In Ontario, anyone can refer to themselves as a “therapist”. There are no educational or training requirements to use that term. Three of the regulated mental health professions in Ontario are outlined below.

Psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Training usually involves a Master’s and Doctoral degree in psychology. During graduate school, most students accrue over 1000 hours of clinical experience through practicum placements and another 1500 hours of experience during their clinical residency. Psychologists then complete an additional year of supervised practice before becoming fully licensed. In Ontario, only physicians (e.g., family doctors, psychiatrists), nurse practitioners, and psychologists can communicate mental health diagnoses.

Psychotherapists are trained to provide talk-based therapy, intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Training for “Psychotherapists” usually involves a Master’s degree in psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, or a related field such as social work as well as clinical supervision and attendance at various workshops for specific treatment modalities/conditions. Registered Psychotherapists as well as nurses, social workers and occupational therapists (OTs) who have received clinical training in psychotherapy can refer to themselves as “psychotherapists.”

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Some psychiatrists provide treatment in the form of talk-therapy, but the main differentiator is their ability to provide pharmacological intervention (i.e., to prescribe medications).

Although all of these regulated health professionals can provide psychotherapy, there are a number of different types of therapy. Each mental health professional will have training in, and preferences for, different types of therapy. Further, each client may benefit from a different approach depending on their therapy goals. We know that “fit” is incredibly important and encourage you to find both a therapist and therapy that works best for you.

Research suggests that virtual or video-delivered psychotherapy is as effective as therapy provided in person (Venturo-Conerly, K. E., et al., 2021; Fernandez et al., 2021).

Fees for private psychological services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health insurance plans cover psychological services.

Although a physician referral is not required to receive private psychological services, your insurance plan may require a referral in order to access these benefits. We recommend that you review your plan to determine your coverage.

At this time, we are not able to bill your insurance directly. Clients are responsible for payment and can seek reimbursement from their insurance provider using the receipts provided.

Our fees vary depending on your therapist’s qualifications and level of experience.

Our psychologist’s fees are consistent with the recommended hourly rate set out by the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). Our psychotherapists’, clinical social worker’s and doctoral clinicians’ fees start at $165/hour.

Doctoral clinicians are individuals training to become psychologists.

Consistent with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) standards, doctoral candidates are supervised by a licensed psychologist. If you work with a doctoral candidate, this means that your child’s clinical presentation and treatment will be regularly discussed with the supervising psychologist. Further, clients/parents can contact the supervising psychologist directly if there are ever any questions or concerns.

The length of therapy can vary. We usually begin with weekly appointments and then move to biweekly or as-needed appointments.

For eating disorders, there are usually at least 20 sessions over the course of a year. Additional sessions may be recommended to target comorbid mental health difficulties, such as social anxiety or OCD.