Therapists in Kingston, ON

Photo of Karen Pagé - Karen Pagé Counselling, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Karen Pagé Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7K
Not accepting new clients
Often people seek out counselling when a situation feels too difficult to understand and figure out alone. In an effort to deal with difficult emotions, we can find that the things we do or say make the situation worse, push us further away from the people we want to be, or the people we want to be close to, and prevent us from fully living the life we want. In my practice I work with adults to understand your emotions, and optimize your personal strengths and growth. I work from a trauma informed, evidence-based perspective using multiple techniques and approaches to best fit your goals and needs.
Often people seek out counselling when a situation feels too difficult to understand and figure out alone. In an effort to deal with difficult emotions, we can find that the things we do or say make the situation worse, push us further away from the people we want to be, or the people we want to be close to, and prevent us from fully living the life we want. In my practice I work with adults to understand your emotions, and optimize your personal strengths and growth. I work from a trauma informed, evidence-based perspective using multiple techniques and approaches to best fit your goals and needs.
(613) 532-2612 View (613) 532-2612
Photo of Adam Thompson, BAH, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Adam Thompson
Registered Social Worker, BAH, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7K
Appointments now available. With a healing focused orientation, our work together aims to support your return to wholeness. The emotion focused model that informs my approach can help you: process and heal from trauma, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, establish greater authenticity and closeness in your relationships, and overcome current life stressors. Learning to lean into your emotions, both pleasurable and challenging, will strengthen your ability to tolerate and move through life's inevitable difficulties. Your return to wholeness can allow you to live a life with greater vitality, joy, compassion and gratitude.
Appointments now available. With a healing focused orientation, our work together aims to support your return to wholeness. The emotion focused model that informs my approach can help you: process and heal from trauma, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, establish greater authenticity and closeness in your relationships, and overcome current life stressors. Learning to lean into your emotions, both pleasurable and challenging, will strengthen your ability to tolerate and move through life's inevitable difficulties. Your return to wholeness can allow you to live a life with greater vitality, joy, compassion and gratitude.
(343) 342-0493 x613876 View (343) 342-0493 x613876
Photo of Linay Repath, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Linay Repath
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
Life is difficult and seeking help can be a challenging endeavor. As a therapist, I work hard to create an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and heard. Indeed, I emphasize the collaborative nature of therapy and ensure that clients feel comfortable voicing their opinions and personal experiences in session. I value people as individuals and strive to understand clients’ unique lived experiences, worldviews, and beliefs. Using this knowledge, I can better assist my clients in reaching their goals and improving their quality of life.
Life is difficult and seeking help can be a challenging endeavor. As a therapist, I work hard to create an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and heard. Indeed, I emphasize the collaborative nature of therapy and ensure that clients feel comfortable voicing their opinions and personal experiences in session. I value people as individuals and strive to understand clients’ unique lived experiences, worldviews, and beliefs. Using this knowledge, I can better assist my clients in reaching their goals and improving their quality of life.
(343) 453-8184 View (343) 453-8184
Photo of Julia Prouse - Low Libido & Couples Therapy | Julia Prouse, RN
Low Libido & Couples Therapy | Julia Prouse
RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
“If I really love my partner I should want to have sex with them…right?”; “There must be something wrong with me or with the relationship if I don’t want to have sex.”; “If they aren’t getting sex from me, they’re going to find it somewhere else…” Do any of these sound familiar? Do you have a running counter of the number of days since the last time you had sex, and every day that passes leads to more and more stress “it’s been too long, I’m going to need to do it soon…”
“If I really love my partner I should want to have sex with them…right?”; “There must be something wrong with me or with the relationship if I don’t want to have sex.”; “If they aren’t getting sex from me, they’re going to find it somewhere else…” Do any of these sound familiar? Do you have a running counter of the number of days since the last time you had sex, and every day that passes leads to more and more stress “it’s been too long, I’m going to need to do it soon…”
(343) 453-3792 View (343) 453-3792
Photo of Savannah Nast, RP(Q), MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Savannah Nast
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
Waitlist for new clients
