How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ontario? A real, honest breakdown.
How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ontario?
If you’ve ever tried to figure out how much therapy costs in Ontario, you already know the answer isn’t simple. And that’s part of the problem. People are struggling, Googling, scrolling, asking friends, whispering about their mental health in the workplace bathroom, and still feeling unsure about where to start or what they can afford.
As a therapist, a clinical supervisor, a CEO, and a woman who has been in this work for close to two decades, let me clear things up for you with compassion, transparency, and a little bit of that “tell it like it is” energy.
Because your mental health deserves clarity, honesty, and accessible options.
Let’s walk through the real costs of therapy in Ontario today.
What we offer at Francis Psychotherapy
At our practice, we support individuals, couples, families, and groups. We also offer corporate workshops, keynote talks, and community mental health education. So when people ask, “How much does therapy cost?” the answer depends partly on the type of support they’re seeking.
Let’s demystify that answer:
Our Fee Structure
Therapy costs vary based on the clinician’s level of training and experience.
Here’s how it breaks down at Francis Psychotherapy:
Student Interns
• Free therapy
• Interns are closely supervised by senior staff
• A strong option if you need support but cost is a barrier
Registered Psychotherapists and MSW Therapists
• $180 for individual therapy
• $215 for couples or family therapy
Senior Clinicians
• $200 for individual therapy
• $300 for couples or family therapy
These fees reflect the depth of training, supervision, experience, and ongoing professional development required to offer high-quality mental health care.
And trust me, your therapist isn’t driving off into the sunset in a luxury car after your session. Most of us are just doing our best to serve people well while managing clinical training costs, business expenses, insurance, licensing fees, rent, supervision, and continuous education demands. Therapy is heart work, not wealth-building work.
How Ontario Fees Compare
Across Ontario, therapy rates generally fall into a few common bands.
Social Workers (MSW, RSW)
• Typical range: $140 to $200 per session
Registered Psychotherapists (RPs)
• Typical range: $120 to $180 per session
Psychologists
• Typical range: $225 to $350+ per session
Psychologists diagnose and often operate at a different level of clinical hierarchy, which is why they tend to cost more. Most private practices like ours offer MSW and RP services, which are equally effective for most presenting concerns.
Insurance: What’s Actually Covered
About 70 percent of our clients use extended health insurance to help pay for their sessions.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realize:
Some insurance plans only cover psychologists
Our practice does not currentlhy offer psychological services.Some plans cover MSWs but not RPs, or vice versa.
Some plans only cover a portion of the session fee.
Anything not covered is the client’s responsibility.
Before your first session, it is so important to contact your insurance provider and ask:
• Am I covered for MSW therapists?
• Am I covered for Registered Psychotherapists?
• What is my yearly limit?
• Do I need a doctor’s note?
• What percentage of each session is covered?
It saves you from surprises and helps you plan your care intentionally. If you have a question about insurance benefits or direct billing, you should definitely ask!
"Therapy Is Too Expensive" and Other Myths We Need to Retire
You know I’m not shy, so let me address this head on.
Myth: Therapists are getting rich.
No, my friend.
Between office rent, insurance, registration fees, insurance, supervision, clinical training, continuing education, administrative staff, cancellation losses, and the emotional toll of the work, many therapists are just getting by. This is not a goldmine profession.
Myth: Therapy should be cheaper.
The thing to keep in mind is that therapy isn’t priced like a gym membership.
It’s a clinical service that literally saves lives, marriages, parenting relationships, careers, and emotional stability.
And yes, I said saves. I’ve seen it.
Myth: I shouldn’t have to pay for mental health care.
I hear you. You’re not wrong, but it should be covered under a public health care plan. This is a government responsibility. Not the responsibility of your therapist. Mental health support should be more accessible.
But the reality is that private therapy fills the massive gaps in our public system.
And therapists must charge in a way that keeps the doors open so we can continue supporting the community.
The Real Value of Therapy: What Is Your Peace Worth?
When cost becomes a barrier, here’s what I often ask:
• What is it worth to live with less stress?
• What is it worth to have someone who is fully present and non judgemental?
• What is it worth to save your marriage?
• What is it worth to support a child who is struggling with depression, OCD or an eating disorder?
• What is it worth to prevent anxiety from sabotaging your career?
Therapy isn’t an indulgence.
It’s a commitment to building a life you don’t need to escape from.
One client once told me, “I realized I spend more on takeout and Uber rides in a month than I do on therapy.”
Another said, “Going every two weeks has changed how I show up at work and with my kids.”
Perspective matters.
Case Study Style Reflections
1. The Every-Two-Weeks Transformational Shift
A client who could not afford weekly sessions committed to biweekly appointments. Within two months, their sleep improved, their stress decreased, and their confidence increased. Small, consistent shifts add up.
2. Therapy Versus Life Expenses
We’ve had clients compare the cost of therapy to the cost of brunch, hair appointments, or subscriptions they barely use. Realizing that therapy actually gives something back helped them see it as an investment, not a bill.
3. Long Term Gains
One client said, “Therapy gave me back my life. If I added up all the ways anxiety was costing me money, therapy was actually the cheapest part.”
Whew. When people start doing that math, clarity comes quickly.
Lower Cost Therapy Options
We believe mental health care should be accessible, full stop.
Here are real ways to start therapy even if money is tight:
1. Work With Our Student Interns
Completely free therapy, supervised by senior clinicians.
2. Join One of Our Therapy Groups
Affordable, supportive, and community building.
3. Look Into Community Agencies
Many offer free or sliding-scale counselling, though waitlists can be long.
4. Ask About Sliding Scale Services
Some therapists offer reduced fees based on circumstances.
There is always a place to begin.
Your Mental Health Must Be a Priority
In a world that’s spinning fast, constantly changing, downright overwhelming, and demanding more emotional labour from all of us, you deserve support that nourishes you.
And the good news is that accessible options exist, including right here in our practice.
Ready to Start? Book a Consult With Us
If you’re curious, overwhelmed, uncertain, or ready to take the next step, we’d love to talk with you.
You can book a consult call with Francis Psychotherapy and we’ll help you figure out the best fit for your needs, your goals, and your budget.
Your mental health matters.
Your peace matters.
And you deserve support that honours that.
