Hi, I’m Karthiga Mahendran, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario.

​I know how overwhelming it can feel to carry the weight of anxiety, depression, past trauma, or the sense that life just isn’t lining up the way you hoped it would. You may find yourself stuck in cycles of worry, people-pleasing, or self-doubt—wanting change but not sure where to begin. If that sounds familiar, I want you to know you don’t have to go through it alone.
In our sessions together, my focus is on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly heard and supported. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and practical—I’ll meet you exactly where you are, while also helping you build the skills and insight you need to move forward. Therapy with me often looks like exploring the root of your struggles, learning new tools to manage overwhelming emotions, and discovering strengths you may not have realized you already have.

I view mental health challenges not as a sign of weakness, but as signals that something in your life deserves care, attention, and healing. Whether you’re navigating trauma, stress, relationship struggles, or a major life transition, my role is to walk alongside you, helping you feel empowered to make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for you.​
Clients who work with me often describe feeling more grounded, confident, and hopeful as they begin to understand themselves in new ways. My goal is for you to leave each session with a greater sense of clarity and self-compassion, as well as practical strategies you can use in your day-to-day life.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing and growth, I’d be honoured to support you on your journey.
"You are not the voice in your head -- you are the one who notices the voice."

- Michael A. Singer

Top Specialties

Anxiety
​Trauma & PTSD
​Depression

Works With

Adults
Youth
​Mental Health Assessments

Availability

Weekdays
​Evenings​​​​​

Learn more about Karthiga Mahendran, MPsy, RP:

Additional Areas of Expertise
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
    • Separation Anxiety
    • Phobia
    • Social Anxiety
    • Panic
    • Agoraphobia
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    • Selective Mutism
    • Anxiety Due to Medical Condition
  • ​Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Betrayal
  • Boundaries
  • Burnout, Compassion Fatigue
  • Bullying
  • Chronic Pain or Illness
  • Codependency
  • Communication Issues
  • Depression 
    • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
    • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
    • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
    • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  • Eating Disorders
    • Anorexia Nervosa
    • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Family Dynamics
    • Adoption, Blending Families, Parenting Support, Co-parenting
  • Fertility Related Issues
  • Forgiveness
  • Gender Dysphoria
  • Grief and Loss
  • Divorce, Separation
  • Identity, Sense of Self
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Intimacy, Vulnerability
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health
  • Trauma
    • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Acute Stress Disorder
    • Adjustment Disorder
    • Childhood Sexual, Physical, or Psychological Abuse, or Neglect
    • ​Disinhibited Social Engagement
    • Exposure to Disaster, War
    • ​Intergenerational Trauma, Residential School Trauma, MMIWG2S
    • Intimate Partner Violence, Relational Trauma, "Narcissistic" Abuse
    • Prolonged Grief
    • Racial Trauma
    • Sexual, Physical, or Psychological Abuse, or Neglect
    • Target of Discrimination
    • Victim of Crime, Terrorism or Torture
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Personality Disorders
    • Schizotypal Personality Disorder
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Dependent Personality Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
  • Pre-Marital
  • Post-Partum/Peri-Partum Mental Health
  • Religious or Spiritual Issues
  • Self Harm
  • ​Social Exclusion or Rejection
  • ​Substance Related & Addictive Issues
    • ​Caffeine, Cannabis
    • Pornography, Sex Addiction/Compulsive Sexual Behaviours
  • ​Suicidal Ideation
Therapy Approaches
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Adlerian Therapy 
  • Anti-Oppressive
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    • Trauma-Focused CBT
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Mindfulness Based Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Play Therapy
  • Strength Based Therapy
Communities
Languages
Rates
  • $200 per 50 minute hour
  • Sliding-scale (reduced) rates are available on a case by case basis. Schedule a consultation for more information.
  • Rates may vary depending on fee schedules set by third-party direct-billing agencies (e.g. NIHB)
Direct-Billing
  • All participating insurance companies with Telus Health eClaims (e.g. Canada Life, Equitable Life, Manulife etc.)
  • Indigenous Services Canada (e.g. NIHB)
  • Alberta & Medavie Blue Cross (including VAC, RCMP, CAF, & Victims of Crime)
  • ​Green Shield
  • NexGen
  • SSQ
Education
  • Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Adler Graduate Professional School (2023)
  • Graduate Certificate in Multi-Modality: DBT and CBT (2023)
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention Certificate, Blue Card (2018)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies, York University (2016)
  • Certificate in Rehabilitation Services, York University & Seneca College (2016)
Fun facts
I’m endlessly curious about people’s stories and the ways we make meaning of our lives. That curiosity is what inspires my work as a therapist. My hobbies include spending time with my family and dog, going to the gym, and reading.

Karthiga Mahendran, MPsy, RP offers Direct-Billing to most major insurance companies, including:

"Trauma isn't what happens to you -- it's what happens inside you as a result of what happened."

​- Gabor Mate

A little about me.

Beyond my professional role, I’m someone who deeply values connection, resilience, and growth. My own journey—navigating challenges, exploring identity, and learning to embrace both strengths and struggles—shapes the way I show up with clients: grounded, compassionate, and real.

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me cooking Sri Lankan dishes that remind me of home, enjoying long walks with my dog, being by the waters or discovering new local diners, and road trips with friends. I believe in living a life of curiosity and balance, and I bring that same perspective into therapy: that healing isn’t just about reducing symptoms, but about creating a fuller, more authentic life.
At my core, I’m passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to move toward the life they envision for themselves.