Is Psychotherapy Covered by Insurance in Ontario? What You Need to Know About Virtual Therapy Benefits
Let’s be honest—cost is often one of the biggest reasons people hesitate to start therapy. Even if you know you’d benefit from support, it’s natural to wonder, “Will my insurance cover this? Am I going to be out of pocket for every session? How does it even work when therapy is online?”
If you’re navigating the world of benefits and therapy receipts for the first time, you’re not alone. I get these questions from new and prospective clients all the time. So, here’s a clear, real-world look at how psychotherapy insurance coverage works in Ontario, especially for virtual sessions.
How Insurance Coverage for Therapy Works in Ontario
Most extended health benefits in Ontario (and across much of Canada) include some coverage for psychotherapy. This isn’t just for big corporations with fancy benefit packages; many workplace plans, university or college coverage, and even some family plans include psychotherapy as a covered service.
The catch? Not all “therapy” is created equal in the eyes of insurance companies. Here’s what you need to know:
Look for ‘Registered Psychotherapist’ Coverage: In Ontario, the most common type of insurance coverage for talk therapy is for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), a Psychologist, or sometimes a Social Worker. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), which meets the requirements of most insurance providers.
Check Your Plan Details: Not all plans are the same. Some cover only Psychologists; some include RPs, Social Workers, or Clinical Counsellors. The amount of coverage per year, per session, and whether you need a doctor’s note can also vary.
Virtual Therapy is Covered the Same as In-Person: If your insurance covers psychotherapy, it does not matter if your sessions are in-person or online. Virtual therapy, like what I offer at Eudaimonia, is eligible for reimbursement, provided you’re seeing a regulated provider.
If you want to see how my credentials and approach fit your plan, check out the About Me section of my site.
How to Use Your Insurance for Online Therapy
Here’s how the process usually goes:
Book your session just as you would for any other appointment.
Pay for your session (I accept e-transfer and credit card).
Receive your receipt—after each session, I’ll send you a receipt that includes all the details your insurer needs: my name, credentials, CRPO registration number, and the service provided.
Submit your claim—usually by uploading a photo of your receipt to your insurance portal or app. Some plans even let you do this in under a minute.
If you ever have questions about what needs to be on your receipt, or if your provider is asking for extra details, just let me know. I’m always happy to help you navigate the process.
What If I Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have benefits or your plan doesn’t cover psychotherapy, therapy is still possible. Some clients pay out of pocket, while others use a Health Spending Account (HSA) or flex benefits. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots, so please reach out if you’re worried about affordability.
Curious about fees or how to get started? You can find all the details on my Services or Contact pages.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Benefits
Ask your HR rep or insurance provider: “Does my plan cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario?”
Check annual limits: Some plans have a dollar maximum, others a session maximum.
Clarify the claim process: Most plans require you to pay first, then submit your receipt.
Save your receipts: Keep them in a secure folder for tax time or future claims.
Ready to Start Therapy?
The process doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have more questions about insurance, therapy, or what it’s actually like to start working together, I’m here to answer them—no pressure, no obligation.