What does therapy cost in Ontario?
Here it is $180 an appointment, no HST, and the first call is free. The rest of this page is what your insurer will and will not pay.
- One session
- $180
- Booked as a one-hour appointment
- HST
- None
- Exempt for a Registered Psychotherapist
- First call
- Free
- 15 minutes, nothing booked on it
How is the 60-minute session structured?
We work together for 50 minutes of the hour. The remaining 10 minutes are reserved for clinical documentation and notes. I prefer to be transparent about that from the beginning, so you know exactly how your session time is structured.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I don’t currently offer a sliding scale. If the $180 session fee isn’t workable for you, you’re welcome to mention this during the free consultation. I can point you toward other options that may be more accessible.
Who pays for what
Three questions people ask in the same breath.
| Who | Covers this? | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|
| OHIP | No | OHIP pays for psychotherapy from a physician or psychiatrist, and for programmes like Ontario Structured Psychotherapy. Private practice is not on that list. |
| Extended health benefits | Often | Only if your plan names a Registered Psychotherapist. Some plans list Psychologist and Social Worker and stop there. |
| You, at the session | Yes | I do not direct-bill. You pay each session and claim the receipt back, so you are briefly out of pocket. |
Scroll the table sideways for the third column.
How do I get paid back?
- Pay at the session. There is no direct billing, so you are out of pocket until the claim clears.
- You get a receipt with my name, my registration number and the date.
Who you are actually paying
- #17275
CRPO
Registered Psychotherapist
Authorized for independent practice
Verified on
Licence and credentials confirmed
Verified by their team, not self-declared
What if you can’t afford it?
Say so on the call. If I can’t help, here is what else is out there.
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, free short-term CBT, takes self-referrals.
- Your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch runs free and low-cost programmes.
- University training clinics offer supervised therapy at reduced rates.
- Many employers include an EAP that people forget they have.
More about how I work and what I trained in, or send a message if you have a question first.
Questions people ask about paying for this
How much does a psychotherapist cost in Ontario?
My fee is $180 per 60-minute appointment, with no HST added. Fees vary across Ontario depending on the therapist, their training, and the type of service provided. The first 15-minute consultation is free, with no obligation to book sessions.
Does OHIP cover therapy with a Registered Psychotherapist?
No. Private psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist is not covered by OHIP. OHIP covers medically necessary insured services, including physician visits, and Ontario also offers publicly funded mental health programs such as Ontario Structured Psychotherapy.
Will my benefits cover a Registered Psychotherapist?
That depends on your plan. Many extended health plans cover Registered Psychotherapists, but coverage varies. Before your first appointment, check with your insurer to ask whether Registered Psychotherapy in Ontario is covered, what your annual maximum is, and whether your plan requires a referral or other documentation.
Do you direct-bill insurance?
No. Payment is made at the time of your appointment, and I provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer. Your receipt includes the information typically needed for an insurance claim, including my name, registration information, and the date of service. Your insurer determines whether the claim is eligible under your plan.
Is psychotherapy HST-exempt in Ontario?
Yes. Qualifying psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist are exempt from GST/HST under federal tax rules. As a result, $180 is the total fee you pay for a 60-minute psychotherapy appointment.
Can I claim therapy on my taxes?
Registered Psychotherapist services can be eligible medical expenses for Canadian tax purposes, provided the applicable CRA requirements are met. Keep your receipts and check the CRA's current guidance when preparing your return.
Ask the money question first
Fifteen minutes, free, with nothing to prepare and no obligation to book sessions.