How to Find Affordable Therapy in Ontario
Published February 1st, 2024
3.5 min read
Therapy can be very expensive. Here’s how you can find affordable treatment.
Written by Simon Spichak
According to a 2018 Stats Canada report, one in six Canadians over the age of 12 reported that they needed mental health care, but only half received the support that they needed. In addition to having trouble finding a therapist, like millions of other Canadians, you might be worried about whether you’ll even be able to afford it. In Ontario, you have options — here’s what you need to know about finding affordable therapy.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapy is expensive because it is delivered by highly trained professionals like psychotherapists and psychologists. Unlike other medical visits or treatments, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) doesn't cover therapy.
Am I covered by insurance?
Many university and college students receive some coverage with their student health insurance plans. We’ve compiled all of these policies for the current year — making it easier to check if you’re covered.
You might also be covered under your parent’s insurance or their employment assistance program.
What is the average cost of therapy in Ontario?
The average cost of therapy will depend on the type of support or mental health professional you’re looking to meet with.
Psychologists can deliver therapy and also diagnose different diseases and conditions. They usually require six to 10 years of specialty training, and as a result, most psychologists in Ontario can charge between $200 and $250 per hour.
Psychotherapists are also trained to deliver different types of therapy, but unlike psychologists, they cannot diagnose various diseases or conditions. The cost of a psychotherapist can range anywhere from $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the therapist’s skills and expertise.
Some private assessment centers can also help you get a diagnosis for a mental health condition, but these centers can charge a wide range of prices from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to receive therapy but the diagnosis could help you receive accommodations for tests and assignments in college or university.
How do I find affordable therapy?
Some psychologists and therapists offer a sliding scale and will provide discounted services if you cannot afford the full price. Some student therapists who are still under supervision also provide discounted services.
Also, databases like the Affordable Therapy Network and Psychology Today can help you find a therapist within your price range.
While there are popular telehealth apps that might offer therapy at a very low price, some of these platforms do not guarantee quality of services and have faced several controversies, including the mishandling of private customer health information.
At Resolvve, our psychotherapy services start at $100 per session, but discounted $30 sessions with student therapists are also available. In the future, we hope to provide other financial support for students who still struggle to pay these prices. If you want to get started, you can book an appointment with one of our therapists using this link.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
