What is the average cost of therapy in Ontario?

The answer to this question often ranges based on the credentials of the therapist. These costs ranges, in private practice, are around $75+ for a student therapist, $150 for the average therapist, to $200+ for a psychologist. Some mental health counselling is publicly funded, but is often restricted in availability. Such as some family health teams and community health centres have funding to see their own patients, which may focus on short-term counselling to meet the demand of patient referrals. Or, hospital programs through in-patient psychiatric care and group counselling programs for out-patient care in the community.

Student

A student may a bit less or between $75 and $90. A student is someone who is has completed some or all of their course work for their program and is now in their practicum/placement (aka practising their learned coursework in session with clients). Often they have basic knowledge in how to perform as a therapist and may be studying specific therapies to build out that knowledge base while practising, pending their initiative and capacity to do so.

Psychotherapist

Standard rates for psychotherapists today is around $150, but this can range depending on the years of experience they have, as well whether they offer sliding scale. Sliding scale therapy is one where a therapist may offer less than their standard fee to make mental health counselling more affordable for those who would benefit from the support. Some therapists have the capacity to offer a select number of pro-bono slots as well.

Psychologist

Psychologists, in Ontario, have completed their education specifically in psychology, finishing a PhD, alongside 4 years work experience and a year of supervised practice. Psychologists may also diagnose mental health disorders. Because this designation requires more formal education to use this title, and is a greater investment in time and money, fees tend to be higher than the average psychotherapist.