Depression Counselling in Barrie, ON

Depression doesn't always look like sadness. Sometimes it's exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix — a persistent numbness, a loss of motivation, or the quiet sense that things you once enjoyed no longer reach you. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you don't have to keep pushing through it by yourself.



At Reset Counselling & Psychotherapy, our registered psychotherapists and registered social workers offer depression counselling in Barrie built around you — your pace, your goals, and what's actually been hard. We provide in-person and virtual sessions so that support is always within reach.

Could Depression Counselling Help You?

Recognizing when low mood has moved beyond a difficult stretch is one of the most important steps toward getting the right support. These two areas can help you get clearer on where you're at.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression


Depression affects people differently. For some, it's persistent sadness or hopelessness. For others, it shows up as emotional numbness, irritability, or a slow withdrawal from people and activities that once felt meaningful.


Common signs include:


  • Persistent sadness or low mood that doesn't lift
  • Anhedonia — a loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
  • Fatigue and low energy, even after a full night's sleep
  • Sleep changes — difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
  • Appetite changes or unexplained weight fluctuations
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Irritability or restlessness that feels out of character
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
  • Social withdrawal and difficulty functioning at work, school, or home


If several of these feel familiar — and they've been present for more than two weeks — it may be time to talk to someone.


When Low Mood May Be More Than a Difficult Week


Not every hard week is depression. But when low mood is persistent, affects your ability to function day-to-day, or feels like it has no clear cause, it warrants a closer look.


You don't need a formal diagnosis to start talking with one of our therapists. Psychotherapy isn't a replacement for a medical assessment — if you're concerned about a diagnosis or medication, speaking with your family doctor is an important step — but counselling can begin at any point in that process.

How Depression Counselling Can Help

Therapy for depression isn't just about talking through how you feel. It's about understanding what's keeping you stuck and building the tools to move forward.

What We Can Work on Together


Our work together can look different depending on your situation, but here are some of the areas we commonly address:


  • Understanding patterns that contribute to persistent low mood
  • Challenging unhelpful thought patterns that reinforce feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Reducing avoidance and withdrawal that depression makes feel like relief but often deepens the cycle
  • Rebuilding daily routines and structure that support stability
  • Reconnecting with relationships and social support
  • Developing coping strategies for stress and difficult emotions
  • Improving emotional regulation and self-compassion
  • Restoring motivation and meaning in daily life
  • Managing life transitions that have contributed to or compounded low mood


The goal isn't perfection — it's sustainable, meaningful change.


What Progress in Depression Therapy Can Look Like


Progress in therapy tends to be gradual, and it often shows up in the details before it shows up in the big picture. Some of the changes our clients notice along the way:


  • Getting through morning routines more consistently, without as much dread
  • Reaching out to a friend or family member they'd been avoiding
  • Noticing a negative thought pattern sooner — and knowing what to do with it
  • Having more energy for activities that matter to them
  • Feeling less overwhelmed when emotions become intense
  • Returning to a hobby or interest that depression had pushed aside
  • Feeling more equipped to navigate future low periods when they come


These shifts are real, and they build on each other.

Our Approach to Depression Therapy at Reset

There's no single approach to depression therapy that works for everyone. Our therapists draw on several evidence-based methods to build a treatment plan that fits your specific situation, history, and goals.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Behavioural Activation

    CBT is one of the most extensively researched treatments for depression. It works by helping you identify automatic thoughts — the quick, often unconscious interpretations your mind makes about yourself, others, and the world — and examining whether those thoughts are accurate or helpful.


    In practice, this means learning to catch unhelpful thinking patterns before they pull you deeper into low mood, and developing practical coping strategies you can use outside of sessions.


    Behavioural activation is closely connected to CBT and addresses one of depression's most powerful mechanisms: withdrawal. Depression pulls you away from the activities and connections that sustain you. The less you do, the worse you feel — and the harder it becomes to do anything at all. Behavioural activation works by gradually and intentionally re-engaging with meaningful activities and scheduling goal-directed behaviour, breaking that cycle from the outside in.


    Together, CBT and behavioural activation give you both the cognitive tools and the structural support to start feeling better.


  • Interpersonal Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Approaches

    Depression rarely exists in isolation from our relationships. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on the connection between mood and the people around us — addressing interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, difficult life transitions, and social isolation that may be contributing to how you're feeling. By improving communication and strengthening social connections, IPT helps restore one of the most important foundations of mental well-being.


