How Much Does Therapy Cost in Canada

Therapy has many benefits, from enhancing your mental and physical well-being to supporting your personal growth. With the cost of living increasing, personal finances can be a significant factor when considering therapy, leaving you wondering: How much does therapy cost in Canada?

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Therapy does cost money in Canada, with an average therapy session costing between $60 and $250 per hour. However, this depends on a few factors, including where you live and the therapist you want to work with. To help you make an informed decision about therapy and budget accordingly, let’s break down how much therapy costs per hour, what mental health services are covered in Canada, and how to find affordable therapy options.

Does Therapy Cost Money in Canada?

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Visits to therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and social workers in private practices typically have an out-of-pocket cost. These visits aren’t covered by provincial healthcare plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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However, if you are receiving treatment for mental health needs via visits to a hospital or doctor, these are generally covered by your provincial healthcare plan. If your doctor refers you to a psychiatrist, this will also be covered (but keep in mind that psychiatrists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, which differs from counselling).

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Services from other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and social workers, may also be free if they are offered in government-funded hospitals, clinics, or agencies. The Government of Canada also funds a variety of free mental health support and resources for each province and territory.

Private Insurance and Mental Health Workplace Benefits

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If you have insurance through work or school, it can often help cover the cost of therapy. Insurance plans may offer full or partial coverage for counselling, up to a certain amount per year. Some workplaces include Health Spending Accounts in their benefits packages which can be used to cover a range of health expenses, including mental healthcare. Your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may also offer confidential counselling or therapy for employees.

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It’s best to check with your workplace, school, or insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan. Depending on your plan and the mental healthcare professional you visit, your therapist may be able to directly bill your insurance provider. In other cases, you’ll have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed by your provider later.

How Expensive Is Therapy in Canada?

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On average, therapy costs $150 per hour in Canada, but therapy sessions can range anywhere from $60 to $250 per hour or more. The cost of therapy depends on many factors, including:

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• The therapist’s qualifications and experience
• The type of therapy you are seeking and the expertise/specialization required
• Your location (major urban areas tend to be more expensive)
• The frequency and length of therapy sessions

How Much Does Seeing a Psychologist Cost in Canada?

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You may hear the words psychologist, therapist, and counsellor used interchangeably. Each of these professionals has different experiences and qualifications and their therapy cost per hour can vary.

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• Registered psychotherapists, counsellors, and registered social workers have a range of training, anywhere from a diploma to a PhD. Visits start from $60 per session, depending on the professional. 

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• Psychologists have a master’s and/or doctoral degree and at least one year of supervised practice. They can provide formal assessments and diagnoses. An average therapy session with a psychologist costs roughly $150-$250 per hour in Canada, though some psychologists provide free services through hospitals and community agencies.

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• Psychiatrists have a medical degree and psychiatric training. They are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions and prescribe medications. Visits to psychiatrists are covered by public health insurance in Canada if referred by a doctor.

Affordable Therapy Options in Canada

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One of the most frequently reported barriers to mental healthcare was related to personal circumstances, such as not knowing where to get help or not being able to pay for services. While it can seem challenging to balance mental healthcare with your finances, there are many options you can explore to meet your needs and budget. Here are a few options you can look into:

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• Community mental health services and non-profit organizations: Community organizations often have a team of psychologists, social workers, or therapists who offer low- or no-cost therapy. 
• Graduate students: Counselling psychology grad students, working under a supervisor, may offer low-cost therapy rates.
• Group therapy: Meeting in a group setting is typically less expensive than individual therapy. This is also an opportunity to meet people who are facing similar challenges such as grief or substance abuse.
• Online therapy: Online counselling has become more common, and some therapists may offer reduced rates compared to in-person counselling.
• Sliding scale therapy: This is a flexible payment model where mental health professionals consider their client’s income level and financial situation to determine session fees.

Sliding Scale Therapy 

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In sliding scale therapy, therapists work collaboratively with their clients to adjust their fees for individuals with financial constraints. This makes counselling services more accessible and affordable—but does not affect the quality of care.

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It’s completely normal to ask a potential therapist how much therapy sessions cost before deciding to work with them. While this may seem uncomfortable, therapists know their clients come from different financial situations. 

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When chatting with a potential therapist, be upfront about your budget. Ask about their session fees, session frequency, cancellation fees, whether they accept insurance, and if they offer sliding scale rates. Many counsellors will be happy to help you manage the cost of treatment and find a payment plan that works for you.

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By having an open and upfront conversation about therapy costs per hour, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can manage your therapy budget with less stress.

Find Accessible Counselling Services With Phare 

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Therapy is a worthwhile investment that can help you improve your mental and physical health, relationships, and professional and personal life. While there is no exact answer to how much therapy costs in Canada, there are ways to find counselling within your budget. 

At Phare, we want to remove barriers to therapy and make mental healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Canadians. We offer sliding scale fees with licensed, qualified counsellors with diverse specializations. We’ll help match you with a counsellor who meets your needs and budget. Get started on your mental well-being journey today!