Established in 1942, the Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR) is a clinical and research training centre associated with the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa. All services are provided by doctoral students enrolled in the clinical psychology program or by doctoral interns.
These services are supervised by psychologists registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioral Analysist of Ontario. The Clinical Psychology program and full-year internship are both accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).
Each year, the Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR) provides high-quality, affordable, evidence-based psychological services to more than 400 clients across the National Capital Region—in both English and French.
Our multidisciplinary training clinic brings together 50 to 55 practicum students and interns, working under the close supervision of 25 to 30 licensed clinical psychologists. Together, they offer comprehensive assessment and psychotherapy services grounded in the latest psychological research and best practices.
Whether through in-depth psychological assessments or tailored therapy interventions, the CPSR is committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and effective care for our community—while training the next generation of clinicians.
Fees
As a university-based training clinic, CPSR offers affordable and low-cost psychological services at rates significantly lower than those typically charged in private practice. Our standard fee is $100 per hour, compared to approximately $250 per hour in some community settings.
Fees may be adjusted based on household income, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to receiving care. In addition to hourly services, certain assessments—such as adult ADHD assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and psychoeducational assessments—are available as comprehensive packages. For detailed information about assessment options or eligibility for reduced fees, please contact us directly.
Please note that psychological services at the CPSR are not covered by provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP, RAMQ). However, many clients receive partial or full reimbursement through their extended health insurance plans. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Who we serve
We provide psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults from across the Ottawa–Gatineau region.
At the CPSR, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone who walks through our doors—regardless of background, identity, or family context. We welcome individuals of all cultures, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities, and we strive to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and supported.
Services offered
The Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR) provides a range of evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. All services are available in English and French, and cover a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, parenting challenges, behavioural or emotional difficulties in children, school-related concerns, work-related stress, physical health adjustment, and sexual health or intimacy issues.
Assessment Services
We offer several types of comprehensive psychological assessments to help clarify concerns, support diagnosis, and guide treatment planning:
- Psychoeducational Assessments (for clients 6 – 16 years old)— Evaluate learning strengths and challenges, attention, memory, and academic skills to better understand how children and adolescents learn and what supports/accommodations may enhance their success.
- Adult ADHD Assessments — Assess difficulties with attention, concentration, organization, and impulse regulation in adults to clarify whether their presentation aligns with a diagnosis of ADHD, and to provide individualized recommendations for daily functioning, work, and education. Please take note that we do not provide neuropsychological assessments, therefore we cannot assess clients still suffering from concussions or trauma brain injuries symptoms, nor suffering from memory and cognitive decline issues.
- Psychodiagnostic Assessments — Identify or clarify psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns in children, adolescents, and adults (ages 5–65), and provide tailored recommendations for care.
Before Starting Therapy
To ensure that each client receives the most appropriate and effective care, all clients first complete a assessment to determine their needs before beginning therapy which helps in establishing a treatment plan. Once completed, clients may then proceed with intervention/treatment-based services.
Treatment-Based Services
Our clinicians are trained in a variety of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), existential therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Therapy at the CPSR also integrates progress monitoring to help clients get the most out of each session and to guide our clinicians in tailoring treatment to best meet clients’ needs.
- Individual Psychotherapy — Provides evidence-based treatment to adults (from 18 to 65) for a range of emotional, behavioural, and interpersonal concerns to help clients improve well-being and daily functioning.
- Child, Adolescent and Family Services — Offers support for children, adolescents, parents, and families to address emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges and strengthen family dynamics.
- Couples Psychotherapy — Helps partners enhance communication, resolve conflict, and foster connection. (Currently unavailable)
- Group Psychotherapy — Provides structured, evidence-based group programs that offer skill development, support, and connection with others facing similar challenges. [See current offerings (PDF, 91 KB)]
Availibility and Waitlists
Interested ? We would be happy to welcome you as a new client. Please see which of our waitlists' are open below (the availability is revised on a monthly basis).
Children and Youth services
- Child and Family Psychotherapy (6 to 18 years old) — Waitlist currently open
- Psychoeducational Assessments (6 to 16 years old)— Waitlist currently closed
Adult services (aged 18 to 65 years old)
- Adult ADHD Assessments — Waitlist currently closed
- Adult Individual Therapy — Waitlist currently closed
- Couples Therapy — Waitlist currently closed until July 2026
- Group Therapy — Waitlist currently open
- Sexual Health Services — Waitlist currently closed until July 2026
Getting Started
To find out if you or your family may benefit from our services, please contact us by phone at 613-562-5289 or email at [email protected].
Before being added to a waitlist, you will be scheduled for a brief screening call (30 minute) with a member of our intake team. This call helps us understand your needs, answer your questions, and determine whether CPSR services are the best fit for you.