    Mindfulness-based approaches work differently: rather than changing what you think, they change how you relate to your thoughts. For people managing depression, mindfulness helps reduce rumination — the repetitive, self-critical mental loops that sustain low mood — while building a quieter, more grounded relationship with your inner experience. Over time, this can significantly support relapse prevention.


  • Trauma-Informed Therapy and EMDR When Past Experiences Are Part of the Picture

    For some people, depression is connected to painful or distressing experiences from the past — trauma, adverse events, or memories that still carry a strong emotional charge. When that's part of the picture, our therapists work within a trauma-informed framework that prioritizes safety, trust, and nervous system regulation throughout the therapeutic relationship.


    Where clinically appropriate, a therapist may also integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — an evidence-based approach originally developed for PTSD and CPTSD, now used effectively when past experiences are contributing to ongoing depression. EMDR is not a primary treatment for all depression; it's one tool our therapists consider when your history calls for it.

What to Expect From Depression Counselling at Reset

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Knowing what the process actually looks like often makes it easier to begin.

Your First Counselling Session


Your first session is primarily about getting to know you. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say — your therapist will guide the conversation.



Together, you'll talk about what's been hard, what's brought you to this point, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. Your therapist will share what working together might look like and begin building a plan that feels realistic and manageable. You'll have space to ask questions at any point. If the approach needs to be adjusted as things progress, it will be.


What Ongoing Sessions May Look Like


Once you've established a direction together, ongoing sessions focus on putting it into practice. This might include reviewing how the week went, identifying patterns in thoughts or behaviours, working through specific coping skills or practical exercises, and processing emotions that are difficult to sit with alone. Goals are collaborative and evolve over time. Between-session practice — when it's relevant and agreed upon — can also help deepen the work that happens in the room.


How Many Therapy Sessions Will I Need?


There's no single answer. Duration depends on your goals, the complexity of what you're working through, how often you attend, and how you're progressing. Many of our clients attending for depression-related concerns attend at least 8 to 12 sessions — though this varies considerably from person to person and isn't a fixed requirement.


In-Person or Virtual Depression Counselling


Both options are available at Reset. In-person sessions take place at our Barrie clinic; virtual sessions are available by secure video across Ontario. Each therapist's available formats are listed on our booking page.

View Virtual Therapy Options

Depression Counselling in Barrie and Across Simcoe County

Reset serves clients across Barrie and the surrounding region — both in person and virtually, depending on what works best for you.

In-Person Depression Therapy at Our Barrie Clinic


Our Barrie clinic is located at Unit 201–151 Essa Road, with free parking available on site. For many clients, coming into the office matters. The physical separation from home, the quiet of a private room, and the face-to-face connection with a local therapist all contribute to the therapeutic experience in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere.


If getting to the clinic feels difficult — due to transportation, scheduling, or depression itself making it harder to leave the house — virtual sessions offer the same quality of care from wherever you are.


Serving Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, Bradford, New Tecumseth and Simcoe County


Clients come to Reset from Barrie and surrounding communities throughout Simcoe County, including Orillia, Innisfil, Bradford, and New Tecumseth. Depending on your location, in-person appointments at our Barrie clinic may be a practical option — or a virtual session may better suit your schedule and distance. Our booking page shows each therapist's current availability and session format.


Virtual Depression Counselling Across Ontario


Our virtual therapy sessions run through a secure, confidential video platform and are available to residents across Ontario. For clients managing depression, the accessibility of online therapy — no commute, no waiting room, no need to arrange transportation — removes several real barriers to getting started and staying consistent.

Book a Virtual Session

Meet Our Therapists for Depression Counselling

Our team brings genuine warmth and clinical experience to every session. Finding the right fit matters — and we make that process easy.

Care From Registered Mental Health Professionals


Every therapist at Reset holds a recognized professional designation — Registered Psychotherapist (RP), RP Qualifying, or Registered Social Worker (RSW). Our RPs are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). All of our therapists work within evidence-informed frameworks and receive ongoing professional development to maintain their registration. When you work with Reset, you're working with regulated professionals held to consistent ethical and clinical standards.


Find a Therapist Who Fits You


The right therapist-client relationship makes a real difference in how therapy unfolds. Below are a few members of our team with experience supporting clients through depression:

A smiling person with a nose ring and gauges, wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic print, sitting against a beige wall.

Van Shanahan, RP

I’m here for people who have a lot to lose and those who have nothing left to lose.

A smiling person with blonde hair in a low ponytail, wearing a grey cardigan over a floral print dress.

Leah Juras, RP

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined it would.

A smiling person with a goatee and glasses wearing a textured gray button-up shirt over a black shirt.