All of us are walking around with some kind of pain, big and small, whether we know it or not. We're all doing our best with what we have, though sometimes it can feel like our best isn’t enough. As your therapist, I am happy to work with you to adapt and grow with your trauma, develop coping skills, and help reroute any that may no longer be serving you, as well as building up your feelings of safety, compassion, validation, and care. I work with clients 14+ who are learning to live with their trauma, experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or who want to strengthen their sense of self and self-confidence.
All of us are walking around with some kind of pain, big and small, whether we know it or not. We're all doing our best with what we have, though sometimes it can feel like our best isn’t enough. As your therapist, I am happy to work with you to adapt and grow with your trauma, develop coping skills, and help reroute any that may no longer be serving you, as well as building up your feelings of safety, compassion, validation, and care. I work with clients 14+ who are learning to live with their trauma, experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or who want to strengthen their sense of self and self-confidence.
(343) 633-3784 View (343) 633-3784
Photo of Kristen Beattie, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Kristen Beattie
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7L
Welcome to my page! My name is Kristen. I am a Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting individuals who are looking to embark on a healing journey and reclaim their life. I have a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Trent University. I am registered with both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). In addition to my education, I have 7 years of experience supporting adults and youth in inpatient and community mental health settings.
Welcome to my page! My name is Kristen. I am a Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting individuals who are looking to embark on a healing journey and reclaim their life. I have a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Trent University. I am registered with both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). In addition to my education, I have 7 years of experience supporting adults and youth in inpatient and community mental health settings.
(343) 291-8866 View (343) 291-8866
Photo of Ella Grypma, MA, RPQ, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ella Grypma
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, RPQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7P
Maybe you’ve been on a healing journey for some time, and despite doing “all the right things”, it feels like you’re not making the progress you hoped for. Whether it’s anxiety, the pressure to keep it all together, or the tendency of putting others first, you're not alone. I am passionate about working with young professionals, particularly women, and supporting them through challenges like self-abandonment, perfectionism, and relationship issues. I also have experience working with individuals navigating complicated relationships with food and body, focusing on instilling confidence and self-esteem.
Maybe you’ve been on a healing journey for some time, and despite doing “all the right things”, it feels like you’re not making the progress you hoped for. Whether it’s anxiety, the pressure to keep it all together, or the tendency of putting others first, you're not alone. I am passionate about working with young professionals, particularly women, and supporting them through challenges like self-abandonment, perfectionism, and relationship issues. I also have experience working with individuals navigating complicated relationships with food and body, focusing on instilling confidence and self-esteem.
(613) 704-7285 View (613) 704-7285
Photo of Daniela Violo, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Daniela Violo
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7K  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in life? Have you been struggling with negative thoughts, emotions, and unhealthy coping? You are not alone. Many of us face life challenges and sometimes need professional help to move through them and find ourselves again. Taking the first step in finding support can be daunting, and doing so is already a strong indicator of inner strengths like courage and resilience. I offer a safe, caring, and non-judgemental space for you to be and learn about yourself so you can move toward the life you want to live.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in life? Have you been struggling with negative thoughts, emotions, and unhealthy coping? You are not alone. Many of us face life challenges and sometimes need professional help to move through them and find ourselves again. Taking the first step in finding support can be daunting, and doing so is already a strong indicator of inner strengths like courage and resilience. I offer a safe, caring, and non-judgemental space for you to be and learn about yourself so you can move toward the life you want to live.
(289) 769-9024 View (289) 769-9024
Photo of Charmy Patel, RP, MACP, MPH, Registered Psychotherapist
Charmy Patel
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
As a psychotherapist, I provide personalized and empathetic care for diverse clients using a holistic approach of CBT, DBT and person-centered care, to empower clients to improve their well-being in a non-judgmental environment. I aim to create a safe and comfortable space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and work together towards achieving their therapeutic goals.
