Job Title: Mental Health Therapist

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid Model)

Job Type: Independent Contractor

Changing Tides Therapy is a growing private practice built on the principles of trauma-informed care, feminism, and social justice. We are passionate about providing compassionate, inclusive counselling to a diverse client base navigating anxiety, depression, neurodivergence (including ADHD, ASD), eating disorders, and the impacts of trauma and gender-based violence.

As a young, evolving practice, we pride ourselves on offering a warm, supportive environment for emerging therapists. Backed by extensive experience across our internal team and our collaborative community network, we provide a rich environment where early-career practitioners can build confidence, refine their skills, and thrive. Our mission is to empower both our therapists and our clients to heal, build resilience, and their sense of agency.

We are actively seeking motivated new graduates and early-career professionals to join us as independent contractors in this dynamic generalist role.

This role was designed as an entry-level opportunity within our growing practice. This role offers a blend of clinical autonomy and ongoing peer support. You'll manage your own caseload, schedule, and therapeutic approach while drawing from the deep experience of our team and collaborative community network—making this an ideal fit for early-career practitioners looking to establish themselves in private practice.

Your work will focus on providing individual and group counselling to a diverse client base—including teens, young adults, and adults—applying evidence-based modalities to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, neurodivergence (including ADHD or ASD), and eating disorders. Additionally, you will provide trauma-informed care to support clients healing from the impacts of trauma and gender-based violence (GBV).

While your primary focus will be working with individuals, opportunities to work with couples and families are available based on your clinical interest and readiness. You will be responsible for conducting initial clinical assessments to aid clients in securing formal diagnoses from qualified diagnosing professionals (such as physicians or psychologists), performing suicide risk screening (such as ASIST protocols), and navigating capacity, consent, and confidentiality with youth. Across all presentations, you'll help clients manage complex emotional responses, build coping strategies, and reclaim their sense of agency within a supportive network.

• 2–3 years of prior work experience in high-engagement, dynamic, people-focused roles (e.g., camp counsellor, lifeguard, youth worker, customer service, or community outreach). We value the real-world communication, emotional intelligence, and relational skills built in these environments.

• 1 year of cumulative clinical experience providing therapy—this can be a combination of practicum placements, internships, summer roles, or post-grad experience. We welcome confident early-career practitioners who are ready for independent client work with peer support.

You must be a member in good standing with a valid license to practice psychotherapy in Ontario under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 (or currently eligible for qualifying status). Eligible regulatory bodies include:

• College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

• College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

• College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)

• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)

• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

• Theoretical Frameworks: A deep and integrated understanding of trauma-informed care, feminist frameworks, social justice principles, and an appreciation for how intersectional oppressions influence a person's experience.

• Generalist Clinical Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of generalist mental health presentations—including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence (such as ADHD or ASD), eating disorders, and trauma—across youth, young adult, and adult populations.

• Inclusive & Affirmative Care: Training or familiarity with providing inclusive, affirmative care for women, trans, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

• Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Sound knowledge of Ontario and Canadian legal, regulatory, and privacy frameworks, including PHIPA, PIPEDA, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) and Duty to Report, and Health Care Consent Act frameworks regarding youth capacity and informed consent.

• Relational Therapy: Understanding of relational dynamics and willingness/training to facilitate couples or family therapy when clinically appropriate and desired.

• Risk Assessment & Crisis Management: Familiarity with suicide screening and risk assessment protocols (e.g., ASIST) and the ability to respond effectively and calmly in crisis situations.

• Diagnostic Assessment & Referral: Proficiency in conducting initial and ongoing clinical assessments to support clients in obtaining formal diagnoses from qualified medical or psychological professionals.

• Therapeutic Alliance: Exceptional skill in establishing a safe, egalitarian therapeutic relationship and building rapport with a diverse client base, including teens and adults.

• Systemic Collaboration & Advocacy: The ability to provide effective support and collaborative navigation within various external systems (e.g., legal, medical, community networks) without disempowering clients.

• Reflective Practice: High capacity for self-reflection to manage your own biases and emotional reactions (counter-transference), engage constructively in peer consultation, and maintain a strong commitment to self-care.

• Cultural Humility & Ethics: Strong ethical judgment, cultural competence, and the fundamental ability to foster self-empowerment, resilience, and agency in clients.

• Language Skills (Asset): Bilingualism (English and French) is considered a strong asset.

This independent contractor role offers compensation ranging from $90-120 per hour, based on experience.

You'll have the flexibility to create a schedule that works for you, and we offer a hybrid model where you'll have the option to work from our new office in Nepean. You'll be part of a team of like-minded independent contractors for peer consultation and support. An optional AI tool for secure note-taking will be provided to streamline your administrative duties.

If you are a compassionate, skilled, and ethically-driven therapist who is ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply!

Please submit a resume or CV and cover letter detailing your experience and why you believe you would be a great fit for our clinical practice group.

Send a cover letter and resume to hello@changetidestherapy.com by October 1, 2026.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment and selection experience for all applicants and interested candidates. If accommodations are required during any part of the hiring process (including the phone screening and the virtual interview), please email let us know via email how we can make this experience more accessible for you. Candidates selected for the phone screening and virtual interview will receive the questions two hours before the scheduled meeting time.

Questions about this position can be directed to hello@changetidestherapy.com.