Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Programs
Learn more about our virtual group sessions for parents. These sessions build skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
On this page:
CBT Groups for Mothers
FREE, 9-week group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for women who are expecting or have a child (birth or adoption) and who have been feeling one or more of the following: depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed.
During a nine-week series, participants meet in a virtual group setting with a public health nurse and learn skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
The program is offered in English and French.
- English sessions are intended for Ottawa residents.
- French sessions are open to all clients living in Ontario.
You may be eligible if you are:
- 18 years of age and older
- Have a baby less than 18 months or are expecting
- Have access to technology and data to participate in the virtual group
- Are willing and able to participate in the virtual group platform
- Have access to a private space to ensure group members’ privacy
- Able to read and communicate in English or French
Groups run for 9 weeks, with a maximum of 10 to 15 participants.
Next session:
- More sessions will be offered this fall. Stay tuned for details.
- A nurse will contact participants within a month of group start date.
If you are interested, please register using the link below. A nurse will contact you to assess your eligibility and determine if this program is appropriate for you. If it is determined that this program is not the best match for your needs, you may be directed to other resources or services.
If you need some mental support prior to the next sessions, please refer to the resources listed on the Mental Health in Pregnancy and After Birth page.
CBT Groups for Fathers
Ottawa Public Health is now offering a FREE 9-week group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program in collaboration with McMaster University for fathers who have been feeling one or more of the following: depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed.
This program is being offered as part of a research study to determine whether a group CBT intervention is helpful for fathers and fathers to be.
Half of the participants who enroll will receive the CBT intervention in addition to their regular healthcare, while the other half will continue to receive their regular healthcare without the CBT intervention.
During a 9-week series, fathers in the CBT group will meet with a Public Health Nurse and a Psychiatrist in a virtual group setting and learn skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
All participants in the research study will complete three online questionnaires and three brief telephone interviews. Each completed questionnaire and interview will be compensated at $30, for a total of $90 upon full participation.
The program is offered in English and is open to all fathers living in Ontario!
- 18 years or older
- Living in Ontario
- A father who is expecting a child or has a baby less than 18 months old
- Able to read and communicate in English
- Feeling one or more of the following: depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed
The group runs for 9 consecutive weeks.
Next session:
- Stay tuned for more information on next sessions.