Therapy Fees & Insurance in Ottawa

How much does therapy cost in Ottawa?

Private therapy in Ontario typically costs between $150 and $250 per 50-minute session, depending on the practitioner's training, credentials, experience, and location. At our Kanata practice serving the Ottawa area, sessions are $190 with Isaac Davis, RP, and $160 with Arden Sabourin, RPQ.

We also keep a limited number of reduced-fee spots available when possible. If cost is a barrier, mention it during your free consultation and we can discuss what is realistic for your situation.

Does insurance cover therapy in Ontario?

Many extended health plans reimburse sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist, but the details vary significantly by plan. The most important thing to check is which provider types your plan covers: some plans list Registered Psychotherapists directly, others only list psychologists or social workers, and some use broader wording such as "counselling," "psychotherapy," or "psychological services."

At Life Seasons Counselling, clients pay for each session and receive a detailed receipt that includes the therapist's CRPO registration information, which most insurers require. You can submit receipts through your insurer's app, website, or claim form.

If the wording in your benefits booklet is unclear, call your insurer and ask whether your plan reimburses sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and what your annual maximum is. For a full walkthrough, read our guide: Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Ontario?

Is therapy covered by OHIP?

No — OHIP does not generally cover private psychotherapy with Registered Psychotherapists, psychologists, or social workers. Private practice therapy, including therapy at our clinic, is paid through extended health benefits or out of pocket.

OHIP does cover medically necessary services provided by doctors, including family physicians and psychiatrists. Some publicly funded mental health services are also available through hospitals, family health teams, community agencies, and youth programs, though wait times can be longer than for private therapy.

Can I claim therapy on my taxes?

Often, yes. The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario as authorized medical practitioners for medical-expense purposes, so therapy fees may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit on your Canadian tax return.

In general, you can only claim eligible expenses that were not reimbursed by insurance, and the amount depends on CRA's annual threshold, which is based on your income. Keep your receipts and speak with a qualified tax professional about your own situation — this page is general information, not tax advice.

Why is there no HST?

As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapy and counselling therapy services that meet CRA conditions are exempt from GST/HST. For clients in Ontario, this means eligible psychotherapy sessions are no longer charged the 13% HST that previously applied to many Registered Psychotherapist services.

At Life Seasons Counselling, the posted session fee of $160–$190 is the full price — no tax is added at payment.

What about the free consultation?

Every new client can book a free 20-minute consultation by phone or video before committing to a first session. There is no charge and no obligation. It is a chance to ask questions about fees, receipts, insurance coverage, scheduling, and whether one of our therapists is a good fit for what you are working through.

We cannot confirm your specific insurance coverage for you, but we can explain how our receipts work and what to ask your insurer before your first paid session.