How much does Psychology & Psychotherapy cost in Canada? (2026)
Without insurance, private psychology & psychotherapy in Canada typically runs $120 to $260 per visit.
OHIP does not pay for a psychologist you see privately. It does cover psychological care delivered inside a hospital, and Ontario Structured Psychotherapy offers publicly funded therapy for certain conditions such as anxiety and depression — there is usually a waiting list.
That is Ontario's position. Every province decides its own coverage, so check your provincial health plan — the pattern is similar almost everywhere, but the details are not.
What you actually pay
| Type of visit | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| First / assessment visit | $260–$338 |
| Follow-up visit | $120–$190 |
| Reduced / sliding-scale visit | from $100 |
What drives the price
- Whether it’s a first visit (longer, includes assessment) or a follow-up.
- The professional’s experience and clinic location.
- Session length and whether any products or devices are involved.
- Virtual visits are often a little cheaper than in person.
How to pay less
- Ask about a sliding scale. Many professionals quietly offer reduced rates — you have to ask.
- Use AffordableHealth.ca. Tell us your budget and we match you with a verified psychologist or registered psychotherapist who has agreed to work within it.
- Check community and teaching clinics in your city — supervised students provide care at a fraction of private fees.
- If you have a workplace health plan or a Health Spending Account, this service is usually eligible.
Find affordable psychology & psychotherapy
By city
Health advice on psychology & psychotherapy
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- Stress, low mood, and when to reach out — Feeling stressed or low sometimes is normal. When it lasts more than two weeks or affects daily life, it is worth acting on — and help is available, including free options.
- Anxiety: what actually helps — Anxiety disorders are among the most common and most treatable mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapy has the strongest evidence, and several routes to it are free in Ontario.
- Free and low-cost mental health support in Ontario — Private therapy runs $120 to $260 a session and no provincial health plan pays for it. Several publicly funded routes exist, and most people have never been told about them.
- ADHD Assessment Cost in Ontario and Ways to Lower It — How much a private ADHD assessment costs in Ontario, who can do one, what is covered, and practical ways to bring the price down.
Common questions
How much does psychology & psychotherapy cost without insurance?
Privately, psychology & psychotherapy in Canada usually costs $120 to $260 per visit, depending on the city. A first appointment sits at the top of that range or above it, because it is longer and includes an assessment. Through AffordableHealth.ca, professionals who have opted into sliding-scale pricing currently start at $100 per visit.
Does OHIP cover psychology & psychotherapy?
Not in private practice. OHIP does not pay for a psychologist you see privately. It does cover psychological care delivered inside a hospital, and Ontario Structured Psychotherapy offers publicly funded therapy for certain conditions such as anxiety and depression — there is usually a waiting list.
Why is the first visit more expensive than the ones after it?
A first appointment with a psychologist or registered psychotherapist normally runs $260 to $338 because it is longer and includes a full history and assessment. Follow-up visits are shorter and typically cost $120 to $190. When you are comparing prices, make sure you are comparing the same kind of visit.
Can I ask for a lower fee?
Yes, and it is more common than people expect. Many psychologist or registered psychotherapists keep a small number of reduced-fee places for people paying out of pocket, but they rarely advertise them — you have to ask. That is what this site is for: you tell us what you can afford, and we only introduce you to professionals who have already agreed to work in that range. It is free for patients and we do not take a share of what you pay.
Will my work benefits pay for it?
Often, at least in part. Extended health plans usually set an annual maximum per service rather than covering everything, and many require the practitioner to hold a specific designation. Two things worth doing before you book: ask your insurer what your remaining balance is for this year, and ask the clinic whether they can bill your insurer directly so you are not out of pocket while you wait for reimbursement. A Health Spending Account can usually be used for the rest.
How do I check a psychologist or registered psychotherapist is properly registered?
Every psychologist or registered psychotherapist practising in Ontario must be registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), which publishes a free public register you can search by name. It shows whether the registration is current and whether there are any restrictions or discipline findings. We check this register before a professional appears on AffordableHealth.ca, and re-check it on a schedule — but you can and should look anyone up yourself.
Fees are general estimates and change over time, and they differ between provinces and between cities. Public coverage rules change too, and each province sets its own — find yours through Canada.ca. This page is general information about cost, not financial or medical advice.