How to Find a Therapist in Ontario – and Why You Might Want to Use Your Benefits Before Year-End
How to Move Through the Overwhelm of Finding a Therapist and Make the Most of Your Benefits
Written By: Carrin Adoma
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but it is an important step toward personal growth and healing. In Ontario, the mental health system offers several options, making it essential to understand the available choices and how to navigate benefits and insurance. Here’s a guide to help you select the right therapist and maximize your benefits if you have them.
1. Understanding the Types of Therapists in Ontario
Before diving into your search, it’s important to understand the types of therapists available in Ontario. The four main categories include:
Social Workers (MSW/RSW): Social workers are healthcare workers who are trained to help with mental health, life transitions, and various personal issues, often using a holistic, client-entered approach. They are regulated and registered by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Social workers are regulated by their College to provide counselling and psychotherapy services, alike to psychotherapists.
Psychotherapists (RP): Registered Psychotherapists often have training in various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and/or Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR). They focus on emotional and mental health, exploring feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Registered psychotherapists are licensed and regulated through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D., C.Psych): Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders and providing psychological assessments and therapy. They may focus on specific issues, such as trauma, mood disorders, or cognitive-behavioral interventions. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and typically charge higher fees than social workers and psychotherapists.
Psychiatrists (MD): Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication and may offer psychotherapy, but typically their services focus on medication management and are accessed via referral through your family doctor. Psychiatrists are registered and regulated by the The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
When choosing a therapist, consider the professional’s training, area of expertise, and treatment methods. For instance, if you’re looking for psychotherapy, a social worker or psychotherapist may be ideal, while a psychologist or psychiatrist may be necessary for complex mental health diagnoses or medication requirements.
2. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Before you start your search, review your insurance or connect with your insurance provider to better understand your policy and to understand what’s covered:
Verify Your Coverage: Find out how much your benefits cover per session, as well as the total coverage for the year. Some plans offer a set amount per session, while others provide an annual cap.
Confirm Eligible Professionals: Each insurance provider may cover different types of therapists. Confirm whether your policy covers social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, as well as any specific requirements. For example, many plans cover registered social workers and psychologists but may not include psychotherapists.
Know Your Remaining Coverage: If you have unused benefits, consider using them before year-end. Many policies reset on January 1, so scheduling sessions before then allows you to make the most of this year’s coverage. If you do not use your benefits in full, most companies will not reimburse you or allow these amounts to ‘roll over’. (Note: This applies to all of your paramedicine coverage, not just therapy!)
3. Budgeting for Therapy if You Don’t Have Coverage
If you don’t have insurance coverage, don’t let that be a deterrent. Therapy can be an invaluable investment in your well-being. Here are steps to help you plan:
Determine Your Budget: Reflect on how much you can realistically spend on therapy each month. Fees in Ontario can vary widely, from around $100 to $250 per session, depending on the professional’s qualifications.
Consider Sliding Scale Fees or Student Therapists: Some therapists offer sliding scale options based on income, and many clinics or student therapists provide services at reduced rates. Student therapists are typically under supervision, ensuring quality support at a more affordable cost.
Look into Community Programs: Certain community centres, hospitals, and organizations in Ontario provide free, OHIP-covered, or low-cost mental health services, so explore options that might meet your needs without breaking the bank.
4. Start Your Search for a Therapist
Now that you understand the types of therapists available and your financial options, it’s time to find someone who fits your needs:
Use Online Directories: Platforms like Psychology Today, Affordable Therapy Network, and Best Therapist you filter therapists by location, specialty, and credentials.
Ask for Referrals: Sometimes, the best recommendations come from people you know. Ask trusted friends, family members, or your family doctor if they can suggest any mental health professionals.
Check Professional Associations: Organizations like the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) have directories where you can search for registered professionals.
Read Reviews and Profiles: Many therapists share their approach, specializations, and even introductory videos on their profiles, giving you a sense of their personality and style. Take time to review these details to find someone who resonates with you.
5. Schedule an Introductory Call
Most therapists offer a free brief phone consultation to help you decide if they’re the right fit. During this call, ask about their approach, experience with your concerns, session fees, and availability. This can give you a feel for their communication style and whether you feel comfortable moving forward with them.
Making the Most of Your Benefits Before Year-End
If you have benefits, consider maximizing them before they reset at year-end. Scheduling sessions now allows you to take full advantage of this year’s coverage, which can help establish momentum in your therapy journey. Mental health is an ongoing investment and at Therapy Uninterrupted we are here to support you. Using available benefits can reduce the financial burden and encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
Taking the first step to find a therapist can be daunting, but with a clear understanding of your options, budget, and insurance coverage, you’ll be better prepared to find the support you need. Remember, therapy is a journey toward personal growth, healing, and resilience – and finding the right professional is an essential first step.
References
College of Psychologists of Ontario. (n.d.). What is a psychologist? Retrieved from https://www.cpo.on.ca/what-is-a-psychologist/
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.). About CRPO. Retrieved from https://www.crpo.ca/about-crpo/
Government of Ontario. (2020). Mental health services: Getting help. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/mental-health-services
Ontario Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Find a social worker. Retrieved from https://www.oasw.org/find-a-social-worker
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. (n.d.). Understanding the role of social workers. Retrieved from https://www.ocswssw.org/
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Find a therapist. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/