THERAPY SERVICES FOR UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS IN OTTAWA
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A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
The university or college years are times when you’re learning and growing. New relationships are being formed, unfamiliar experiences are being navigated, and you’re claiming your independence in the world. This is supposed to be an empowering and life-changing experience. This change, however, can affect your mental health as well. Being in college or university can easily become a place of imbalance, confusion, and anxiety when there is added pressure to succeed in school, make new friends, figure out adulting for the first time, all that on top of trying to figure out what to do with your career.
Maybe you’re having trouble staying motivated with your assignments or studies. You’re feeling overwhelmed with all your commitments. Along with being in social clubs and making new friends, there are so many classes and study groups you have to attend. Managing that many commitments and managing your time so efficiently is tough for somebody who isn’t used to it.
Plus, you now have to manage living on your own, perhaps in a new city, and handle all the responsibilities that come with “adulting”, like budgeting and getting groceries. It’s a lot! As you’re constantly meeting new people, you feel a lot of pressure to make a good impression and build friendships. You may struggle to find your “people” and occasionally, you might feel left out by a group of friends. You might feel rejected and isolated, and it’s hard. All these challenges might lead you to feel more anxious, depressed or burnt out. You may lean into over-studying and neglect your self-care. Or, you may engage in procrastination or try and compensate for your emotions with alcohol or cannabis to try and help you “calm down”.
Or you may be a parent who is concerned about your university or college student’s struggles. It seems like a major challenge for them to adjust to this new phase in their lives. Despite your desire to help them, you don’t know what to do.
Graduate school presents many transitions, just as college or undergrad does. Making decisions about the future, the uncertainty of your research findings, finding a job, and pursuing your career can feel overwhelming. Feeling uncertain of your future direction and anxious over the “what’s next” may make you feel anxious or discouraged.
How can someone benefit from therapy for college or university students?
Getting into college or university means embracing a sense of independence from your parents. It can be challenging, but it’s also a chance to learn new skills that help you grow. College students or university students may seek therapy for a variety of reasons.
Here are some reasons students seek therapy:
Having low self-esteem or self-confidence
Having trouble making decisions about the future
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious about finding a job
Experiencing relationship challenges
Feeling anxious, sad, or depressed
Feeling a lot of stress from your academic, personal, and/or social obligations
Every experience is different. As your psychologists and psychotherapists, we’re here to make you feel comfortable exploring and processing your life experience so you can make empowered and wise decisions. Our goal is to help you cope with the pressures of college or university so you can be happy and successful.
HOW CAN THERAPY SERVICES FOR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN OTTAWA HELP?
Our young adult therapists will help motivate you and feel good about yourself
At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, our young adult therapists help clients develop helpful and healthy coping mechanisms. To meet your goals, we’ll help you motivate yourself, utilise your strengths, and tap into potential resources. Our therapists have helped a lot of college and university students who are overwhelmed by balancing school and feeling lost. But after getting therapy for college or university students, they’ve felt more motivated, set goals, and gained confidence to move forward.
Our team is here to help!
Melisa Arias-Valenzuela
Amélie Vézina
Noëmie N. Dubois
Kayla Spicer
Ryan Watt
Mackenzie Bacon
Christie Lim
Gregory Rokhlenko
Karina Czechowski
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of issues do university and college students typically seek therapy for?
Students often seek therapy for challenges like anxiety, depression, academic pressure, low motivation, sleep issues, relationship problems, loneliness, or adjusting to independent living. Some also face identity exploration, perfectionism, procrastination, or difficulty managing stress during exams. Others may seek support with grief, trauma, or substance use. Therapy helps students gain clarity, build emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. At Uprise Psychology, our student-focused therapists create a supportive, non-judgmental space tailored to the unique experiences of post-secondary life—whether you’re in crisis or simply looking to thrive in a challenging environment.
How do I know if student therapy is right for me?
If you’re frequently feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, anxious, isolated, or stuck, therapy can help. You don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit—therapy can support personal growth, self-awareness, and better decision-making. Many students find that talking to a professional improves focus, emotional regulation, and their overall college or university experience. If mental or emotional challenges are impacting your academic performance, relationships, or physical health (like sleep or appetite), it may be a sign it’s time to reach out. Uprise Psychology offers a free consultation to explore your concerns and see if therapy is the right fit for your needs.
What happens in my first therapy session?
Your first therapy session is all about getting to know you and your goals. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, current challenges, emotional well-being, academic stressors, and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. You’ll also learn how sessions work, what confidentiality means, and have a chance to ask any questions. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. The goal is to establish trust, understand your situation, and develop a plan that fits your needs. At Uprise Psychology, our therapists prioritize comfort and collaboration, ensuring your first session sets a strong foundation for future progress.
How long does student therapy usually take, and how often are sessions?
The length of therapy depends on your goals and the complexity of your concerns. For common student issues like stress or mild anxiety, many clients benefit from 6–10 sessions using structured approaches like CBT. More ongoing challenges like depression, trauma, or self-esteem concerns may require longer-term support. Sessions typically occur weekly or bi-weekly, with adjustments based on progress or your academic schedule. At Uprise Psychology, we work with students to build a flexible plan that prioritizes well-being without overwhelming your course load or extracurricular responsibilities.
Can therapy help me manage academic stress and improve performance?
Yes—therapy is highly effective for managing academic stress. Students often deal with procrastination, test anxiety, burnout, and pressure to succeed. Therapy can help you identify the root causes of stress, challenge negative thought patterns, improve time management, and build better coping strategies. At Uprise Psychology, we teach tools like goal setting, cognitive reframing, mindfulness, and stress reduction exercises that directly support academic performance. With the right support, students often report better focus, reduced anxiety, and improved grades—along with more enjoyment in their studies.
Is online therapy effective for university and college students?
Absolutely. Online therapy is flexible, confidential, and accessible—especially for busy students or those living off-campus. Research shows that online therapy, particularly CBT, is just as effective as in-person sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. At Uprise Psychology, we offer secure virtual sessions so students across Ontario can connect from their dorm, apartment, or home—making it easier to access care without commuting or disrupting class schedules. We ensure you receive the same level of personalized support, whether in person or online.
How do I find the right therapist as a student?
Finding the right therapist starts with identifying someone who understands the unique challenges of student life. Look for a registered therapist experienced in issues like academic stress, anxiety, and identity development. At Uprise Psychology, our clinicians specialize in working with post-secondary students and tailor sessions to your learning style, cultural background, and schedule. We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions, share your goals, and determine if the therapist is a good fit. A strong connection and shared understanding are key to making therapy feel safe, empowering, and effective.
You can learn more about our team of therapist here.
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