Online Therapy and Counselling in Ontario

Online therapy in Ontario allows clients to meet with therapists via phone, computer, or tablet. Your therapist may have a specific digital platform, or you might connect via platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Whatever virtual platform is used, it should meet privacy standards.

If you’re more likely to seek in-person therapy in Ontario, you can expect to meet your therapist at a private practice office (which may or may not be shared with other therapists), at a clinic, or perhaps at their home office.

Before you get started, free phone therapy consultations in Ontario are common so that therapists can better understand how they can help. It’s also your chance to assess if that therapist is a fit for you. Not all therapists offer phone consultations so be sure to check out our partner therapist intro videos on First Session to get a sense of who a therapist is, their specializations and their approach to therapy. 

To book either online or in-person therapy, you can contact a therapist’s office directly or you can easily book therapy online with First Session. 

There are also some free therapy options, such as Telehealth, a hotline that is accessible 24/7. You can expect to talk to a registered nurse (RN) who may provide some talk therapy over the phone or who can offer additional resources. Phone calls are completely confidential.

In Ontario, there are four regulated types of therapists: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists. Being regulated means these practitioners have education requirements, they must adhere to rules (regulations) set by the government. and those therapists are overseen by a governing body called a “college.” Colleges register and license these practitioners under these titles once they’ve met their requirements. 

Psychiatrists have a medical degree and are able to both diagnose mental illnesses and disorders and prescribe medication. While they can provide counselling and psychotherapy, it’s rare to book a psychiatrist for this on your own—you’d most likely see them through a doctor’s referral only for a diagnosis and/or drug intervention (i.e. a prescription) and will likely need to seek out other professionals for therapy.

Psychologists in Ontario are highly educated at a PhD level in the science of human behaviour and the mind (“psychology associates” will have a master’s degree). Many psychologists remain working in academia, furthering research and evidence-based techniques. If they work with clients, psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions (not all therapists can do this) and they may offer psychotherapy or counselling therapy.

Psychotherapists in Ontario are regulated by Ontario provincial law. Psychotherapy and counselling therapy are often referred to as “talk therapy”—you can expect to work with them on mental, behavioural, or emotional needs through verbal or non-verbal communication methods. 

Psychotherapists are overseen by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Once they’ve met their requirements (exams plus direct and supervised client hours), they’ll be listed as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). If they’re in the process of finishing their requirements, members of the CRPO can use the titles of Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) or RP (Qualifying). They may be available at a lower cost per session. If your insurance covers Registered Psychotherapists, in most cases an RP (Qualifying) will also be covered. See below for more information on therapy pricing. 

It’s a common assumption that social workers in Ontario are only available via community services. However, social workers are therapists and you can book them for counselling or therapy, including on First Session. Registered Social Workers (RSW) have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (MSW). They can work in a variety of settings. In Ontario, Registered Social Workers can use the title psychotherapists in certain contexts.

You can book therapy appointments on First Session with social workers, psychotherapists or psychologists in Ontario.

“How much does therapy cost?” is one of the first questions many ask when they’re considering seeing a therapist. 

You can expect therapy to cost anywhere from $50 to $300+ per session. Costs are typically affected by the therapist’s level of education and specialization. For example, new psychotherapists or counselling therapists may charge around $50 per session. Psychologists hold a PhD, so you expect them to charge closer to the $200 to $350 range. In some cases, psychologists will offer reduced cost counselling for as little as $150 per session.

If you’re in Ontario, the only therapy covered by provincial healthcare plans (OHIP) is a visit to a psychiatrist via a doctor’s referral, a family doctor who also provides psychotherapy services, or a therapist working in a hospital or another public health setting. The provincial government does, however, have a resources page available with a number of affordable and accessible mental health care options.

Therapy coverage by workplace insurance benefits can significantly reduce the amount you pay out-of-pocket to see a therapist. In that case, you work directly with the insurance provider to ensure your costs are covered. Your employer will not be aware of your usage. Every policy is different, but usually you pay for your session and then submit it as a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Your insurance provider’s benefits booklet will tell you what kind of coverage you have, and how to file claims.

