Emma WhiteSometimes life doesn’t give us lemons—just a pile of stress, exhaustion, and emotions we don’t know how to handle. And no, popping an ibuprofen or chugging coffee or alcohol won’t make it go away. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or insomnia, struggling alone can feel overwhelming.
We tell ourselves to push through, but ignoring the problem doesn’t make it disappear. That’s why seeing a reliable psychiatrist can be life-changing. They help untangle the mess, offering both guidance and, when necessary, medication to get you back on track.
The right treatment can make all the difference, and finding the right psychiatrist is a huge step forward. That’s why we reviewed the best psychiatrists in Ottawa—to help you find the right support and move toward better days.
How much do psychiatrists charge in Ottawa?
Psychiatrists in Ottawa are covered by OHIP, so patients with a valid card typically don’t pay for appointments.
However, private services like psychotherapy or missed appointment fees can range from $140 to $295 per session.
1. Dr. Serge Lessard
Address: 713 Montréal Rd
Phone: +1 613-746-4621
Business hours: By appointment
Dr. Serge Lessard has earned a reputation for being incredibly thorough in his mental health assessments. Patients often say their first consultation with him is an eye-opener because he takes the time to dig into symptoms, personal history, and potential treatment options.
He’s skilled in treating a wide range of conditions, from PTSD and ADHD to depression and schizophrenia, making him a great option for people dealing with different challenges.
We also appreciate his approach to treatment—he doesn’t just prescribe medication and send you on your way. Instead, he works with patients to combine medications with practical coping strategies, helping them feel more in control of their progress.
Another thing patients love is how transparent he is about medication. He walks you through alternatives, dosages, and potential side effects, so you feel fully informed when making decisions.
Just note that he doesn’t offer virtual appointments, which might not work for those who prefer online sessions. But if you’re okay with in-person visits, his thoughtful, flexible approach makes him a top choice for mental health care.
Feeling much better
“had a consult with him 2 months ago- referred me back to nurse practitioner with his recommendations. I am now much better now and taken less pills. highly recommend him”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
On time, courteous, and polite
“Just had a consultation with Dr. Lessard. He was on time, courteous and very polite. He took the time to review my chart and listened to my story. He was invested in making a change in my life and accepted to take me on as a patient. He did make it clear that he believed in the approach of a combination of « skills and pills « possibly; but he will share with you that you will have to be an active part of your treatment.”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
2. Dr. Irina Lepadatu
Address: 595 Montréal Rd #400
Phone: +1 613-737-8056
Business hours: By Appointment
Dr. Irina Lepadatu has a balanced way of tackling mental health—she combines medication with therapy to help patients not just manage but truly understand their conditions.
She’s worked with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and schizophrenia to bipolar disorder, but she’s especially known for her work with sleep problems.
Many people struggling with insomnia have credited her for finally getting their sleep back on track, whether through medication, therapy, or training their brains to build healthier sleep habits.
One patient even shared how their nighttime wakefulness dropped significantly after following her methods, which included relaxation techniques and stress management.
It’s not just her expertise that stands out, though—patients appreciate how approachable and supportive she is. She answers questions, explains things clearly, and offers guidance outside of sessions, making her feel like a partner in your care rather than just a doctor.
The only drawback is that she doesn’t take walk-ins, so booking in advance is necessary. Still, for those looking for an understanding psychiatrist who offers practical solutions, she’s a strong option.
Experienced medical advice and excellent care
“Dr. Lepadatu’s sessions on insomnia are very professionally presented with experienced medical advise and excellent care. The information and tools are most valuable and helpful.”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
Life-changing experience
“Very helpful in improving sleep and providing solutions and education for insomnia. A life changing experience. I am very grateful.”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
3. Dr. James Mullin
Address: 315 Stewart St
Phone: +1 613-789-8282
Business hours: By Appointment
We like how Dr. James Mullin takes a technical yet patient-focused approach to treatment, making sure his patients understand their diagnoses and treatment plans.
