You've decided to try therapy, and then the benefits booklet comes out. It lists psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and maybe something called a "mental health practitioner." What does any of that mean for you? The honest answer to "does insurance cover therapy in Ontario" is that it depends on your plan and on the type of professional you see. This guide explains how coverage usually works for Registered Psychotherapists (RPs), Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and psychologists, and how to find out exactly what your own plan pays for.
This article is general information, not advice about any one plan. Every plan is different, so always confirm the details with your insurer.
First, OHIP versus private insurance
OHIP, Ontario's public health plan, does not cover therapy with RPs, RSWs or psychologists in private practice. So when people ask whether therapy is covered, they usually mean their extended health benefits. These are private plans, often through work, school, a union or a partner's job.
Extended health plans decide which professionals they will pay for, how much and how often. That's why two people at two different jobs can get very different answers to the same question.
How therapy coverage usually works
Most plans follow a similar pattern, even though the details change from plan to plan. When you read your booklet, look for these pieces.
Which professionals are covered. Plans list the types of providers they will pay for, such as psychologists, social workers or psychotherapists.
A yearly maximum. Many plans cap how much they will pay in a benefit year. Once you reach the cap, you pay the rest yourself.
A per-visit limit or percentage. Some plans pay back part of each session, or up to a set amount per visit.
Combined or separate maximums. Some plans give each type of professional its own maximum. Others group them into one shared amount for mental health care.
Extra rules. Some plans ask for a doctor's note, a certain degree or a certain licence before they will pay.
Once you know these five things, you'll have a clear picture of what therapy will cost you.
Coverage for Registered Psychotherapists (RPs)
RPs are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. They provide talk therapy for things like anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and relationship problems.
Many workplace plans include RPs, but not all of them do. Some plans list psychotherapists by name. Others may cover them under a broader heading. Some plans also have rules about the RP's licence, for example paying only for RPs who are fully licensed to practise on their own and not for RPs who are still practising under supervision.
If your plan covers RPs, check whether there is a separate maximum just for them or a shared one.
Coverage for Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
RSWs are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Many have a Master of Social Work (MSW) and training in therapy. At our clinic, both RSWs and RPs provide therapy.
Many plans list social workers, sometimes under the heading "social worker" and sometimes as part of a wider mental health benefit. One detail to watch for: some plans only cover social workers who hold an MSW. If your plan has that rule, ask us to match you with an RSW who meets it.
Coverage for psychologists
Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. They can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and some also provide therapy.
Psychologists are listed in many benefit plans. If you need a psychological assessment, for example to check for ADHD or a learning disability, ask your insurer whether assessments are covered and how much of your maximum they would use. At our clinic, psychologist fees depend on the service, and we go over them with you in your free 15-minute consultation.
So should you see an RP, an RSW or a psychologist?
If your main goal is regular talk therapy, an RP or an RSW is usually the place to start. At our clinic, individual sessions with either one are $130 to $200. Couples and family sessions are $170 to $200. Student therapists offer sessions for $0 to $80, though coverage for student sessions varies by plan.
If you need a diagnosis, see a psychologist. Our psychologists assess and diagnose, and our nurse practitioners can diagnose and prescribe medication. RPs and RSWs provide the ongoing therapy.
Your plan may also nudge the choice. If it covers social workers but not psychotherapists, or the other way around, we can match you with a therapist whose sessions your plan covers.
How to check your coverage in a few minutes
You don't need to read the whole booklet. Log in to your insurer's app or website, or call the number on your benefits card, and ask:
Does my plan cover therapy with a Registered Psychotherapist? A Registered Social Worker? A psychologist?
Is there a yearly maximum? Is it per type of professional or shared?
How much is left for this year, and when does my benefit year reset?
Do you pay a percentage of each session, or up to a set amount per visit?
Are there any rules about degrees or licences, like an MSW?
Do I need a doctor's note or referral before I can claim?
Can the clinic bill you directly?
Write down the answers, the date and the name of the person you spoke with. It makes any later questions much easier.
Other ways to pay for therapy
A few other options can help, especially if your benefits are small or you have none.
A partner's plan. If you're covered under a spouse's or partner's benefits too, ask both insurers how to claim on each plan.
A Health Spending Account. Some employers offer one on top of regular benefits, and it can often be used for therapy. We accept Health Spending Accounts.
WSIB. If your mental health was harmed by something at work, WSIB may cover treatment. We are a WSIB-contracted provider and can bill WSIB directly.
Student therapists. At $0 to $80 a session, this is our most affordable option.
Direct billing versus paying and claiming
With direct billing, the clinic sends your claim to your insurer for you. You pay only the part your plan doesn't cover. We can direct bill many plans.
If your plan doesn't allow direct billing, you pay at your session and submit your receipt to your insurer. We provide receipts that make that easy.
Either way, keep in mind that our one-time $50 new client setup fee isn't covered by insurance. It isn't charged for the free 15-minute consultation.
Let us help you sort it out
Insurance can feel confusing, and it's okay not to know where to start. Send us a picture of your benefits card and we'll help you check your coverage. For a list of insurers we often work with, see does my insurance cover counselling and therapy in Ontario.
We see clients in person in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and Ottawa, and online across Ontario. No referral is needed to book with us.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover online therapy?
It depends on your plan. Ask your insurer whether online sessions with a covered professional are paid the same way as in-person sessions. We offer online sessions across Ontario as well as in-person sessions at our offices.
Will my employer know I'm using my benefits for therapy?
Your employer does not get your therapy notes. Claims go to your insurer, not your boss. If you're worried about privacy, ask your insurer what information your employer can see.
What if my plan doesn't cover therapy at all?
You still have options, like our student therapists or a Health Spending Account. Tell us about your budget in your free consultation and we'll help you find a fit.
Start with a free conversation
You don't need to have every answer before you reach out. Book a free 15-minute consultation and our team will help you understand your benefits and find a therapist who fits your needs and your plan.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Psychotherapy, CAMH
Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, Government of Ontario (e-Laws)
Mental health program of care, WSIB Ontario