Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Canada? (2026 Guide)
Understanding Coverage Without the Confusion
You’ve finally decided to try therapy.
You open your insurance benefits, scroll through pages of fine print, unfamiliar terms, and coverage limits and suddenly feel more overwhelmed than when you started.
Is therapy covered?
Do I need a referral?
Does online counselling count?
What if I choose the wrong therapist and nothing gets reimbursed?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Insurance confusion is one of the most common reasons people delay starting therapy even when they know they need support.
This guide is here to make things clearer, calmer, and easier to navigate.
Is Therapy Covered by Insurance in Canada?
The short answer: often, yes but it depends.
Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover therapy services when they’re provided by a licensed professional.
What many people don’t realize is that coverage usually depends on the therapist’s title, not the reason you’re seeking help.
This is why two people can attend therapy for the same concern and only one gets reimbursed.
Which Types of Therapy Are Usually Covered?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how insurance plans typically work:
| Provider Type | Usually Covered? | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) | Often | Common choice for anxiety, stress, relationships |
| Registered Social Worker (RSW) | Most plans | Widely accepted by insurers |
| Psychologist | Yes | Higher session cost |
| Psychiatrist (MD) | Covered by OHIP | Requires referral, long wait times |
| Counselling Intern / Student Therapist | Usually not | Lower cost, self-pay |
There’s no single “best” option the right therapist is one that fits your needs, your comfort level, and your coverage.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Yes and this surprises a lot of people.
Most insurance providers do not differentiate between online and in-person therapy anymore.
What matters is whether the therapist is properly licensed in Canada.
Online therapy can be especially helpful if you:
have a busy schedule
live in a smaller city
prefer privacy
want more therapist options
You can explore available options here:
Counselling & Therapy Services
How Much Does Insurance Usually Pay for Therapy?
Every plan is different, but most fall within these ranges:
$500–$2,000 per year
$100–$200 per session
Annual or per-session limits
Some plans reset yearly, while others share limits across different health services.
If you want a clearer picture of session costs, this guide helps:
How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ontario?
What About OHIP?
This is where many people get stuck.
OHIP does not cover private therapy with:
Registered Psychotherapists
Registered Social Workers
Psychologists
OHIP does cover psychiatrists, but:
you need a doctor’s referral
wait times can be long
sessions may be limited
Because of this, many people turn to extended health benefits or private therapy options instead.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance?
Not having insurance doesn’t mean therapy isn’t an option.
Many people choose:
student or newcomer rates
online counselling, which is often more affordable
If you’re a student, you can learn more here:
Student Support Counselling
At Awesome Keep, we focus on making therapy accessible not adding pressure.
How to Check Your Insurance Coverage
You don’t need to decode everything alone. A few simple steps usually help:
Check your benefits booklet for provider titles
Look for terms like psychotherapist, social worker, or psychologist
Ask your insurance provider or HR department:
Which providers are covered?
What’s the annual limit?
Is online therapy included?
If it still feels unclear, that’s normal.
A Gentle Note Before You Decide
Many people postpone therapy not because they don’t want help but because they’re afraid of making the wrong choice financially.
If insurance feels confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
A lot of clients simply start by talking through their options first no pressure, no commitment.
At Awesome Keep, we’re happy to help you understand what your insurance may cover and explore options that feel right for you.
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation →
FAQ: Therapy & Insurance in Canada
Is counselling covered by insurance in Canada?
Often, yes when provided by a licensed professional such as an RP or RSW.
Can I use insurance for online therapy?
In most cases, yes. Online therapy is widely accepted by insurers.
Is therapy tax deductible?
Some therapy services may qualify as medical expenses. A tax professional can help clarify.
Can international students use insurance for therapy?
It depends on your student health plan. Many include limited mental health coverage.
Insurance shouldn’t be the reason you delay taking care of your mental health.
With the right information and the right support it becomes much easier to take that first step.
You deserve care that feels clear, supportive, and accessible.
At Awesome Keep, we’re happy to help you understand what your insurance may cover and explore options that feel right for you.