As a psychotherapist, I provide personalized and empathetic care for diverse clients using a holistic approach of CBT, DBT and person-centered care, to empower clients to improve their well-being in a non-judgmental environment. I aim to create a safe and comfortable space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and work together towards achieving their therapeutic goals.
(343) 700-0162 View (343) 700-0162
Photo of Jessica Fiebig - Couples Therapy Ontario | Jessica Fiebig, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Couples Therapy Ontario | Jessica Fiebig
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
You love your partner, but find yourself wondering “what happened to us?”. You just keep waiting for things to get better on their own, but they don’t. You barely recognize yourself or your partner anymore. Maybe you find yourself fantasizing about leaving the relationship all together. Things in the bedroom are even worse. Maybe you and your partner are trying to find a way back from infidelity. You’re lonely. You feel embarrassed. Maybe you’re staying together for the kids. You or your partner are worried about going to couples therapy because of fear that the therapist is going to pick a side…
You love your partner, but find yourself wondering “what happened to us?”. You just keep waiting for things to get better on their own, but they don’t. You barely recognize yourself or your partner anymore. Maybe you find yourself fantasizing about leaving the relationship all together. Things in the bedroom are even worse. Maybe you and your partner are trying to find a way back from infidelity. You’re lonely. You feel embarrassed. Maybe you’re staying together for the kids. You or your partner are worried about going to couples therapy because of fear that the therapist is going to pick a side…
(343) 453-5396 View (343) 453-5396
Photo of Sara Couto, MC, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Sara Couto
Registered Psychotherapist, MC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L  (Online Only)
I work in relationships, be it with folks struggling within friendships, familial relationships, with intimate partners, or within their own relationship with themselves. There are hidden patterns and invisible dynamics that shape how we feel and see ourselves that I can help you bring to light. I work especially well with women and those looking to understand the women in their lives better. Issues like emotional labour, codependency and people-pleasing often show up here​.
I work in relationships, be it with folks struggling within friendships, familial relationships, with intimate partners, or within their own relationship with themselves. There are hidden patterns and invisible dynamics that shape how we feel and see ourselves that I can help you bring to light. I work especially well with women and those looking to understand the women in their lives better. Issues like emotional labour, codependency and people-pleasing often show up here​.
(343) 453-3764 View (343) 453-3764
Photo of Preston Allen, BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Preston Allen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7L
I am passionate in helping Individuals transform their relationships, overcome grief and trauma, and achieve overall life improvement. My desire as a therapist is to help individuals deepen their self-understanding, developing more control in their lives, and explore their beliefs. Assist couples along their way to experiencing connection and deeper intimacy. My approach is a combination of CBT, neurobiology, philosophy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, ACT, art therapy and various other psychological theories to offer an integrative approach to meeting client needs, all practiced from an experiential emotion-focused perspective.
I am passionate in helping Individuals transform their relationships, overcome grief and trauma, and achieve overall life improvement. My desire as a therapist is to help individuals deepen their self-understanding, developing more control in their lives, and explore their beliefs. Assist couples along their way to experiencing connection and deeper intimacy. My approach is a combination of CBT, neurobiology, philosophy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, ACT, art therapy and various other psychological theories to offer an integrative approach to meeting client needs, all practiced from an experiential emotion-focused perspective.
(343) 312-6423 View (343) 312-6423
Photo of Amanda Hammond, RP, RSSW, Registered Psychotherapist
Amanda Hammond
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7M
Not accepting new clients
On the outside, you've got it together. You’re reliable, ambitious, and “successful”. On the inside, you never feel good enough, that you’re measuring up - or you’re just burnt out. Crispy, even. You’ve spent the last number of years trying to keep it all together, and wow, is it ever exhausting. You are looking for a change; you now need to come first. You’ve tried the self-help books, old coping skills and continue to feel like you’re drowning. You want to figure out this whole work-life balance thing in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling selfish or guilty. I want to help you get there.
