Understanding Therapy Costs in Ontario
One of the most common questions people have before starting therapy is: How much will this cost? It is a fair question, and one that deserves a straightforward answer.
The cost of therapy in Ontario varies depending on the therapist’s credentials, location, session length, and specialty. This guide breaks down what you can expect, what factors affect pricing, and how to make therapy more affordable.
Average Therapy Costs in Ontario (2026)
Therapy rates in Ontario typically range from $150 to $250 per session, with most therapists charging between $175 and $200 for a 50-minute session.
Rates by therapist type
| Therapist Type | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) | $150–$200 |
| Registered Social Worker (RSW) | $140–$180 |
| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | $200–$300+ |
| Psychiatrist (MD) | Covered by OHIP |
| Intern/Student Therapist | $60–$100 |
These are general ranges. Rates in major cities like Toronto tend to be higher, while therapists in smaller communities may charge less.
Rates at Graceway Wellness
At Graceway Wellness, we aim for transparent pricing:
- Individual Therapy (Virtual): $170 per 50-minute session
- Individual Therapy (In-Person/Evening Virtual): $185 per 50-minute session
- Couples/Family Therapy (Virtual): $200 per 50-minute session
- Couples/Family Therapy (In-Person/Evening Virtual): $225 per 50-minute session
All fees include HST, and we provide insurance receipts for reimbursement.
Is Therapy Covered by OHIP?
OHIP does not cover psychotherapy from registered psychotherapists, psychologists, or social workers. This is a common source of confusion and frustration for Ontarians seeking mental health support.
What OHIP does cover
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialize in mental health are covered by OHIP. However, psychiatrists often focus on diagnosis and medication management rather than talk therapy, and wait times can be 6 to 12 months.
- Hospital-based programs: Some hospital outpatient mental health programs are OHIP-funded.
- Community health centres: Certain community organizations offer funded counselling with wait lists.
What OHIP does not cover
- Registered Psychotherapists (RP)
- Registered Social Workers (RSW) in private practice
- Psychologists (PhD/PsyD)
- Marriage and family therapists
This means most Ontarians seeking regular therapy sessions pay out of pocket or through insurance.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
Many employer health benefits and private insurance plans include coverage for mental health services. Coverage varies widely:
- Amount: Typically $500 to $2,000 per year for psychology or counselling
- Therapist type: Some plans only cover psychologists, while others include registered psychotherapists and social workers
- Session limits: Some plans limit the number of covered sessions per year
How to check your coverage
- Review your benefits booklet or online portal
- Look for “Psychology,” “Mental Health,” “Psychotherapy,” or “Counselling” under paramedical services
- Check if your plan specifies which credentials are covered (RP, RSW, PhD)
- Note your annual maximum and any per-session limits
At Graceway Wellness, all therapists are Registered Psychotherapists (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). We provide official receipts that can be submitted to most insurance providers.
Ways to Make Therapy More Affordable
If cost is a barrier, there are several options to consider:
1. Use your health benefits strategically
If you have limited coverage, consider spacing sessions further apart once you are stable, or front-loading sessions when you most need support.
2. Ask about sliding scale
Some therapists offer reduced rates based on income. While not all practices offer this, it is worth asking.
3. Consider virtual therapy
Virtual sessions are often slightly less expensive than in-person sessions and eliminate commute time and costs. At Graceway Wellness, virtual sessions are $10 less than in-person for individual therapy.
4. Look into intern or student therapists
Therapists in training often offer lower rates while supervised by experienced clinicians. This can be a good option for lower-acuity concerns.
5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Many employers offer EAP services that include a limited number of free counselling sessions. Check with your HR department.
6. Community resources
- Family Health Teams: Some offer short-term counselling
- CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association): Offers low-cost or free services in some regions
- University training clinics: Offer reduced-rate therapy provided by supervised students
Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
This is a deeply personal question. Therapy is an investment of time, money, and emotional energy. Whether it is “worth it” depends on what you are hoping to gain.
Consider the cost of not addressing the issue
- How is untreated anxiety, depression, or relationship conflict affecting your work performance?
- What is the toll on your physical health from chronic stress?
- How are your relationships suffering?
- What opportunities are you missing because you feel stuck?
Many people find that the investment in therapy pays dividends in quality of life, relationships, and even career advancement.
Therapy is not forever
A common misconception is that therapy lasts indefinitely. In reality, many people achieve their goals within 8 to 20 sessions. Some concerns, like processing a specific loss or learning anxiety management skills, may require even less.
The goal of good therapy is to help you not need therapy anymore.
What You Get for Your Investment
When you pay for therapy, you are not just paying for 50 minutes of conversation. You are paying for:
- Professional training and expertise: Therapists complete years of education and supervised practice
- A confidential, judgment-free space: Unlike talking to friends or family, therapy is entirely about you
- Evidence-based treatment: Effective therapists use approaches backed by research
- Accountability and structure: Regular sessions create momentum for change
- Someone in your corner: A therapist who remembers your story and tracks your progress
Taking the First Step
If you have been hesitating because of cost, consider booking a free consultation to discuss your needs and options. At Graceway Wellness, we offer a no-obligation 15-minute call to help you understand whether therapy is right for you and how to make it work within your budget.
We serve Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Mississauga, and all of Ontario through virtual sessions.
View our complete fee schedule for transparent pricing.
Your mental health is worth investing in. And finding the right support is the first step.