How Much Does Therapy Cost in Canada? [2025]

Therapy is highly beneficial for you overall mental well-being and personal growth. However, with rising inflation and increased cost of living, affordability is a major factor for Canadians when evaluating therapy options.

The cost of therapy in Canada depends on various factors, such as the therapy type and the therapy provider’s experience. Let’s dive in and explore further as we assess each therapy option and its typical cost.

Key Takeaways

• You should check with your insurance and employee benefits, as they may cover all or some of the cost.
• Provincial healthcare usually covers the psychiatrist’s services, but not the services of counseling and psychology.
• Affordable options are available through community programs, student clinics, and online therapy services.
• Some online therapy platforms like Shifa Therapy provide affordable therapy starting from $57 per session.

Understanding Therapy Costs in Canada

In Canada, therapy sessions with psychologists, social workers, and other professionals are usually not covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) or Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP), so patients pay out of pocket.

Many expenses related to mental health services that are provided via a visit to the hospital or doctor will usually be paid through provincial healthcare. But if you are referred to a psychiatrist by your doctor, this is typically covered by provincial healthcare.

Psychiatric services, however, are focused on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, rather than just providing counseling.

How Much Does a Therapy Session Cost in Canada

A therapy session in Canada costs between CAD $100–$250 per session. Online therapy is usually the most affordable, psychotherapists and social workers charge less, psychologists more, and psychiatrist visits are publicly funded with a referral.

Types Of Mental Health Professionals and Their Costs in Canada

These professionals have differing backgrounds and training, and their fee per hour of therapy varies.

• Registered psychotherapists, registered social workers, and clinical or counselling therapists may hold qualifications ranging from a diploma to a PhD. Their fees vary depending on their training and experience, typically starting at around CAD $140–$200.

• Psychologists must complete a master’s or doctoral degree along with at least one year of supervised training. They are qualified to conduct formal assessments and make official diagnoses. In Canada, therapy sessions with psychologists generally cost between CAD $150 and CAD $250 per session, though some may provide free services through hospitals or community agencies.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in psychiatry. They can diagnose and treat mental health disorders as well as prescribe medication. In Canada, visits to psychiatrists are publicly funded with a doctor’s referral.

Affordable Therapy Options in Canada

While managing mental healthcare and finances may seem difficult, there are many options that you may be able to access that fit your needs and budget. Here are a few options to consider:

• Non-profit organization and Community mental health services: Community organizations frequently employ many psychologists, social workers, or therapists who offer affordable, low-cost, or free therapy.
• Online therapy platforms: Some online platforms may offer considerably lower fees per therapy session than in-person counselling. For example, Muslims in Canada can find qualified and affordable therapy providers by exploring online muslim therapist directories such as Shifa Therapy for more details on pricing and session scheduling.
• Group therapy: Attending therapy in a group setting is often less expensive than attending individual therapy. This is also a chance to meet individuals dealing with similar challenges, such as grief or substance abuse.
• Graduate students: Counselling psychology graduate students, under the supervision of a registered psychologist, may offer reduced fees for therapy.
• Sliding-scale therapy: A sliding-scale therapy agreement is a flexible payment option, meaning that mental health professionals take their clients’ income and financial status into consideration before they agree to a fee for each session.

Conclusion

In Canada, the cost of therapy can vary depending on many components such as the type of service, the region of the country, and, of course, insurance benefits.

Remember that mental health support is a worthwhile investment and can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself.

Private, in-person therapy can be expensive; however, with options such as employer mental health benefits, provincial programs, community clinics, and online therapy options, accessing quality, affordable support is within your reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)