Let's talk about the part of therapy most people google quietly and never ask out loud: how much is this going to cost me?
Honestly, money is one of the biggest reasons people put off starting. And it's November, which means two things. The holidays are coming fast, and a lot of benefit plans are about to reset. If you've been thinking about therapy "one day," this might be the nudge your future self will thank you for.
Here's what you actually need to know.
What does therapy cost in Ontario?
Private therapy in Ontario is usually paid per session, and fees vary by the therapist's training, experience, and the length of the session.
For transparency: I charge $165 for a 50-minute session, in person in downtown Peterborough or virtually anywhere in Ontario. Before any of that, there's a free 15-minute consultation, so you can see if we're a good fit before you spend a cent.
Does OHIP cover therapy?
OHIP doesn't cover psychotherapy with a private therapist. That's where extended health benefits come in, and where most of my clients get help with the cost.
Does my insurance cover a Registered Psychotherapist?
Many extended health plans in Ontario cover Registered Psychotherapists, but every plan is different. Some cover a set amount per session, some have a yearly maximum, and some lump therapy in with massage, physio, and chiro under one shared amount.
The easiest way to find out is to log into your benefits app or call your provider and ask:
Is psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) covered?
Does that include a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?
What's my yearly maximum, and is there a per-session limit?
Is it a shared maximum with other practitioners, like massage or physio?
Do I need a doctor's referral for a claim?
When does my plan year reset?
Also check whether you're covered under a partner's or parent's plan. If you're a student at Trent or Fleming, your student health plan may include some coverage too.
I don't direct bill, but I provide receipts after every session that you can submit to your insurer.
What does "Qualifying" mean, and does it change my coverage?
Good question, and one I get a lot. In Ontario, psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is registered with CRPO and authorized to practise psychotherapy, and is completing the final requirements to move into the full RP category.
CRPO also requires that the full title, "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)" or "RP (Qualifying)," be used. That's why you'll always see it written out on my site, and it's what to give your insurer when you check.
In practice, plans that cover Registered Psychotherapists often cover RP (Qualifying) too. But because plans differ, it's always worth confirming with question 2 above.
Can I claim therapy on my taxes?
Possibly. In Ontario, Registered Psychotherapists are on the Canada Revenue Agency's list of authorized medical practitioners for the medical expense tax credit. That means the part of your therapy costs that insurance didn't reimburse may count as an eligible medical expense.
There's a catch: you can only claim medical expenses above a threshold, which is the lesser of 3% of your net income or a fixed annual amount set by the CRA. Therapy costs often get added to other medical expenses, like prescriptions or dental work, to get over that line.
Keep your receipts, and check with your accountant or tax software. I'm a therapist, not a tax professional, so please don't take this as tax advice!
Use it or lose it: why November matters
Many benefit plans run on the calendar year and reset on January 1. If yours does, any coverage you haven't used by December 31 is usually gone.
A quick example. If your plan covers $500 a year for psychotherapy, that could cover most of three sessions at $165. If you haven't used it yet, those sessions are already paid for, in a sense.
A few practical tips:
Check your reset date now. Not every plan follows the calendar year.
Book sooner rather than later. December fills up fast, and therapists (me included) take time off over the holidays too.
Starting now gives you momentum. Beginning therapy in November or December means you head into January with support already in place, instead of adding "find a therapist" to your resolution list.
What if I don't have coverage?
You still have options. Some people book sessions every two or three weeks instead of weekly to make it more manageable. We can talk about a pace that fits your life and budget during your free consultation. You can also find more answers on my FAQ page.
The bottom line
Therapy is an investment, and it's okay to want to understand the numbers before you start. You don't need a diagnosis or a doctor's referral to see me, and you don't have to have it all figured out first.
If you've been putting it off, here's to starting somewhere. Book your free 15-minute consultation and I'll be in touch within 24 hours.
FAQ
How much is a therapy session in Peterborough? Fees vary by therapist. At Claire Dennis Counselling, a 50-minute session is $165, and the first 15-minute consultation is free.
Is therapy covered by OHIP in Ontario? No, psychotherapy with a private therapist isn't covered by OHIP. Many extended health plans do cover Registered Psychotherapists.
Does insurance cover a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)? Often, yes. Many plans that cover Registered Psychotherapists also cover RP (Qualifying), but check your specific plan.
Do you direct bill? No, but you'll receive a receipt after each session to submit to your insurer.
Is virtual therapy covered by insurance? In most plans, virtual sessions are covered the same way as in-person sessions when the therapist is registered in Ontario. Confirm with your provider to be sure.
Claire Dennis is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering therapy for adults, teens, and young adults in Peterborough and virtually across Ontario. Insurance and tax details vary by plan and person; this post is general information, not financial or tax advice.