You've found a therapist whose profile feels like a good fit. Then you notice the letters after their name: "RP (Qualifying)." What does that mean? Are they fully trained? And will your benefits pay for sessions? This guide explains what a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is in Ontario, how supervision works, how coverage usually works, how to check your own plan and how billing works at our clinic.
This post is general information, not insurance advice. Coverage depends on your plan, so always check with your insurer.
What does Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) mean?
In Ontario, psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is a registrant of the CRPO in the Qualifying category of registration. In plain words, they are registered with the college and allowed to practise psychotherapy, while they complete the last requirements for full RP status.
According to the CRPO, the correct titles are "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)" or "RP (Qualifying)." You'll often see people search for the RP(Q) meaning or the RP Q designation, but the CRPO notes that shortening "(Qualifying)" to "(Q)" isn't correct. If you see "RP(Q)" online, it's referring to the same category.
What a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) can do
An RP (Qualifying) provides psychotherapy to clients, the same core work you'd expect from any therapist. The difference is how their practice is overseen. The CRPO requires every Qualifying registrant to:
practise psychotherapy with clinical supervision
actively work toward the remaining requirements for full registration
pass the registration exam
complete at least 450 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of clinical supervision
The CRPO also sets time limits, with up to five years to meet all of the requirements. Qualifying registrants must carry professional liability insurance and follow the same professional standards and code of ethics as other registrants.
How to check a therapist's registration
You don't have to take anyone's word for it. The CRPO notes that every Qualifying registrant's profile on its Public Register shows they are authorized to practise as a Qualifying registrant. Searching the register by name lets you confirm a therapist's category and whether they're in good standing. It takes a minute and can give you peace of mind with any psychotherapist in Ontario.
RP (Qualifying) is not the same as a student
It's easy to mix these up. A student therapist is still completing their degree and sees clients as part of a supervised placement. An RP (Qualifying) has been accepted by the CRPO as a registrant and holds a certificate of registration in the Qualifying category. They're accountable to the college, must follow its standards and can be the subject of a complaint like any other registrant.
So what is a qualifying psychotherapist, in everyday terms? Usually someone who has finished their graduate training, is registered and practising, and is building their supervised hours. Their work is reviewed regularly with a more experienced clinician.
RP, RP (Qualifying), RSW or psychologist?
Several kinds of professionals provide therapy in Ontario. Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs) both provide psychotherapy, and at our clinic they do the same work. Our page on RPs vs RSWs explains why the designation mostly matters for insurance.
Interestingly, the CRPO notes that even full RPs must receive ongoing clinical supervision until they meet the college's independent practice requirements. Supervision is a normal part of the profession, not a red flag. For a wider comparison, see our guide to the difference between a therapist, counsellor, psychologist and psychiatrist.
Is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. There isn't one answer to whether a registered psychotherapist qualifying is covered by insurance, because each insurer offers many different group and individual plans. Some plans list Registered Psychotherapists as eligible practitioners without separating the Qualifying category. Others may have their own rules.
If your plan doesn't list RP (Qualifying), you still have options. You could ask whether a therapist with a designation your plan does list, such as an RP or RSW, would be a good fit, use a Health Spending Account if you have one, or check whether your plan covers part of the cost. Our admin team can walk through these with you.
That's why we never promise coverage. Registered psychotherapist qualifying insurance questions are best answered by your plan booklet or your insurer directly.
How to check your plan before you book
A few minutes of checking can save surprises later. Try:
Look in your benefits booklet under extended health, paramedical or mental health practitioners.
Log in to your insurer's website or app and search for psychotherapy or counselling coverage.
Call your insurer and ask these exact questions:
"Is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) an eligible practitioner on my plan?"
"How much is covered per session, and what is my yearly maximum?"
"Do I need a referral for coverage?"
"Can the clinic direct bill, or do I submit claims myself?"
Ask HR if your plan is through work.
Check your Health Spending Account (HSA) if you have one, since it may be another option.
Write down who you spoke to and the date, in case you need it later.
How billing works at Transformation Counselling
We'd rather you know exactly how billing works before your first session. Here's what's true at all of our offices:
We can direct bill many insurers, including for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Desjardins is the exception: through TELUS eClaims, we can direct bill Desjardins for sessions with an RSW, RP or psychologist, but not for an RP (Qualifying). For those sessions, you pay the clinic and submit the claim to Desjardins yourself.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies, so check your plan.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Not sure what applies to you? Our admin team can help you check. You can also read more on our insurance and benefits page.
Questions to ask when you book
Whether you book with us or anywhere else, a few questions up front make billing simple:
"Is this therapist an RP, an RP (Qualifying) or an RSW?"
"Can you direct bill my insurer for sessions with this therapist?"
"If not, what will I pay at each session, and what receipt will I get to claim?"
"Does this therapist offer online sessions as well as in person?"
"Can I switch therapists if the fit isn't right?"
Clear answers to these questions help you avoid surprises and focus on the reason you came: getting support.
Why some people choose an RP (Qualifying)
Fit matters more than letters. Feeling comfortable with your therapist can make it easier to open up and keep going. Some people choose an RP (Qualifying) because:
they connect well with the therapist's style and focus
the therapist has the right experience for their concern
the therapist has availability that fits their schedule
they like knowing a senior clinician reviews the work in supervision
When you book, ask about each therapist's designation, focus and approach. A good clinic will answer openly.
Getting started
If you'd like help choosing a therapist or understanding your coverage, start with a free 15-minute consultation. We offer counselling at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices, and online anywhere in Ontario on a secure, encrypted video platform.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. You can simply ask, "Which of your therapists does my plan cover?"
If you're in crisis: if you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night. Our crisis lines page lists both.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registration categories
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) requirements