Not sure how low-cost therapy works in Ontario? Learn how sessions are priced, who qualifies, and how to find affordable counselling near you.
Written by Simon Spichak
One in five Canadians experience mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD, or OCD each year. But many struggle to find affordable, low-cost therapy services.
While there are many clinics that offer low-cost options, the process of finding these services isn’t always straightforward. This article goes over how low-cost therapy works and how to find it in Ontario.
What Does “Low-Cost Therapy” Actually Mean in Ontario?
There’s no universal definition for low-cost therapy. In Ontario, some therapy sessions can cost between $180 to $250 depending on the therapist and their experience. Typically, low-cost refers to sessions under $150 with a registered therapist, or under $75 with a supervised intern.
At Resolvve, therapy with student interns costs $30 and between $100 to $130 with experienced therapists. Curious about what you can afford? Use our therapy cost calculator to see how much it may cost.
How Low-Cost Therapy Is Structured
There are a few different models that allow clinics and community organizations to offer low-cost or reduced fee therapy.
Supervised Student Interns
Many clinics train therapy interns who must complete a certain number of client-facing hours to become full-fledged therapists. During their supervised placement, they may offer therapy at a much lower cost. Since they receive close supervision from a registered psychotherapist, working with a student intern still means you’ll receive a high level of care.
Virtual Therapy Model
Many clinics, like Resolvve, only offer virtual therapy sessions. Since the clinics aren’t paying for office space, they can offer therapy at a lower price.
Reduced-Fee and Sliding Scale Slots
Some therapists reserve a portion of their caseload for reduced-fee or sliding scale slots. On a case-by-case basis, they’ll take on clients for lower than their usual rate. You can always ask a therapist during a consultation if they offer lower fees.
What to Expect in a Low-Cost Therapy Session
Low-cost therapy doesn’t mean the services are worse or any different.
Therapists still offer a free 15-minute consultation, the therapy sessions are the same length, typically 50 minutes.Depending on what brings you to therapy, you’ll develop a treatment plan that incorporates some of these treatment modalities:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT helps people with their mental health emotional regulation by teaching them to change negative or harmful thoughts and behaviours.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of CBT that teaches you skills and strategies to cope with distress, manage emotions, build healthier relationships, and help you modify your behaviour so that it’s more aligned with your goals and values.
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP): ERP helps you confront anxiety-inducing thoughts and situations that provoke obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Who Qualifies for Low-Cost or Reduced Fee Counselling in Ontario?
Anyone can access affordable or low-cost therapy. The goal is to make mental health service affordable for everyone, and not an out-of-reach luxury.
People who benefit the most might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of private therapy including:
- Individuals without insurance or limited benefits
- Students and young adults
- People with part-time or precarious employment
- Those with low income
- Anyone seeking help but unable to commit to full private therapy rates.
In many clinics, you don’t need to prove that you’re struggling. At Resolvve, low-cost is the standard model.
How to Access Low-Cost Therapy in Ontario — Step by Step
Follow these steps to book a consultation with a low-cost therapist in Ontario.
- Search directories: Websites like Psychology Today and the Affordable Therapy Network allow you to search for therapists and clinics across the province that might fit your budget. If you have insurance, their website might also have a list of options.
- Look for low-cost options: Some clinics offer therapy with student interns. Other therapists that might usually charge more for sessions may offer a sliding scale, meaning that they may allow you to pay less.
- Book a free consultation: Most therapists offer a free consultation where you can discuss fit and fees.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for reduced fees: Even if it isn’t advertised, feel free to ask the therapist if they might offer a reduced fee
- Confirm the details and get started with your therapy plan: After the first session, your therapist will work with you on a treatment plan and check to see whether part of the cost will be covered by insurance.
Many low-cost therapy options in Ontario are virtual. It removes the travel barrier for you and helps keep costs low for the clinic.
Does Insurance Cover Low-Cost Therapy in Ontario?
Low-cost therapy sessions with registered psychotherapists and social workers are usually covered by student health and work-related benefit plans. Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover the cost of therapy.
When possible, Resolvve files insurance claims on your behalf. If the plan covers the entire cost of the therapy session, then you don’t need to pay out of pocket. You can learn more about insurance coverage and billing here.
Access Low-Cost Therapy Services Today
There are many practitioners offering low-cost therapy in Ontario. Even though the price tag is lower, the quality of care remains the same. Don’t let cost hold you back, if you’re curious about starting low-cost therapy, book a free 15-minute consultation with one of Resolvve’s therapists today.