The cost of psychotherapy in Ontario and how to make it affordable

Rates of different types of practitioners

Psychotherapy can legally be provided by different types of professionals. In Ontario, psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists are three of the most common practitioners offering psychotherapy. Their rates vary, and here are some examples:

Psychologists

Psychologists typically hold a Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are trained in advanced mental health assessments and therapy. A psychologist's hourly rate generally starts at $220 per session, depending on their level of experience and specialization. While their services are valuable for complex psychological assessments, they may not always be necessary for general psychotherapy needs.

Social workers

Registered Social Workers (RSWs) provide psychotherapy and mental health support at a lower cost compared to psychologists. They typically hold a master's degree and are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Social workers typically charge between $115 and $190 per session, making them a more affordable option while still providing high-quality therapy services.

Psychotherapists

Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) in Ontario are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). They specialize in therapy and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Their rates are comparable to social workers, typically ranging from $115 to $190 per session. However, some psychotherapists may hold a "Qualifying" status, meaning they are still completing their training. These professionals often offer lower rates but may have certain practice limitations.

Other Practitioners

Other professionals providing mental health support include Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) and non-registered coaches or wellness consultants. CCCs are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), but their services are not always covered by insurance in Ontario. Non-registered practitioners, such as life coaches, may charge lower rates but lack the regulatory oversight required for clinical psychotherapy.

Ways to lower the cost of therapy

Mental health professionals invest years in training, which often makes their services unaffordable for many people, especially since OHIP does not cover these professionals in private practice. However, there are ways to reduce therapy costs.

Check your extended health insurance

Many people have extended health benefits through their employer or private insurance. These plans often cover sessions with Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, or Psychologists. Before starting therapy, check your insurance policy to determine the coverage amount per session and the annual limit.

Medical expense claim

If you do not have insurance coverage, you may still be able to reduce your therapy costs through tax deductions. The Canada Revenue Agency allows psychotherapy services provided by licensed professionals to be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return, helping to lower out-of-pocket expenses at tax time.

Sliding scale

Some therapists and clinics offer sliding scale fees based on financial need. If affordability is a concern, inquire about whether a therapist provides reduced rates for individuals with lower incomes. Many community organizations also provide low-cost or free therapy options for those in financial distress. However, these services typically have long waitlists—ranging from weeks to months.

Choose online therapy

Compared to in-person therapy, online therapy is generally more affordable as operational costs are lower. Online-only centres like Virtrapy can offer more competitive rates. Hybrid services, however, still need to maintain physical office spaces, which may affect pricing.

The trade-offs of low-cost therapy

Some therapy centres, especially online clinics, provide affordable options where a session costs only around $50. While this is much cheaper than the regular price, it is important to consider the trade-offs of low-cost therapy. As mentioned earlier, professionals spend years in university training to become licensed, and their efforts should be properly valued.

Qualifying therapists

The most common affordable sessions are provided by Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying). Some centres may refer to them as students or interns. These professionals are still completing their practicum or have not yet taken their clinical exam. While they are supervised, they may have limitations in handling complex cases. Additionally, in online settings, where unique challenges exist, they may struggle to provide sessions that fully meet professional standards, potentially affecting therapy effectiveness.

Another concern is that once these therapists become fully licensed, their session rates may increase significantly—from $50 to $150 or more. If this exceeds a client’s budget, they may have to find a new therapist.

Underpaid therapists

Therapists in some affordable services, particularly well-known global online therapy platforms, are paid extremely low wages. A private practice therapist typically earns around $75–$110 per session, whereas those working for such platforms may receive as little as $40 per session. This not only makes it difficult to attract highly skilled therapists but can also lead to therapist burnout and high turnover rates, forcing clients to frequently change therapists.

How we benefit both clients and therapists

Setting the right price for services is always challenging, but Virtrapy adopts strategies to balance benefits for both therapists and clients.

More affordable than average

Our therapy sessions with Associate Therapists, who are fully qualified and hold at least one master’s degree, cost $115—significantly lower than the industry average of $160 for professionals with similar qualifications and experience. Our Therapy Specialists, who have at least five years of clinical experience (some are even supervisors or university instructors), charge only $155 per session—sometimes even cheaper than interns in other centres.

Fair compensation for our therapists

Unlike other affordable therapy services that underpay their therapists, Virtrapy ensures that our therapists receive at least the industry-standard compensation. In fact, experienced therapists at Virtrapy are paid well above the market average. This allows us to attract top-tier therapists while maintaining affordability for clients.

Are you interested in meeting our therapists? Book a 20-minute free consultation now.