all symptoms of depression. In this group you’ll find support from members experiencing the kinds of issues you’re facing. You’ll develop valuable coping strategies and support from people who’ve ...
Photo of The Mind People therapy & wellness, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by The Mind People therapy & wellness
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakville, ON L6J
Sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness or losing interest in your favourite activities are all symptoms of depression. In this group you’ll find support from members experiencing the kinds of issues you’re facing. You’ll develop valuable coping strategies and support from people who’ve ...
(416) 505-3899 View (416) 505-3899
NLP Certification Training
Inspired Outcomes (Allen and Tara Kanerva) conduct regular trainings in NLP, Time Line Therapy and Hypnotherapy. We hold FREE INFORMATION nights every month for anyone interested in knowing more about what we do! See our website www.inspiredoutcomes.ca to find out ...
Photo of Tara Kanerva in Ontario
Hosted by Tara Kanerva
MA, Therapy, Hypno, NLP, Coach
Verified Verified
Group meets in Guelph, ON N1G
Inspired Outcomes (Allen and Tara Kanerva) conduct regular trainings in NLP, Time Line Therapy and Hypnotherapy. We hold FREE INFORMATION nights every month for anyone interested in knowing more about what we do! See our website www.inspiredoutcomes.ca to find out ...
(226) 605-5705 View (226) 605-5705
Talk Shop for Women
Talk Shop for Women provides a venue for people to gain self-awareness and personal growth through an authentic communication process. It meets weekly for eight sessions. Members are: *People attempting to deal with life in a complex society *People seeking ...
Photo of M. Christine Brown Clearview Wellness Counselling, Counsellor in Ontario
Hosted by M. Christine Brown Clearview Wellness Counselling
Counsellor, BA, BEd, MEd, equiv, Gestalt
Verified Verified
Group meets in Mississauga, ON L5G
Talk Shop for Women provides a venue for people to gain self-awareness and personal growth through an authentic communication process. It meets weekly for eight sessions. Members are: *People attempting to deal with life in a complex society *People seeking ...
(289) 272-9267 View (289) 272-9267
Online OCD Support Group
The OCD Support Group is a small group of male and female adults that have struggled with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a similar issue. It focuses on issues that can be barriers to treatment progress, such as feelings of ...
Photo of Kate Caldwell, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by Kate Caldwell
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ottawa, ON K1N
The OCD Support Group is a small group of male and female adults that have struggled with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a similar issue. It focuses on issues that can be barriers to treatment progress, such as feelings of ...
(343) 430-3291 View (343) 430-3291
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Group
I run a psychodynamic psychotherapy group for adults together with my partner, Susan Chernin. The group meets weekly for 10 months with 3 extended sessions during the year. The annual cost is $2500. Interested persons are invited to meet for ...
Photo of John Gross, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Hosted by John Gross
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CTP Dip
Verified Verified
Group meets in Toronto, ON M4T
I run a psychodynamic psychotherapy group for adults together with my partner, Susan Chernin. The group meets weekly for 10 months with 3 extended sessions during the year. The annual cost is $2500. Interested persons are invited to meet for ...
(437) 747-6130 View (437) 747-6130
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; Learn practical ways to manage stress. (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions. This 8-week psycho-educational group program helps develop capacity for greater calm and teaches practical skills to manage stress. ...
Photo of Anchor Counselling, AAT & Mindfulness Facilitator, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Anchor Counselling, AAT & Mindfulness Facilitator
Registered Social Worker, MBSR , RSSW, AAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Elmwood, ON N0G
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; Learn practical ways to manage stress. (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions. This 8-week psycho-educational group program helps develop capacity for greater calm and teaches practical skills to manage stress. ...
(226) 270-3181 View (226) 270-3181
Coping with Anxiety (Online)
Photo of Luminare Counselling, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Hosted by Luminare Counselling
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Mississauga, ON L5M
(647) 371-1300 View (647) 371-1300

See more therapy options for Ontario

Depression Support Groups

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.