What stood out the most was how accommodating he was. A patient we talked to has bipolar disorder and shared how they needed frequent sessions early on, and despite his packed schedule, he made room for them.
His way of explaining things is another plus. Instead of just telling patients what to do, he breaks down why certain medications or therapies are recommended. It makes a big difference for those who want to be active participants in their treatment.
It’s also worth mentioning that patients also trust him enough to refer their family members, with some seeking his help for their children. That speaks volumes about the confidence people have in his care.
However, he currently doesn’t offer virtual appointments, which might be inconvenient for some. Nonetheless, his structured yet compassionate approach makes him a reliable option.
A brilliant doctor
“A brilliant doctor whose advantages of professionalism highlight an exemplary expertise. Very grateful to Dr. Mullin for his medical knowledge.”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
A true blessing
“I have been a patient of Dr. Mullin for 11 years, and my adult daughter for 3 years. He has been a true blessing. He LISTENS & genuinely cares about people. He is once-in-a-lifetime!”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
4. Dr. Joie Zeglinski
Address: 2277 Riverside Dr. Suite 202
Phone: +1 613-737-1194
Business hours: By Appointment
Dr. Joie Zeglinski works with adults facing complex mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
Her training covers a broad range of therapeutic techniques, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to emotion-focused therapy and even expressive arts therapy. This gives her a flexible approach, which works well for patients needing a more tailored treatment plan.
But it’s not just about medication and traditional talk therapy—she also brings in specialized treatments like EMDR and brain spotting, which have been game-changers for patients dealing with PTSD.
Many of her patients appreciate her calm, methodical approach to diagnosis. She makes sure to get it right before diving into major treatment changes, which can be a huge relief when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
The only catch? Her schedule fills up fast, so you might have to wait a bit to get an appointment. Even so, if you’re dealing with complex mental health issues and want someone who offers a mix of therapy options alongside medication, she’s definitely worth considering.
Knowledgeable about complex trauma
“One of the most caring and empathic doctors I have met. Definitely knows her stuff about complex trauma. Feel lucky to have her treating me”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
Compassionate, skilled, awesome doctor
“Compassionate, skilled, awesome doctor. She is simply outstanding. My experience with her started many years ago. I came to her office in total distress. She calmly and systematically got me on the right meds for me–allowing me to have a much better quality of life. She then offered amazing psychotherapy further allowing me to grow and regain a sense of purpose and balance in my life. I cannot sing her praises enough. She has saved my life. I have seen many doctors and therapists in my day, and she is by far the best!”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
5. Dr. Radomila Lenz
Address: 1929 Russell Rd
Phone: +1 613-789-1299
Business hours: By Appointment
Dr. Radomila Lenz has built a reputation for her thoughtful, long-term approach to mental health care. Many of her patients have been with her for years—a testament to the trust they have in her.
Another highlight is how she balances being solution-focused with staying goal-oriented. She doesn’t pressure patients into specific medications or therapies—instead, she walks them through their options, helping them find what feels right.
At the same time, she always keeps the bigger picture in mind, making sure her patients are moving toward their goals.
One area where she’s made a huge impact is postpartum depression. Several patients have shared how she not only helped them recover from PPD but also gave them the confidence to approach future pregnancies without the same fears.
The only thing to keep in mind is that she doesn’t offer walk-ins or virtual visits, so you’ll need to plan to schedule an appointment. That said, if you’re looking for a psychiatrist who is patient-centred, thoughtful, and focused on long-term well-being, she’s someone to consider.
REspectful, knowledgeable, and encouraging
“Dr. Lenz is respectful, knowledgeable and encouraging. I appreciate that she didn’t push anything on me and really took the time to listen and empathize. I experienced a miscarriage and postpartum depression and her support has been invaluable. I’m in the process of trying to get pregnant again and I’m so glad that I reached out to her for support!”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
Amazing improvements
“One of the best doctors I’ve been to! She is treating my PPD and I’ve seen amazing improvements in my mood and in my life. She is truly the best if you are suffering from Post Partum Depression. I highly recommend.”
-Anonymous User, RateMDs Review