Finally, affordable and sliding scale therapy options are offered by some (not all) therapists. This may allow you to pay lower rates if you are facing financial hardship. First Session lists clearly if a therapist offers sliding scale therapy. Always feel free to ask if there is availability.

Anyone can book an appointment with a therapist or counsellor. While some people are referred to therapy, there are no requirements and you can reach out on your own any time. You also do not need to wait until you think your symptoms are “severe enough” to seek help. Any time you are feeling like something is wrong, it’s okay to reach out for help. 

You might start by looking for individual therapy, which involves one-on-one sessions between you and your therapist. Alternatively, you might benefit from group therapy (especially good for those who need support in social settings), or couples and family therapy if your needs involve the other immediate people in your life.

Browse therapists on First Session in those categories and more:

• Couples and marriage therapy
• Men’s therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

Some therapists focus on, or have specialized training for those who belong to particular demographics. For example, child therapy often involves more play-based approaches as a way for the therapist and child to connect and communicate in a safe and welcoming way. Teen and youth therapy addresses evolving issues facing young people from adolescence into adulthood and may take place with or without a parent present.

Therapists might also specialize in seeing members of traditionally underrepresented demographics. On First Session, we help your search with filters for terms such as 2SLGBTQIA+ therapy or BIPOC therapy. A therapist who has a deep understanding of your community’s challenges and obstacles may be better suited to help you, or you might find they are a better fit for you (but it’s not a must). 

There are therapists who also focus on certain mental health conditions or life experiences.

For example, we know the majority of people who visit First Session are looking for anxiety therapy or depression therapy. If you’re unsure exactly what you need help with, that’s totally normal. A therapist can help you better understand your needs. Maybe all you know is that you just experienced a loss, so you may try to first look for grief therapy; in that process you may find that you are also addressing issues like anxiety or depression. 

First Session filters therapists by specialization to help you find a therapist for your needs. Some other popular specialization categories include: 

• Trauma therapy
• OCD therapy
• Relationship therapy
• Sex therapy
• PTSD therapy

Therapists and counsellors will use core techniques for treatment known as modalities. Some of the most commonly searched modalities include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and somatic therapy.

With CBT therapy, a therapist will help guide you through understanding distorted thought patterns, how those patterns create a certain view of the world around you, and how that impacts your behaviours and emotions. CBT is usually limited to a certain number of sessions, and will often involve homework to do between sessions. 

“Dialectical” means opposing forces; two opposing truths may exist at once. DBT therapy is a form of CBT that is shown to be more effective for people with heightened emotional responses, impulsive or self-destructive behaviours. DBT aims to guide people out of the kind of binary, all-or-nothing thinking that leads to intense responses to life’s complexities. DBT often involves group therapy.

While CBT is a form of “talk therapy”, somatic therapy puts a focus on the body. If you pursue somatic therapy, you’ll look at how your body is physically reacting to stress and trauma or perceived danger, known as fight, flight, or freeze. Somatic therapy involves recognizing bodily sensations and learning how to discharge them to calm the body and address the mind.

Finally, EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat PTSD and can be applied to trauma therapy and other mental health concerns. As you recall memories, your therapist will guide you through eye movements that help your brain make new neurological connections with these memories. The intended outcome is to start to observe and process them productively. This is a specialized area of psychotherapy and you should ensure you are working with a therapist who is trauma-informed or trauma-trained before beginning.

You can search for therapists by-modality on First Session, and read about which modalities they use on their profile pages. 

