How Much Does Therapy Cost In Ontario?

Why Therapy Costs Matter

Deciding to start therapy is a brave and important step — but for many Ontarians, one of the first questions is practical: How much will this cost me?

Therapy is an investment in your well-being, but costs can vary widely depending on the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and type of service. Understanding these differences can help you plan, budget, and find care that fits both your emotional and financial needs.

Let’s break down how therapy pricing works in Ontario, what insurance typically covers, and where to find affordable options.

1. The Average Cost of Therapy in Ontario

Therapy prices in Ontario are not set by the government — they’re determined by each therapist or clinic. However, professional colleges and associations provide general fee guidelines.

Here’s what you can expect to pay per 50-minute session (as of 2025):

Type of Therapist	Typical Fee Range (per session)	Covered by OHIP?
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)	$140 – $200	❌ No
Psychologist (Ph.D. / Psy.D.)	$180 – $250+	❌ No
Social Worker (MSW, RSW)	$140 – $220	❌ No
Psychiatrist (MD)	Covered by OHIP	✅ Yes
Counselling Intern / Student Therapist	$50 – $100	❌ No
Community / Non-Profit Agency	Free – $80	❌ (subsidized)

💡 Quick tip: A “standard” private therapy session in Ontario costs around $160 to $200, depending on the therapist’s credentials and experience.

2. Why Therapy Prices Vary

Several factors influence the cost of therapy in Ontario:

a) Type of Therapist and Education Level

Therapists with advanced degrees (such as psychologists) tend to charge more than those with master’s-level or internship training. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, bill through OHIP but typically have longer wait times and may focus on medication management rather than talk therapy.

b) Location

Therapists in large urban areas like Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga often charge higher rates than those in smaller towns or rural regions, due to higher overhead costs.

c) Experience and Specialization

Therapists with advanced certifications (e.g., trauma specialists, EMDR practitioners, or couples therapists) often charge premium rates for their expertise.

d) Type of Service

• Individual therapy: Typically $150–$220 per session

• Couples therapy: Often $180–$250 (involves both partners)

• Family therapy: Around $200–$300 per session

• Group therapy: More affordable, usually $40–$80 per session

3. Does OHIP Cover Therapy?

Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover therapy provided by psychologists, psychotherapists, or social workers in private practice.

What OHIP does cover:

• Sessions with a psychiatrist (medical doctor specializing in mental health).

• Counselling provided by a family doctor or through hospital outpatient programs.

• Certain community mental-health programs, which are funded by the province.

  
  

However, OHIP-covered therapy options often have long wait times and limited session availability.

If you prefer faster access or specific types of therapy (like CBT, EMDR, or couples counselling), private therapy is usually your best option — though you’ll need to pay out of pocket or use insurance.

4. Using Insurance or Benefits to Pay for Therapy

Many Ontarians access therapy through extended health benefits offered by workplaces, schools, or private insurance plans.

How coverage typically works:

• Most plans cover $300–$1,000 per year for therapy.

• Coverage is usually capped by provider type (e.g., only psychologists, or both psychologists and social workers).

• You’ll pay the therapist first, then submit the receipt for reimbursement.

  
  

✅ Tip: Before booking, ask your insurer:

1. Which professionals are covered (psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker)?

2. How much coverage do I have per year?

3. Is there a per-session or per-visit limit?

4. Do I need a doctor’s referral?

If you have Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield, Canada Life, or Desjardins insurance, you can usually claim therapy sessions if the provider’s credentials match your plan’s requirements.

5. What Is “Sliding-Scale” Therapy?

Many therapists in Ontario offer sliding-scale fees, which means the cost of sessions is adjusted based on your income.

Example:

• If a therapist’s regular rate is $180, they may offer sliding-scale rates between $80–$160 depending on your financial situation.

You’ll usually need to discuss this directly during your consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask — many therapists want to make therapy accessible and understand financial barriers.

6. Affordable or Free Therapy Options in Ontario

If private therapy feels out of reach, there are several low-cost or no-cost options available:

a) Community Mental Health Centres

Many local health centres (e.g., CMHA Ontario, TAIBU Community Health Centre, or Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture) offer free or subsidized counselling.

b) Non-Profit and Charity Programs

Organizations such as:

• Family Services Toronto

• Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin

• Wellness Together Canada (online counselling)offer affordable counselling on a sliding scale.

  
  

c) University or College Clinics

If you live near a university with a psychology or counselling program (like York University or University of Toronto), you can access therapy from graduate interns at reduced rates ($40–$80 per session).

d) Online and Virtual Therapy Platforms

Online therapy platforms like Inkblot, MindBeacon, and BetterHelp offer lower-cost therapy ($90–$150 per session) and flexible scheduling.

💬 Tip: The Government of Ontario previously funded some online therapy programs (like MindBeacon and BounceBack Ontario), so check current offerings on Ontario.ca/mentalhealth.

7. Comparing Costs: In-Person vs. Online Therapy

Online therapy has become more common and often slightly cheaper than in-person sessions.

Format	Average Cost per Session	Pros
In-Person	$160–$220	Personal connection, stable routine
Online Video	$120–$180	Convenient, flexible, saves travel time
Text or Chat-Based	$80–$150	Discreet, budget-friendly

Online therapy is regulated the same way as in-person therapy — you can still verify your therapist’s registration with the CRPO, CPO, or OCSWSSW.

8. Budgeting for Therapy

Therapy is an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to make it more affordable:

• Use insurance coverage strategically (for example, biweekly instead of weekly sessions).

• Ask about sliding-scale fees or package rates.

• Mix modalities: Combine private therapy with group or online sessions.

• Set goals and timelines: Some people find relief after 6–12 sessions.

• Track progress: Knowing what’s working can make every dollar more effective.

9. Questions to Ask About Fees Before You Start

When you reach out to a therapist, it’s completely okay to discuss money upfront. You might ask:

• What is your fee per session?

• Do you offer a sliding scale or flexible pricing?

• How long are sessions?

• Do you issue receipts for insurance claims?

• What is your cancellation policy?

A transparent, ethical therapist will be open about fees and help you explore options that fit your situation.

10. Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Mental Health

So, how much does therapy cost in Ontario? Generally, expect to pay between $140 and $250 per session, depending on who you see and what kind of therapy you choose. While therapy isn’t cheap, it’s one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself.

If finances are a concern, explore sliding-scale, community, or online options. The right support is out there — and it doesn’t always require a big budget.

Your mental health is worth the effort, the time, and yes, even the cost. Healing is priceless, but access should be possible for everyone.