Depression Therapy in Ajax
When everything feels heavy and motivation is gone. Virtual therapy from home. No energy wasted on commuting. Same-week appointments available.
Same-Week Appointments
Skip Durham's months-long waitlist.
No Commute Needed
When energy is low, virtual removes a barrier.
Evening Hours
After work. When you have the headspace.
CRPO Registered
License #10979. Insured.
Depression in Ontario: The Numbers
Depression isn't weakness or a character flaw—it's one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. Understanding the scope helps reduce stigma and encourages action.
1 in 8
Canadians will experience major depression at some point in their lives. You are not alone in this. (Source: CMHA)
70%
Of people with depression respond positively to evidence-based treatments like ACT and CBT. Recovery is possible. (Source: APA)
Only 40%
Of Canadians with depression receive adequate treatment. Most people don't get the help they need and deserve. (Source: CMHA)
#1 Cause
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 280 million people globally. (Source: WHO)
What Depression Actually Feels Like
The alarm goes off and you're already tired. Not sleepy. Tired of everything. The commute to Toronto, the shift work, the same conversations, the same feeling that something is missing but you can't name what. You go through the motions because that's what you're supposed to do.
You moved to Ajax for the space, the affordability, the life you imagined. But somewhere along the way, that life stopped feeling like yours. Now you're just maintaining it, running on fumes, wondering when the color is going to come back.
Sound Familiar?
- Shift Work Has Drained Everything: Warehouse jobs, rotating schedules, Amazon logistics. By the time you finish your shift, you're running on empty. Sleep doesn't help. Rest doesn't help.
- The 401 Commute to Toronto Takes Its Toll: Getting through the day takes everything you have. By the time you get home, you're exhausted. Making dinner, being present—it all feels like too much.
- Everything Takes More Effort: The job, the commute, basic tasks. You're going through the motions, but inside there's this heaviness you can't shake.
- You're Doing Everything Right, But... The house in Ajax, the job, the life you built. From the outside, it looks like you have it together. Inside, there's this hollowness you can't explain.
- Nothing Sounds Good: Friends want to make plans. Your partner suggests activities. Even things you used to enjoy. And you just feel... nothing. Or worse, the thought of doing anything feels exhausting.
If any of this resonates, you're not lazy or weak. Depression is real. And you don't have to figure it out alone.
Depression Symptoms We Treat
Depression shows up differently for everyone. In my work with Durham Region residents, I often see patterns that don't always look like "classic" depression:
High-Functioning Depression
You're still showing up, still performing at work, but inside you're running on empty. The mask stays on, but it's getting heavier to wear.
Exhaustion & Low Energy
Sleep doesn't help. Rest doesn't help. The tiredness feels bone-deep and disconnected from how much you've actually done.
Loss of Interest
Things that used to matter don't anymore. Hobbies, relationships, goals. It's not that you dislike them. You just feel... nothing.
Our Approach: Working WITH Depression
Depression tells you nothing will work. That therapy is pointless. That you've already tried everything. That voice is loud and convincing. But it's not accurate.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which takes a different approach than trying to "fix" or eliminate difficult feelings. Instead, we focus on building a life that feels meaningful, even when depression is present.
What This Actually Looks Like:
- Understanding Depression: What it's actually doing to your thinking, your energy, your motivation. Not as a character flaw, but as something you're experiencing.
- Values Reconnection: What actually matters to you? Not what you "should" want, but what genuinely gives your life meaning. We work on moving toward that.
- Opposite Action: Depression tells you to withdraw, isolate, stop doing things. We work on taking small steps even when motivation is absent. Action first, motivation follows.
- Acceptance (Not Giving Up): Learning to make room for difficult feelings without being controlled by them. You can feel low AND still take meaningful action.
Research shows ACT is effective for depression, particularly when traditional approaches haven't worked. It's not about becoming permanently happy. It's about building a life where depression doesn't run the show.