There are different eligibility requirements for free therapy in Ontario, Canada, depending on the program or service. Here are some examples:

1. OHIP-covered therapy: In Ontario, therapy is covered by OHIP if it is provided by a medical doctor, such as a family doctor or psychiatrist, or in a medical setting like a hospital or clinic. Psychiatrists have the medical authority to prescribe medication covered by OHIP. However, accessing their services requires a referral from a family doctor.
2. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP): Adults (aged 18 or over) who live in Ontario and have depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions can access publicly funded, short-term, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) through the OSP. OSP services include self-led resources supported by a coach or clinician, or face-to-face CBT sessions. However, not everyone who is referred to OSP will be eligible for the program. Some people may have needs that are too complex to be treated within the program, while others may have concerns that are out of scope.
3. Free or low-cost counseling: There are government-funded or subsidized clinics that offer low-cost or free mental healthcare. You can often refer yourself to those, but sometimes you’ll need to be referred by a medical doctor for entry and to ensure your costs are covered. The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the clinic or program.

It's important to note that eligibility requirements may change over time, and it's best to check with the specific program or service for the most up-to-date information.

If you are looking to start seeing a therapist in Ontario, Canada, here are some steps you can take:

1. Find a therapist: You can find a therapist in Ontario by searching online directories, such as First Session, or by asking for referrals from your family doctor or friends. You can also check with your insurance provider to see if they cover therapy and if they have a list of approved therapists.

2. Contact the therapist: Once you have found a therapist, you can contact them to schedule an appointment. You can ask them about their experience, their approach to therapy, and their availability. You can also ask about their fees and if they offer a sliding scale or payment plan.

3. Initial consultation: At your initial consultation which is free with some therapists, or your first session, you can discuss your concerns and goals with the therapist. They may ask you questions about your background, your current situation, and your mental health history. They may also explain their approach to therapy and what you can expect from the sessions. During this time, you can see whether the therapist is a good fit for you before booking the next session.   

It's important to note that finding the right therapist may take some time and effort. You may need to try different therapists or types of therapy before finding the one that works best for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself in the process.

The cost of therapy for minors in Ontario, Canada, depends on the type of therapy and the provider. Here are some options:

1. OHIP-covered therapy: Therapy is covered by OHIP if it is provided by a medical doctor, such as a family doctor or psychiatrist, or in a medical setting like a hospital or clinic. However, accessing their services requires a referral from a family doctor.

2. Private therapy: Private therapy sessions in Ontario can cost between $100 and $300 per hour, depending on the type of therapy, the qualifications and experience of the therapist, the location of the therapist, and the length and frequency of sessions. Some therapists may offer sliding scale fees based on income or other factors.

3. Low-cost or free therapy: There are government-funded or subsidized clinics that offer low-cost or free mental healthcare. Community mental health clinics in Toronto may offer therapy at a lower cost or for free. You can often refer yourself to those, but sometimes you’ll need to be referred by a medical doctor for entry and to ensure your costs are covered.

4. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP): The OSP offers publicly funded, short-term, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to adults (aged 18 or over) who live in Ontario and have depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions. OSP services include self-led resources supported by a coach or clinician, or face-to-face CBT sessions. Youth (age 15-17) can get free mental health support through the BounceBack program.

Approaching a therapist for the first time can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that therapists are trained professionals who are there to help you. 

1. First, a pat on your back: Seeking therapy is a brave and important step towards improving your mental health. Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate this.

2. Research different therapists: Look for therapists who you feel comfortable with. You can check online directories like First Session to look for licensed therapists, or ask for referrals from your family doctor or friends.

3. Schedule an initial phone consultation: Some therapists offer free initial phone consultations to new patients. Take advantage of this and ask any preliminary questions you have, such as how they work with clients, what their approach might be for your concerns, and anything else that's important to you. This can help you get a sense of whether the therapist is a good fit for you.

4. Prepare for your first session: Think about what you want to talk about during therapy and what your goals are. You can also write down any questions you have for the therapist. This can help you feel more prepared and reduce anxiety.

5. Try to be honest and open: During your first session, your therapist will ask questions to understand what you're struggling with and what brought you in to see them. It's important to be honest and open about your concerns and feelings. Remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can share without judgment.

6. Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask your therapist questions about their experience, their approach to therapy, and what you can expect from the sessions. This can help you build rapport and feel more comfortable.