Craig Head, RP (Q)

If you’re carrying something heavy or questions you can’t seem to quiet — you don’t have to hold it alone.

Not sure who to choose? Our therapist matching tool helps pair you based on your needs, availability, and preferences.

Book a Session

Depression Counselling Fees, Insurance and Booking

Here's what you need to know before booking your first session — straightforward, no surprises.

Session Fees and Appointment Length


Sessions at Reset are $170 for a 50 minutes. This rate applies to individual counselling sessions. We accept Visa and Mastercard. Receipts are issued through your JaneApp client profile and can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement. As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapy and counselling therapy services are exempt from GST/HST across Canada — so no tax is added to your session fee.


Insurance Coverage for Psychotherapy


Coverage varies depending on your extended health benefit plan and your therapist's designation. Most employer and union plans cover sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs) — both of which are represented on our team. We recommend checking your plan's annual maximum and accepted designations before your first session.


We don't currently offer direct billing, but most insurers process reimbursements quickly when you upload your receipt online.


Read: Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Ontario?


Do I Need a Referral?


No referral is required to book with Reset as a private client. You can book directly through our online scheduling system at any time. Some insurance plans have their own reimbursement requirements, so it's worth confirming your coverage before your first appointment.

Book a Session

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Counselling

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from people considering depression counselling in Barrie.

  • Do I Need a Depression Diagnosis Before Starting Counselling?

    No. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin therapy at Reset. Many of our clients come to us experiencing persistent low mood, loss of motivation, or emotional exhaustion — without a diagnosis attached. Our therapists work with what you're experiencing, not a label. If a formal assessment or diagnosis is important to you, your family doctor is the right first step.


  • Can Counselling Help If I Am Taking Antidepressant Medication?

    Yes. Psychotherapy and medication are not mutually exclusive. Many people benefit from both, particularly in more severe or complex cases. Health Canada and CAMH both recognize that combined treatment — therapy alongside antidepressants — produces stronger outcomes for some individuals. All decisions about medication belong with your prescribing physician or psychiatrist; our therapists support the therapeutic side of your care.

  • Is Depression Counselling Confidential?

    Yes. What you share in therapy is kept confidential. Your therapist will explain the full scope of confidentiality during your first session — including the specific legal and ethical circumstances under which disclosure may be required (for example, when there is a serious risk of harm). Those limits are narrow and well-defined, and your therapist will walk you through them clearly before your work together begins.

  • Can You Help With Depression and Anxiety at the Same Time?

    Yes. Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur, and our therapists are experienced in supporting clients navigating both. Many of the approaches we use — including CBT, mindfulness, and behavioural activation — address symptoms of both conditions effectively. If anxiety is a significant part of your experience, visit our Anxiety Counselling page for more information on how we approach that work.

  • What If Depression Makes It Hard to Leave the House?

    This is more common than many people realize — and it's exactly why we offer virtual sessions. If the weight of depression is making it difficult to leave home, drive across town, or sit in a waiting room, you can access our full range of psychotherapy services from your own space, through a secure video session. Motivation and energy are symptoms, not character flaws. We meet you where you are.

  • Can I Access Reset From Orillia, Innisfil, Bradford or New Tecumseth?

    Yes. Clients from Orillia, Innisfil, Bradford, New Tecumseth, and other communities across Simcoe County access Reset both in person and virtually. If you're within reasonable distance of our Barrie clinic at Unit 201–151 Essa Road, in-person sessions are available. For those further away or who prefer to stay local, virtual sessions provide the same quality of care.

When Depression Feels Urgent: Crisis Support

Reset offers scheduled psychotherapy — not emergency or crisis services. If you need immediate help, please use the resources below.

If You May Be in Immediate Danger


If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm requiring medical attention, or is unable to keep themselves safe, please don't wait for a therapy appointment.


  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department
  • Call or text 988 — Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 for anyone in distress


Your safety comes first. Reaching out in a crisis is the right thing to do.


Local Crisis Support in Simcoe County


For mental health crisis support closer to home, the CMHA Simcoe County Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:


Take the First Step Toward Feeling More Like Yourself

Depression makes everything feel harder — including asking for help. That's exactly why our first sessions are low-pressure conversations, not assessments or evaluations. You set the pace. Our registered psychotherapists and registered social workers are here to listen, to understand your situation, and to work with you on what genuinely matters.


Whether you're in Barrie and want to come in person, or you're anywhere in Ontario and prefer to connect virtually, Reset has a therapist who fits your needs. Our therapist matching tool makes finding the right person simple.