The Question Almost Everyone Has Before Booking
One of the most common questions people ask before starting therapy is whether it's covered by their insurance. It's a practical question, and it's worth understanding the answer before you commit to regular appointments.
The short version: it depends on your plan — but many Ontarians have more coverage than they realize.
Here's a practical guide to how therapy coverage works in Ontario, what to ask your insurer, and what your options are if coverage is limited.
How Therapy Coverage Works in Ontario
Unlike physician visits or hospital care, psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP (the Ontario Health Insurance Plan) when provided by a registered psychotherapist. OHIP covers physician-referred psychiatry, but private psychotherapy — the kind you access through a registered psychotherapist like Bina P., RP — is typically not publicly funded.
That said, most employer-sponsored extended health benefit plans include mental health coverage. This is where the majority of people access therapy funding.
What Extended Health Benefit Plans Typically Cover
Employer plans vary significantly, but many include:
- Coverage for psychotherapy services — typically capped at a specific dollar amount per year (common limits: $500, $1,000, or $2,000)
- Coverage by professional designation — most plans specify which designations qualify. Registered Psychotherapists (RP) are covered by a growing number of plans, but not all
- Per-session limits — some plans cap reimbursement per session (e.g., $100/session) rather than offering unlimited reimbursement up to the annual maximum
- No referral required — unlike physician services, most plans allow direct access to psychotherapy without a physician referral
How to Check Your Coverage
The most reliable way to know what you're entitled to is to contact your benefits provider directly. When you call:
Ask specifically:
- "Does my plan cover psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP)?"
- "What is the annual maximum?"
- "Is there a per-session limit?"
- "Do I have a deductible?"
- "Does my plan use a specific billing code for psychotherapy?"
It's worth noting that "social worker," "psychologist," "psychotherapist," and "counsellor" are treated differently by different insurers. Be specific about the designation (Registered Psychotherapist / RP) when asking.
Submitting a Claim
After each session, you'll receive a receipt that includes all the information your insurer needs: the service rendered, the date, the session fee, the provider name, and the registration number. You submit this to your benefits provider — online or by mail, depending on your plan.
Most plans reimburse within a few business days of claim approval.
What If I Don't Have Coverage?
If you don't have extended health benefits, or if your coverage is limited, there are still options:
Out-of-pocket: Many people pay for therapy directly. Session fees at Healing Meadows range from $160–$220 depending on session type. Some clients choose to attend every two weeks (rather than weekly) to manage cost while still making meaningful progress.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer EAP services that include a limited number of free counselling sessions — often 3–8 per year. EAP sessions are separate from extended health benefits and don't require a referral. Check with your HR department.
Tax deductibility: Psychotherapy services from a registered psychotherapist are eligible as a medical expense for the purposes of the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit. Keep your receipts.
Sliding scale: Some therapists offer sliding scale fees for clients who cannot afford standard rates. It's always worth asking directly — many practitioners can accommodate clients on a case-by-case basis.
Coverage Is Expanding
It's worth knowing that psychotherapy coverage in Canada has been growing. More insurers are adding RPs to their covered providers, and the mental health landscape has shifted significantly post-pandemic, with many employers increasing their benefits limits.
If you've been covered in the past at a lower limit, it may be worth checking whether your plan has been updated.
A Note on OHIP+ and Children
Children and youth under 25 covered by OHIP+ may have access to publicly funded mental health services through specific provincially funded programs. This is separate from private psychotherapy and is worth exploring if you're seeking support for a young person and cost is a concern.
If You Have Questions About Fees
Healing Meadows is transparent about fees, and navigating insurance is something we can help with. If you have questions about how coverage might apply to your sessions, you're welcome to raise it during your free Welcome Call or initial consultation.
The goal is to make sure cost doesn't stand between you and the support you need.
