Exploring online therapy options in Ontario

Types of online therapy

Online therapy has grown significantly in Canada. It offers individuals accessible and flexible mental health support. Depending on personal preferences and communication styles, we can choose between video, voice, or text therapy. Each format has distinct advantages and considerations.

Video therapy

Video therapy is the most common form of online counselling. It closely replicates traditional in-person sessions. It allows therapists to observe facial expressions, tone, and body language in an online format, which can enhance therapeutic communication. Many Ontario-based clinics and regulated therapists provide this form of therapy through secure, encrypted platforms.

Voice therapy

Voice therapy, or phone therapy, is an alternative for individuals who prefer verbal communication without the visual component. Some clients find voice sessions less intimidating than video calls, which makes it easier to express their emotions. This format is often used in phone counselling services and is ideal for people in areas with limited internet bandwidth.

Text therapy

Text therapy is growing in popularity. It allows individuals to communicate with therapists through live chat or asynchronous messaging. This option benefits those who feel more comfortable writing rather than speaking. In Ontario, certain private practices and therapy apps provide text therapy services. While crisis helplines do not offer therapy sessions, services like 988 Canada and Kids Help Phone use text as one of their intervention channels. It may be surprising, but nearly 40% of 988 users choose text as their preferred method.

Common choices people may pick

With various online therapy platforms available, people in Ontario have several options when choosing mental health support. The most common choices include US-based global platforms, therapist directories, and private practices. Each option has different benefits and limitations.

US-based global platforms

Popular platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp connect users with therapists worldwide. While these services offer convenience and affordability, they often do not ensure that therapists are registered to practice in Ontario, which could impact insurance coverage and regulatory oversight. Their therapists are also paid significantly below the industry average. It can lead to burnout and frequent therapist turnover, which ultimately harms clients' continuity of care and overall therapeutic experience.

Therapist directories

Platforms like Psychology Today and First Session list professionals based on their credentials, specialties, and availability. Clients can choose between in-person sessions or therapists who offer virtual services. This option provides access to a range of Ontario-regulated practitioners, making it a safer and more compliant choice. However, listing services often do not offer personalized matching. This limitation can make potential clients overwhelming to find a therapist who best fits their needs.

Private practice

Some therapists and clinics offer online therapy through their private practices. This option provides the most personalized care, as clients work with a consistent professional who understands their unique needs. Clinics like Virtrapy specialize in secure, ethical, and professional online therapy services.

Considerations of choosing the best centre

When selecting an online therapy provider, it is important to ensure that the service is safe, ethical, and regulated. Below are key factors to consider when making a choice.

Is it an ontario-regulated profession?

In Canada, each province has its own regulatory bodies for psychotherapy. In Ontario, the two most recognized professions for providing psychotherapy are Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs). Both are highly trained in individual, couple, and family counselling. Most extended health insurance plans cover their services.

If you use a U.S.-based platform or find a therapist through a directory like Psychology Today, ensure that they are an RSW registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or an RP registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Otherwise, their services may not align with Ontario's professional and ethical standards, which could impact the quality of therapy and insurance coverage.

While Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), can practice psychotherapy across Canada, their services are often not covered by insurance in Ontario.

When it is affordable, do they use fully-qualified therapists?

You may see some centres promoting themselves as affordable. The fact is that most of these centres employ Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) as therapists. These are practitioners still in their practicum who have not yet passed the licensing exam. While they are typically supervised by a fully qualified therapist, the unique online setting may make it challenging for qualifying therapists to perform effectively. They also have several limitations, such as generally being unable to provide therapy for complex trauma, complicated relationships, or other severe mental health conditions.

Does it use a secure platform?

Data security is critical in online therapy. Ensure that the provider complies with Ontario privacy regulations, such as PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), to protect client confidentiality.

Is it owned by a clinical professional?

It may seem unrelated to many people, but it directly affects the quality of service. This is especially true for online therapy centres, where lower operational costs attract non-clinical individuals to run them. Some common downsides include a lack of expertise in managing and guiding a team of mental health professionals. Additionally, these centres may prioritize profit over client care. They focus heavily on marketing while neglecting service quality, with a significant portion of the revenue benefiting the owners rather than improving therapeutic services.

Green flags of a good psychotherapy practice

Finding a reliable and professional online therapy provider is not difficult if you follow the suggestions below. Here are some green flags that indicate a trustworthy service.

Team of fully Ontario-registsred therapists with a master's degree

As mentioned above, therapy should be provided by Ontario-registered mental health professionals, such as social workers and psychotherapists. While there is no legal requirement, it is highly recommended that therapists hold at least a related master’s degree, as this ensures they have received advanced training in therapy.

Uses a secure platform

A good practice prioritizes privacy and confidentiality by using encrypted, PIPEDA-compliant technology for therapy sessions. For example, some centres use Jane App, a Canadian telehealth management system, while others have a team of software engineers to develop their own secure platform.

Relatively affordable

Compared to in-person psychotherapy, running an online centre is generally less expensive. While the definition of "affordable" varies from person to person, session rates should be at least lower than in-person therapy if the therapists have similar qualifications and experience.

Owned by an clinician

A reputable online therapy practice should be operated by an Ontario-registered clinician who follows the province’s regulations and ethical standards. This ensures that the owner understands industry standards and has the necessary expertise to manage the practice effectively.

Virtrapy meets all the green flags

Professional therapists

At Virtrapy, our professional team consists exclusively of fully registered Ontario practitioners, such as Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists, each holding at least one master’s degree in a mental health-related field. This ensures the highest standard of care while also meeting the requirements for insurance coverage.

Secure practices

We take privacy and security seriously, and implement strict policies for handling personal health information. Our platform and entire operational process comply fully with PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). These implementations ensure confidentiality and data security.

Lead by social workers

Unlike many online therapy centres run by non-clinical individuals, Virtrapy is owned and managed entirely by Registered Social Workers. This ensures that our leadership understands both the needs of the community and the professional standards of psychotherapy.

25% cheaper than average

Finally, we are committed to making therapy more accessible. Our session rates are at least 25% lower than the market average for therapists with the same qualifications, making high-quality mental health support affordable without compromising on professionalism or ethical standards.

Interested in getting started? Book a free 20-minute consultation today and experience how text therapy can support your mental well-being.