On the outside, you've got it together. You’re reliable, ambitious, and “successful”. On the inside, you never feel good enough, that you’re measuring up - or you’re just burnt out. Crispy, even. You’ve spent the last number of years trying to keep it all together, and wow, is it ever exhausting. You are looking for a change; you now need to come first. You’ve tried the self-help books, old coping skills and continue to feel like you’re drowning. You want to figure out this whole work-life balance thing in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling selfish or guilty. I want to help you get there.
(343) 344-3066 x2 View (343) 344-3066 x2
Photo of Tracey Taylor, MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Tracey Taylor
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7K
Not accepting new clients
Therapy can be a helpful and deeply satisfying process. Whether you want to improve your mental health, navigate a personal challenge or create a greater sense of meaning in your life, I'm here to walk along side you towards whatever repair or change you are seeking. I see psychotherapy as a process of discovery, learning, growth and healing. I take a gentle approach, fostering insight, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions. I work with adults and older teenagers.
Therapy can be a helpful and deeply satisfying process. Whether you want to improve your mental health, navigate a personal challenge or create a greater sense of meaning in your life, I'm here to walk along side you towards whatever repair or change you are seeking. I see psychotherapy as a process of discovery, learning, growth and healing. I take a gentle approach, fostering insight, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions. I work with adults and older teenagers.
(613) 887-8151 View (613) 887-8151
Photo of Brittnee Stewart - Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy, RP, RSW, Registered Psychotherapist
Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7K
We are a collective group of psychotherapists working together to help you facilitate meaningful change in your life. At Spear Wellness Centre, holistic and client-centred care is our top priority and we strive to provide a safe and supportive container for your healing journey. Our licenced psychotherapists will hold space for your healing in a compassionate way to create a genuine environment that encourages self-exploration, growth, and transformation. No matter what you are dealing with right now, we believe you are capable of reaching your potential and finding balance, happiness, and meaning in your life.
We are a collective group of psychotherapists working together to help you facilitate meaningful change in your life. At Spear Wellness Centre, holistic and client-centred care is our top priority and we strive to provide a safe and supportive container for your healing journey. Our licenced psychotherapists will hold space for your healing in a compassionate way to create a genuine environment that encourages self-exploration, growth, and transformation. No matter what you are dealing with right now, we believe you are capable of reaching your potential and finding balance, happiness, and meaning in your life.
View
Photo of Nicole Corbett - Ensemble Counselling (Services Bilingues), MA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Ensemble Counselling (Services Bilingues)
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
We are currently ACCEPTING clients. Our team has years of experience and knowledge to help you with stress, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, adult ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), grief and loss (infertility, illness, bereavement), couple counselling and various relationship issues as well as a multitude of life transitions. We understand the complexities of new parents and those who have adopted children. We understand sports psychology and the issues that arise from being involved in sports. Collectively we work with ages 12 to 99. We offer bilingual services. We are allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
We are currently ACCEPTING clients. Our team has years of experience and knowledge to help you with stress, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, adult ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), grief and loss (infertility, illness, bereavement), couple counselling and various relationship issues as well as a multitude of life transitions. We understand the complexities of new parents and those who have adopted children. We understand sports psychology and the issues that arise from being involved in sports. Collectively we work with ages 12 to 99. We offer bilingual services. We are allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
(343) 655-3644 View (343) 655-3644
Photo of Jessica Lankmann - Jessica Lankmann - Anxiety Annihilator, BST, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Jessica Lankmann - Anxiety Annihilator
Registered Psychotherapist, BST, MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7M
Right now things just don't feel right. You're trying your best to cope, but it just isn't working. You're tired, not motivated, feeling down and blue, and you don't know how to fix it. Or, you're noticing that you're feeling uncomfortable in your body, worried, and stressed out, but attempts to solve your problem just haven't cut it (and maybe your coping attempts are making things a bit worse!). You might be noticing eating, sleeping, or additional problems, and you're tempted to back away from your regular life patterns to manage.
Right now things just don't feel right. You're trying your best to cope, but it just isn't working. You're tired, not motivated, feeling down and blue, and you don't know how to fix it. Or, you're noticing that you're feeling uncomfortable in your body, worried, and stressed out, but attempts to solve your problem just haven't cut it (and maybe your coping attempts are making things a bit worse!). You might be noticing eating, sleeping, or additional problems, and you're tempted to back away from your regular life patterns to manage.
