Cathy Lumsden
Comprehensive mental health care for individuals and families with Cathy Lumsden, MA, Registered Psychotherapist.
Cathy Lumsden,
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Member of Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals
Member of Brainspotting Canada
“A therapist holds a torch of hope, illuminating a path to self-discovery and healing.”
Is Cathy the perfect match for you?
Throughout my career I have practiced as a generalist, which has given me exposure to a wide range of reasons why people seek therapy. I have the most experience working with anxiety, depression, burnout and life stress, and the effects of past trauma. I also work regularly with people who experience obsessions and compulsions, body image problems, procrastination, loneliness, and perfectionism.
I am probably not the best match for you if your primary reason for seeking services is related to ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, psychosis, or sensory sensitivity, though I have enough understanding to work with people for whom these are secondary issues.
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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 allow 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
As of October 2025 I have joined the team at Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres. I am excited about this opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team as I believe the fragmentation of the mental health system is very frustrating for people seeking care. We will seek to offer several comprehensive treatment pathways. At this clinic I will continue to offer individual therapy and my practice will expand to include psycho-diagnostic assessments and OHIP funded Insomnia treatment groups.
Prior to joining Thrive Together I ran McGugan Cognitive Therapy as a solo practice for two years and spent 8 years working at the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy. At both clinics I worked with clients who had specific mental health challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, dissociative disorders and personality disorders. Others client did not meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, but were seeking therapy for specific issue or stuck point in their lives such as burnout, family relationship concerns, perfectionism or procrastination.
I have lived in the Ottawa area since 2007. I am married with elementary school aged children and a yellow lab. I do my best to practice what I preach and live a full life (which includes discomfort – see below).
To Get Started, please...
Complete our intake formNo referral is required for most services.
A referral is needed for certain services, such as psychiatry.
Getting Started with Therapy
If you’ve never been to therapy before, or even if you have, the process of getting started can be confusing.
Here’s what you need to know.
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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
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.
Account Creation
Scheduling Recommendations
If you are unsure how many appointments to book, I would generally recommend about 10, on either a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
Preparing for Your First Session
Payment Info
Referral Requirement: A referral from a Nurse Practitioner or Physician is required.
Ask your NP or Physician to refer you.
Fees
The fee schedule at McGugan Cognitive Therapy is as follows:
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Initial Assessment and Treatment session (90 minutes) $375.00
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Individual Therapy Session (60 minutes) $250.00
Additional services such as telephone consultations, letters, and form completions that take longer than 15 minutes will be invoiced at the hourly rate (e.g., $125 for 30 minutes).
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.