How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ontario? Fees, Insurance, and Free Options (2026)
Quick answer: Counselling in Ontario typically costs $150–$240 per session with a Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker, and $200–$300+ with a psychologist. OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy, but most extended health benefits plans reimburse $500–$2,000 per year for services by an RP or RSW. Lower-cost paths include sliding-scale rates, student health plans, and subsidized programs, including Canadian Muslim Counselling's Zakat-funded free counselling program (up to 8 sessions).
The short answer
In Ontario, expect to pay per 50-minute session roughly:
| Provider type | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) / Registered Social Worker (RSW) | $150–$240 |
| Psychologist (C.Psych) | $200–$300+ |
| Supervised intern / qualifying counsellor | $50–$120 |
| Canadian Muslim Counselling | $175 (about 30% below industry average) |
Does OHIP cover counselling?
No, OHIP does not cover psychotherapy in private practice, and neither do OW or ODSP. OHIP covers mental health care only through physicians (family doctors, psychiatrists) and some hospital or community programs, which often carry long waitlists.
What insurance actually covers
Most extended health benefits plans, through your employer, a family member's plan, or your school, cover psychotherapy delivered by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and/or Registered Social Worker (RSW). Typical annual maximums range from $500 to $2,000. To confirm, ask your insurer one question: "Are services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Worker covered under my plan?"
After each session you receive a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement. If your plan doesn't cover RP/RSW services, ask HR, many plans add coverage on request, and CMC can provide a sample letter for your HR department.
Students: you likely have coverage
Full-time university and college students usually have health plans that cover counselling, and international students are typically covered by UHIP. Canadian Muslim Counselling partners with student associations at universities across Canada and can help you verify your student coverage during intake.
If cost is still a barrier
- Sliding scale: reduced fees based on financial need. CMC offers a limited number of sliding-scale spots, contact us before booking.
- Free counselling programs: CMC's Financial Assistance Program, funded in part by Zakat donations, provides eligible Muslims across Canada with free 50-minute sessions, up to 8 sessions after an initial consult.
- Free consultations: a 15-minute consult costs nothing and helps you plan before spending anything.
Is counselling worth the cost?
Consider what untreated anxiety, depression, or marital conflict costs, in health, work, and relationships. Research shows psychotherapy produces lasting improvement for most people who complete a course of treatment, and unlike ongoing costs, skills learned in counselling stay with you. Weekly sessions are also not forever: many people see meaningful change in 8–12 sessions.
Quick answers
Psychotherapy may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit when provided by an authorized medical practitioner, in Ontario this includes Registered Psychotherapists. Keep your receipts and confirm with your tax preparer.
It varies. Focused concerns often improve in 8–12 sessions; deeper or long-standing issues take longer. Your counsellor should review progress with you regularly, and you can pause any time.
Fees are usually similar, but online counselling eliminates commute time and childcare costs and gives you access to counsellors across the province rather than only your neighbourhood.