(613) 902-0499 View (613) 902-0499
Photo of Donna Clarke-McMullen - Postpartum and Parenting Kingston  | Donna, BScN, MN, RN
Postpartum and Parenting Kingston | Donna
BScN, MN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
This parenthood thing doesn’t feel like what you were expecting. From conception, through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and transitioning to parenthood, you are exhausted to a level you didn’t know was possible. Instead of the joy you expected welcoming a new baby (or two!), you’re overcome with sadness or fear. You's leaking, sore, ‘touched out’. Your body doesn’t feel like it belongs to you anymore. You're overwhelmed and this tiny bundle absorbs all your time and attention. You question "how can I be suffering so badly when I was so excited for parenthood?". You feel like you must be missing something, or defective.
This parenthood thing doesn’t feel like what you were expecting. From conception, through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and transitioning to parenthood, you are exhausted to a level you didn’t know was possible. Instead of the joy you expected welcoming a new baby (or two!), you’re overcome with sadness or fear. You's leaking, sore, ‘touched out’. Your body doesn’t feel like it belongs to you anymore. You're overwhelmed and this tiny bundle absorbs all your time and attention. You question "how can I be suffering so badly when I was so excited for parenthood?". You feel like you must be missing something, or defective.
(343) 307-8769 View (343) 307-8769
Photo of Kelly Dean, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Kelly Dean
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7L
Not accepting new clients
If you're reading this; you've already started your journey to wellness. One of our greatest pains can be feeling stuck; confused about what needs to change and where to begin. This state of being can zap our energy and leave us feeling discontent. Giving voice to our challenges offers us a fresh perspective and allows us to see the opportunity that lies within the challenge. I offer a confidential and compassionate space to allow you to feel safe as we navigate the challenges you bring to counselling and discover personalized solutions that will increase your confidence and improve the quality of your life and relationships.
If you're reading this; you've already started your journey to wellness. One of our greatest pains can be feeling stuck; confused about what needs to change and where to begin. This state of being can zap our energy and leave us feeling discontent. Giving voice to our challenges offers us a fresh perspective and allows us to see the opportunity that lies within the challenge. I offer a confidential and compassionate space to allow you to feel safe as we navigate the challenges you bring to counselling and discover personalized solutions that will increase your confidence and improve the quality of your life and relationships.
(613) 900-5904 View (613) 900-5904
Photo of Dr. Kris Boksman - Happiness Locater, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Kris Boksman - Happiness Locater
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, ON K7M  (Online Only)
So, you're feeling down, irritable, stressed-out, and stranded out there without knowing where to start getting better? Are you having trouble getting over negative events from your past? Do you feel like you're failing at this life thing and need to make some serious changes? You've read some books or tried to be more grateful, positive, and energetic, but that doesn't last long enough to get you out of your rut. Your negative moods or behaviours are not going away, and it feels like your challenges are taking over despite your best efforts. It can be legit really hard to get over some of life's hard things, and you're stuck.
So, you're feeling down, irritable, stressed-out, and stranded out there without knowing where to start getting better? Are you having trouble getting over negative events from your past? Do you feel like you're failing at this life thing and need to make some serious changes? You've read some books or tried to be more grateful, positive, and energetic, but that doesn't last long enough to get you out of your rut. Your negative moods or behaviours are not going away, and it feels like your challenges are taking over despite your best efforts. It can be legit really hard to get over some of life's hard things, and you're stuck.
(343) 453-0150 View (343) 453-0150
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See more therapy options for Kingston

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in Kingston, ON

400+

Average cost per session

$155

Counsellors in Kingston, ON who prioritize treating:

90% Anxiety
82% Depression
80% Relationship Issues
79% Stress
76% Self Esteem
71% Trauma and PTSD
71% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

64% Blue Cross
58% Medavie Blue Cross
54% SunLife

How Counsellors in Kingston, ON see their clients

65% In Person and Online
35% Online Only

Gender breakdown

87% Female
12% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in Kingston?

Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.

Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?

Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.

Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.