Your Benefits Likely Cover This
Many employers offer $1,000-$5,000 in annual mental health coverage. Check your benefits. Start using what you've already paid for.
Book Free 15-Min ConsultationSame-week appointments available. CRPO #10979.
We respond within 24 hours
About Your Therapist
I'm Jesse Cynamon, a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #10979). I work with a lot of Durham Region residents dealing with depression. People who are still functioning, still showing up, but feel like they're going through the motions.
I'm not going to tell you to "think positive" or "be grateful for what you have." That doesn't help. We're going to look at what's actually happening and build practical ways to reconnect with what matters to you. Even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.
- Virtual Convenience: Sessions from your home in Ajax, Pickering Village, South Ajax, Westney Heights, or anywhere. When energy is already low, no commute helps.
- Flexible Hours: Evening appointments after work. Some Saturday availability.
- Insurance Coverage: Receipts provided for all major insurance providers (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, etc.).
Same-Week Appointments: Skip the Durham Waitlist
If you've tried to access mental health support in Durham Region, you know the reality: waitlists stretching months, sometimes over a year. When you finally decide to reach out, you shouldn't have to wait.
At NextStep Therapy, same-week appointments are the norm:
7 Days
Average wait for first appointment
Evening
Sessions after 5pm available
Weekends
Saturday appointments offered
Depression makes reaching out feel pointless. But you're reading this page, which means part of you knows things can be different. Don't let a waitlist be another obstacle.
Virtual Therapy: Secure & Private
I know privacy matters. Your therapy is completely confidential. Your employer never sees what we discuss. When you submit insurance claims, they only see that you attended a mental health appointment and the fee. That's it.
Whether you're logging in from Pickering Village, South Ajax, Westney Heights, or McLean, your space is protected. The video platform is encrypted and meets Canadian healthcare privacy standards.
Ready to Feel Something Different?
Free 15-minute consultation. No pressure. Just a conversation about what you're dealing with and whether this might help.
Mental Health Resources in Durham Region
While I provide ongoing therapy, immediate crisis support is available locally:
- Durham Crisis Line: 1-800-742-1890 (24/7)
- Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering: Emergency mental health services (580 Harwood Ave S).
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Durham: 905-436-8760
Related Support for Durham Region
Depression rarely happens in a vacuum. We also offer focused support for:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does depression therapy cost in Ajax?
Individual sessions are $175 per 50-minute session. Many employers offer extended health benefits covering psychotherapy costs. I provide detailed receipts for insurance claims.
Do you offer virtual therapy for Ajax residents?
Yes, all therapy sessions are virtual. This works particularly well when depression has drained your energy. You can attend from home in Ajax, Pickering Village, or anywhere in Durham Region without adding another commute.
What types of depression do you treat?
I work with many Durham Region residents dealing with major depression, persistent low mood, situational depression, and the low-grade heaviness that comes from burnout and chronic stress. Depression often co-occurs with anxiety, and we address both.
Can I get same-week appointments?
Yes, same-week appointments are typically available. Unlike many therapists in Durham Region with 3-6 month waitlists, I prioritize getting you started quickly. I also offer evening appointments after 5pm.
Can therapy help when I feel like nothing will work?
That feeling is actually a symptom of depression. Your brain is telling you nothing will help as a way to protect you from disappointment. Therapy helps you work with that voice rather than being controlled by it.
Is therapy confidential if my employer provides the insurance?
Absolutely. Your employer never sees what you discuss in therapy. When you submit insurance claims, your provider only sees that you attended a mental health appointment and the fee. Your therapy remains completely confidential.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
No referral is needed to see a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. You can book directly. Some insurance plans require a doctor's referral for coverage, so check your specific plan.
What therapy approach do you use for depression?
I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which research shows is effective for depression. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT helps you build a life that feels meaningful even when things are hard.
About the Author
Jesse Cynamon, RP is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #10979). He specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for depression, anxiety, and burnout across Ontario.
Last Updated: December 24, 2024
Learn More About Jesse