Dr. Maggie McGugan
Comprehensive mental health care for Adults with Dr. Maggie McGugan Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Maggie McGugan, Ph.D.
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Clinical Psychologist
College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
- Key Areas of Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma
- Core Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, third wave cognitive therapies (e.g. ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT).
“Help with being human.”
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Is Dr. Maggie McGugan the right match for you?
Throughout my career, I have worked as a generalist, which has given me experience supporting people across a wide range of concerns and reasons for seeking therapy.
I have the most experience working with anxiety, depression, burnout, life stress, and the impacts of past trauma. I also regularly support individuals experiencing challenges such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, body image concerns, procrastination, loneliness, and perfectionism. I may not be the best fit if your primary concern relates to addiction, eating disorders, psychosis, or sensory processing differences, although I do have working knowledge in these areas and can support clients for whom these are secondary concerns.
Individual therapy is most effective when it is tailored to each person’s goals, preferences, and lived experience. Because of this, I do not follow a single manualized treatment approach. Instead, I develop a shared understanding of the challenges you are facing and draw from a range of evidence-based approaches to best support your needs.
Education
I have a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa (2015). I also have a Masters in clinical psychology from Queen’s University (2007). My education followed the scientist/practitioner model, meaning I received extensive training in both the practice of psychological assessment and treatment and in the scientific method, conducting and evaluating research. This allows me not just to follow treatment manuals but to critically evaluate the theory and scientific evidence behind different treatment methods.
My Ph.D. research focused on what makes adolescent bullying different from other types of aggression. I received the Fredrick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Canadian Institute for Health Research for this work.
My training in psychological assessment and therapy included coursework and practical experience at multiple community and hospital settings. These settings include two local school boards (OCDSB, CDSBEO), the Centre for Psychological Services and Research at the University of Ottawa, the Children’s Aid Society, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (Youth and Anxiety programs), The Ottawa Hospital (Eating Disorder Program), and Collin’s Bay Institution.
Work Experience
I joined the team at Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres in October 2025. I am excited to be part of a multidisciplinary team, as I recognize how fragmented the mental health system can feel for individuals seeking care. Our goal is to offer more integrated and comprehensive treatment pathways to better support clients’ needs. At this clinic, I will continue providing individual therapy, and will also expand my practice to include psycho-diagnostic assessments.
Prior to joining Thrive Together, I operated McGugan Cognitive Therapy as a solo practice for two years, and spent eight years working at the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy. In both settings, I supported clients with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders. I also worked with many individuals who did not meet criteria for a formal diagnosis but were seeking support for specific challenges, life transitions, or areas where they felt stuck.
To Get Started, please...
Complete our intake formGetting Started
with Psychological Services
Starting with a psychologist can feel like a big step, whether you are seeking therapy, an assessment, or both.
Here is a simple guide to help you begin.
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Psychodiagnostic Assessment vs. Therapy:
Assessment
A psychodiagnostic assessment is a structured series of interviews and measures focused on understanding the nature of a person’s psychological problems.
- It concludes with a feedback session in which you will receive a case conceptualization or theory of the problem, treatment recommendations, and, if appropriate, a diagnosis. You will also receive a written report of the assessment results for your own interest and to share with other healthcare providers if you wish.
Therapy
In contrast, therapy is an ongoing series of treatment sessions in which you work towards your goals.
Goals might include symptom reduction, improved life satisfaction, help with specific life circumstances and/or learning new skills. Some assessment is necessary for therapy, so therapy with a psychologist may also result in a diagnosis if appropriate, but this is less the focus of the service.
How do you choose which service is right for you? If you think you understand your problems relatively well, know what your goals are, and are eager to start working towards change, you may wish to start with therapy.
If, on the other hand, you’re not sure where to start, you would value more clarity on the nature of your problems, or you are specifically seeking to see whether you meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, you may choose to start with an assessment.
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If you are not sure, you could reach out to our Care Navigation team.
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If you are ready to book an appointment, you can book directly online or call Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres at 1-800-765-4992.
For the first appointment, I recommend you book a 90-minute Initial Assessment and Treatment session, either online or in person. The extra time (over a regular 60-minute session) is because the first session is a busy one. In this session, we will establish a relationship, assess the presenting problem, identify goals, and ideally, I will do some teaching about the cognitive model and leave you with something to work on before your second session.
If you would rather book a regular 60 minute session for the first appointment feel free to do so. We will fit as much into the time as we can.
Be sure to choose the appointment option that matches your preference - in person or online. If you want to switch between in-person and online at a later date, email us and we will update your appointment.
Booking Your Appointment
If you are interested in receiving a psychodiagnostic assessment, your first visit needs to be scheduled through our care navigation team by calling 343-882-6766 or emailing info@thrivetogether.ca.
To book your first therapy session, you can also reach out to our care navigation team, or you may be able to book directly online. You can also book directly online if you would like to get started by having a complimentary Navigation Call with our Care Concierge team. Our Care Concierge team is trained to help clarify your goals and match you with the most appropriate services and providers so your care is clear, efficient, and well-aligned from the start.
Account Creation
When booking an appointment online, you will be prompted to create an account through our secure online platform. This account allows you to view availability and schedule appointments online. You will be asked to provide some personal information, such as your age and contact details, to complete your registration.
Scheduling Recommendations
Psychological services vary depending on whether you are engaging in therapy, assessment, or both.
- Therapy: Appointments are typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, especially at the start of treatment. We recommend booking your intake session along with several follow-up appointments in advance to secure your preferred times. If you’re unsure how many to schedule, around 10 sessions is a good starting point. Any unneeded appointments can be cancelled without penalty with at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Psychodiagnostic Assessment: Appointments are usually scheduled as a set series of sessions within a defined timeframe to complete interviews, testing, scoring, and feedback. Your psychologist will discuss and recommend an appropriate schedule based on your goals and the type of service you are receiving.
Preparing for Your First Session
After you have created your online account, there is paperwork to complete before your first appointment. You will be asked to read about and consent to our clinic policies. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires with background information about you and your reasons for seeking services. Please take the time to complete these forms, it helps ensure that we make good use of time during your appointment.
Payment Info
Psychological services may be covered by your extended health insurance policies. Please check your insurance company or employer to be sure. Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres does not currently offer direct billing, but you will be provided with a receipt.
Fees
VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON:
- Individual Therapy (60 mins): $250
- Initial Psychodiagnostic Consult (30 minutes): $125
Additional services such as telephone consultations, letters, and form completions that take longer than 15 minutes will be invoiced at the hourly rate.
You're Welcome Here.
Take a 3D tour, explore photos, and get comfortable with our clinic before your first visit.Our Mission
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health care.
We are committed to tailoring our services to meet your unique needs, so you can heal and learn to thrive. We aspire to redefine mental health care by blending compassion, cutting-edge treatments, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our Values
Empathy
We approach every patient with understanding, compassion, and respect.
Innovation
Integrity
Collaboration
Growth
Why Choose Us?
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, we pride ourselves on providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Our team of dedicated clinicians work collaboratively to ensure every patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re seeking psychiatry, psychotherapy, or specialized assessments, our holistic approach ensures you’ll find the support you need to thrive.