Frequently asked questions
Everything people usually want to know before starting Muslim counselling, costs, coverage, confidentiality, and what it actually feels like.
Muslim counselling and psychotherapy at Canadian Muslim Counselling is a process of intervention rooted in the idea of the “talking cure,” guided by extensive research on human behaviour and empirically validated ways of alleviating psychological distress. In Islamic terminology, it is an attempt at understanding Allah's system and structure: the Qur'an instructs humankind to seek out and reflect on the signs and creation of Allah as a means of attaining nearness to Him. We use psychotherapy in a similar way, to assist in the attainment of spiritual and psychological serenity.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when considering counselling, many of our clients feel the same when they first reach out. Meeting with a licensed Muslim counsellor allows you to work through your challenges and develop healthier, more effective strategies to reach your goals, through several approaches to psychotherapy. We can incorporate Islamic elements into the therapeutic process as well.
Not at all. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a Muslim counsellor. Our services are open to everyone.
Sessions are generally $175. For clients without insurance coverage, we offer sliding-scale rates, and our Zakat-funded Financial Assistance Program provides free or low-cost sessions to those who qualify. OHIP, OW, and ODSP do not cover psychotherapy, but many extended health insurance plans do. See full fees & insurance details.
Most extended insurance plans cover our services, services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist and/or Registered Social Worker are eligible for reimbursement through many extended health benefits plans. We recommend verifying coverage directly with your provider. Even without full coverage, our rates are often more affordable than a psychologist, and we can provide a sample letter for your HR department requesting coverage.
Once we receive your request, we confirm your availability, the type of counselling you're looking for, the concerns you'd like to discuss, and your insurance coverage if applicable. Our care team then matches you with the counsellor who is the best fit, welcomes you to the practice, and books your free 15-minute consultation before your first full session.
Tell us, we're happy to pair you with another licensed Muslim counsellor. We want your experience to be as comfortable and seamless as possible, and we appreciate the feedback.
Many people feel nervous before their first sessions, that's normal, and resistance in counselling is normal too. Usually if you attend the session anyway, the nerves disappear and you're glad you went. As you get to know your counsellor and trust develops, you'll feel comfortable and at ease, and the real work of counselling begins.
Yes, seeking treatment is consistent with the Prophetic teaching to take the means Allah has provided, and our counselling is delivered by Muslim clinicians within an Islamic framework. Read our full article on what scholars and science both say.
Yes. Our staff are Registered Psychotherapists and/or supervised by RPs, and we operate in accordance with CRPO's and OCSWSSW's confidentiality standards. All client information is treated with a high degree of confidentiality, with the standard legal exceptions your counsellor will explain in your first session.
Yes, we provide online counselling to Muslim communities across Canada. Our matching form asks for your province so we pair you with a clinician able to serve you.
Yes. We offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots, and our Zakat-funded Financial Assistance Program provides up to 8 free sessions for eligible Muslims in financial hardship. Learn more and apply.
Ready to take the first step?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with the right Muslim counsellor, starting with a free 15-minute consultation.