Understand your benefits, coverage limits, and affordable options. We accept major insurance plans and provide direct billing support.
The Short Answer: No. OHIP does not currently cover private psychotherapy sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RPs).
However, if you have coverage through your employer or a private insurance plan, you likely have $500 to $3,000 per year available for mental health services. This typically covers 3-15 sessions at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Exceptions: OHIP does cover psychiatric care (with a medical doctor) and some hospital-based programs, but wait times for these can be 6-12 months.
| Provider Type | Avg. Cost Per Session | Wait Time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist | $140 - $200 | 1-2 Weeks | Insurance |
| Psychologist (Ph.D) | $220 - $300+ | 3-6 Months | Insurance |
| Social Worker (MSW) | $130 - $180 | 1-4 Weeks | Insurance |
| Student Intern | $50 - $90 | 1-2 Weeks | Out-of-pocket |
| OHIP Psychiatrist | $0 (Covered) | 6-12 Months | OHIP |
If you do not have insurance and cannot afford private therapy, there are government-funded options available. Note that these services often have wait lists or limitations on session numbers.
Many therapists offer "sliding scale" spots—reduced rates based on your income. This isn't always advertised, but it is worth asking about.
We reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots each month for clients experiencing financial hardship or students without coverage. If cost is a barrier:
No. You do not need a referral to see a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. You can book directly. Some insurance plans used to require referrals, but most have removed this requirement. Check your benefits booklet to be sure.
After each session, you will receive a receipt via email with our license number (CRPO #10979). You submit this photo/PDF to your insurance app (Sun Life, Manulife, etc.), and they typically deposit the funds into your bank account within 24-48 hours.
This is an important distinction. If your plan only covers "Psychologists," services by a Registered Psychotherapist may not be covered. However, most modern plans cover both. Look for "Mental Health Practitioners," "Psychotherapists," or "Counselling Services" in your booklet.
Open your insurance portal or benefits booklet and look for these keywords:
Need help? We can verify your coverage during your free consultation.
If you pay out-of-pocket for therapy (or have a co-pay), you can claim these costs as a Medical Expense on your CRA tax return.
Registered Psychotherapists are authorized medical practitioners in Canada. We provide detailed receipts after every session that include our registration number (CRPO #10979) which is required for your tax claim.
Don't let confusion about costs stop you from feeling better. Book a free chat to discuss your budget and options.
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