Affording Quality Therapy: 2025 Insurance & Investment Guide
Last Updated: December 20, 2025 | Reviewed by: Jesse Cynamon, RP (CRPO #10979)
Understand your benefits, coverage limits, and affordable options. We accept major insurance plans and provide direct billing support.
$175 / Session
Transparent pricing. Many insurance plans cover therapy.
Major Insurers
Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross.
Easy Claims
Detailed receipts with CRPO license for quick reimbursement.
Tax Deductible
Claim unused amounts as medical expense on your taxes.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
Is therapy free in Canada? No, but your insurance may cover it. Here is the breakdown:
- Many insurance plans cover Registered Psychotherapists—check your benefits to confirm.
- OHIP doesn't cover private psychotherapy sessions (only hospital/MD care).
- Average cost without insurance: $150-$225 per individual therapy session in Ontario.
- Affordable alternatives: Sliding scale fees ($60-$120/session), student therapists, and group therapy.
- Free options exist: Community mental health centers and crisis services (often with waitlists).
Is Therapy Covered by OHIP?
The Short Answer: No. OHIP does not currently cover private psychotherapy sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RPs). Psychotherapy regulation in Ontario is relatively recent (CRPO established in 2015), and it hasn't been integrated into provincial funding yet.
What OHIP Does Cover (No Cost to You):
- Family doctor appointments for mental health concerns (diagnosis, medication, referrals)
- Psychiatrist consultations (medical doctors who focus on diagnosis/medication)
- Emergency psychiatric care in hospitals
- Some hospital-based programs (group therapy, day programs)
Therapy Cost Comparison (Ontario 2025)
| 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 |
Have Insurance? Let's Check Your Coverage
Many clients have unused health benefits that cover therapy. We can discuss coverage options in your consultation.
Book Free 15-Min ConsultationWhat You Get for Your Investment
Therapy is an investment in your future earning potential, relationships, and health. Here is where your session fee goes:
| Expense | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Education & Training | Graduate degrees and ongoing clinical training to maintain CRPO license. |
| Liability Insurance | Mandatory coverage to protect clients and the therapist. |
| Supervision | Regular consultation with senior therapists to ensure high-quality care. |
| Unpaid Admin Time | For every hour of therapy, there is typically 30-60 mins of unpaid notes, planning, and admin. |
After expenses and taxes, therapists typically take home 40-60% of the session fee.
Free Therapy Options in Ontario
If private therapy isn't in your budget right now, use these government-funded resources:
1. ConnexOntario (Immediate Support)
- Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, Free)
- Best for: Crisis support, referrals to addiction services, and finding local mental health agencies.
2. BounceBack Ontario
- What it is: A free skill-building program managed by CMHA.
- Format: Telephone coaching and workbooks for mild-to-moderate anxiety/depression.
- Access: Referral from family doctor or self-referral.
3. Family Health Teams (FHT)
- How to access: Ask your family doctor if they are part of a Family Health Team. Many have social workers who provide 6-8 free sessions.
Affordable Options & Sliding Scale
Many therapists offer "sliding scale" spots—reduced rates based on your income.
At Next Step Therapy:
We reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots each month for clients experiencing financial hardship or students without coverage.
- Book a free consultation.
- Mention your financial situation during the call.
- We will do our best to accommodate you or refer you to a trusted low-cost provider.
How to Check Your Insurance Benefits
Open your insurance portal or benefits booklet and look for these keywords:
- Registered Psychotherapist (This is the exact title we hold)
- Psychological Services (Sometimes covers RPs, check fine print)
- Annual Maximum (How much total coverage do you have? Check your specific plan)
Need help? We can verify your coverage during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Costs
How expensive is therapy in Ontario?
Therapy in Ontario costs $140-$200 per session for a Registered Psychotherapist. Psychologists charge $220-$300+, while student interns offer sessions for $50-$90. Many health insurance plans cover Registered Psychotherapist services—check your benefits to confirm coverage.
Is therapy covered by OHIP in Ontario?
No, OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy with Registered Psychotherapists. However, OHIP covers psychiatrist appointments (6-12 month wait), hospital-based programs, and mental health care through family doctors. Private insurance typically covers therapy sessions.
Can you see a therapist for free in Ontario?
Yes, free therapy options in Ontario include: ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600 for crisis support), BounceBack Ontario (telephone CBT coaching through CMHA), and Family Health Teams with social workers. Most free services have waitlists of 2-6 months.
Is therapy covered by Canadian insurance?
Yes, many Canadian health insurance plans cover therapy with Registered Psychotherapists. Look for "Registered Psychotherapist" or "Psychological Services" in your benefits booklet to confirm coverage.
Do I need a doctor's referral for therapy in Ontario?
No, you do not need a referral to see a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. You can book directly with any therapist. A referral is only required for OHIP-covered services like psychiatrists or hospital programs.
Can I claim therapy on my taxes in Canada?
Yes, psychotherapy fees are eligible medical expenses on your CRA tax return if you pay out-of-pocket. Save your receipts showing your therapist's license number. This applies to sessions with Registered Psychotherapists, psychologists, and other regulated providers.
Your Benefits Reset in January
Most professionals have unused insurance benefits sitting on the table. Let's verify your coverage and help you use what you've already paid for.
Check My Coverage (Free 15-Min Call)Same-week appointments available. CRPO #10979.