Finding a therapist in Burnaby

Finding the right therapist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your mental health - and one of the most frustrating to navigate. In Burnaby, you have access to licensed therapists who can meet you in person, as well as a much larger pool available online across BC and Canada.

First Session speeds up the process by letting you watch a short intro video from each therapist before you book. You can hear how they speak, get a sense of their style, and decide whether they feel like a fit - before committing to a first session. When you're ready, book a free 15-minute consultation directly from their profile.

Therapists on First Session work across a wide range of areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, ADHD, burnout, grief, life transitions, couples therapy, and more.

What to know about therapy in Burnaby

Burnaby sits at the centre of Metro Vancouver, bordered by Vancouver, Coquitlam, and New Westminster. Most therapists serving Burnaby work online, which opens up access to the full Metro Vancouver and province-wide pool.

Credentials you'll see on therapist profiles

Therapy in Canada is regulated at the provincial level. When browsing therapist profiles, you'll see a range of professional designations. Common ones you'll encounter for therapists serving Burnaby:

• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) - regulated by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
• Registered Psychotherapist - may be registered in another province but insured to provide online care in BC
• Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) - a national designation from the CCPA
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) - regulated by the BC College of Social Workers

Your insurance plan's reimbursement eligibility typically depends on the therapist's designation. Most private and employer benefit plans in BC cover therapy. Coverage depends on the therapist's designation - check whether your plan covers RCCs, RPs, or CCC holders specifically. All First Session therapists provide receipts for reimbursement.

How much does therapy cost?

Session rates vary by therapist, credential, and experience level. Most sessions on First Session range from $100-$250 per session. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees for clients with financial constraints - ask about this in your free 15-minute consultation. If your employer benefit plan or private insurance covers therapy, your out-of-pocket cost may be significantly reduced.

How to choose the right therapist in Burnaby

Fit matters more than any other factor when choosing a therapist. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship - how comfortable and understood you feel with your therapist - is the strongest predictor of whether therapy works. Here's what to look for.

1. Consider whether the therapist aligns with your needs. Review their areas of specialization, focus, populations served, and any relevant life experiences they may possess. 
2. Assess their communication style. Some therapists are direct, while others may adopt a more gentle approach. Neither style is inherently better, but one may resonate more with you. 
3. Evaluate if their therapeutic approach suits your preferences. Some therapists utilize structured, skills-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Others might take a more open-ended, relational, or somatic approach. Again, neither is superior, but one may align better with your learning style and current needs.
4. Check the practical details. Confirm their availability, session format (whether online or in-person), language, and whether your insurance covers their designation. First Session shows this information on each profile.
5. Every First Session therapist offers a free 15-minute consultation. Use it. Ask: How do you typically work in the first few sessions? Have you worked with people going through [your situation] before? What does progress tend to look like?

Looking for something more specific?

Filter by specialty in Burnaby

• Anxiety therapists in Burnaby
• Trauma therapists in Burnaby
• Couples therapists in Burnaby
• ADHD therapists in Burnaby
• Depression therapists in Burnaby

Nearby cities

• Therapists in Vancouver
• Therapists in Coquitlam
• Therapists in New Westminster
• Therapists in Surrey
• Therapists in North Vancouver

Helpful reading

• How to choose a therapist
• Therapy cost and insurance coverage in Canada
• Therapist vs. psychologist - what's the difference?
• Online vs. in-person therapy - which is right for you?
• What to expect in your first therapy session