Sometimes. OHIP pays for therapy from doctors, including family doctors and psychiatrists, and for therapy in hospitals and some publicly funded programs. It does not pay for psychologists, psychotherapists or social workers in private practice.
So is therapy covered by OHIP for you? That depends on who provides it and where. This guide sets out what Ontario pays for, what you would pay yourself, and the free programs you can start with today, many of them without a doctor's referral.
What OHIP covers at a glance
| Who provides it | Covered by OHIP? |
|---|---|
| Your family doctor or nurse practitioner | Yes |
| A doctor whose practice focuses on psychotherapy | Yes |
| A psychiatrist | Yes, usually with a referral |
| Hospital outpatient mental health programs | Yes, usually with a referral |
| Ontario Structured Psychotherapy | Free, publicly funded |
| A psychologist, psychotherapist or social worker in private practice | No |
| A peer support worker on KristKonkrd | No |
Therapy that OHIP pays for
Therapy from a doctor
Doctors in Ontario can bill OHIP for psychotherapy. Some family doctors offer it to their own patients, so it is worth asking yours directly. There are also doctors whose whole practice focuses on psychotherapy. They usually accept referrals from your family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you pay nothing at the visit.
Ask how many sessions they can offer and how long the wait is before you start. Both vary from practice to practice.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, and OHIP covers their care. You usually need a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner, and waits can stretch from weeks to months. Many psychiatrists focus on assessment, diagnosis and medication, and then hand ongoing therapy back to your family doctor or another provider.
Hospital and community programs
OHIP also pays when a psychologist or social worker provides therapy inside a hospital, even though it does not pay for the same professional in private practice. Many hospitals run outpatient mental health programs that accept referrals from doctors. Community mental health agencies, including local branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association, also offer free counselling and groups. Programs differ by region, so call to ask what they offer and who can refer you.
Free therapy programs in Ontario
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) offers free, short-term cognitive behavioural therapy to adults with depression or anxiety-related concerns. To be eligible, you must be 18 or older and live in Ontario. You do not need a family doctor, and you can refer yourself.
Care is stepped. Many people start with guided self-help supported by a coach, and move to sessions with a therapist if they need more. Some regional providers describe a course of 10 to 12 weekly sessions. Sessions can be in person, by phone or online, depending on where you live.
BounceBack
BounceBack, run by the Canadian Mental Health Association, is a free program of guided self-help based on cognitive behavioural therapy. A coach works with you by phone, alongside workbooks or videos. It is open to adults and youth aged 15 and older who are dealing with low mood, stress or worry.
Free support for children, youth and students
- One Stop Talk: free, confidential virtual sessions with a therapist for children and youth under 18
- Kids Help Phone: free support 24 hours a day for young people, by phone, text or online
- Good2Talk: free support for post-secondary students in Ontario aged 17 to 25
- Youth Wellness Hubs: free mental health, substance use and health services for young people aged 12 to 25
Not sure where to start?
Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600, or text CONNEX to 247247. It is free and confidential, open 24 hours a day, and can point you to publicly funded services near you. You can also call Health811 to talk to a registered nurse at any hour.
What you pay yourself, and how to lower the cost
Private-practice psychologists, registered psychotherapists and social workers set their own fees, and you pay per session. Fees vary widely, so ask before you book. You may be able to bring the cost down in a few ways.
Workplace or private health benefits
Many benefit plans cover part of the cost of therapy each year. Check three things in your plan: which professionals it covers (some list psychologists but not psychotherapists), the yearly maximum, and whether you need a doctor's note.
Your tax return
In Ontario, fees paid to a psychologist or a registered psychotherapist can usually count toward the medical expense tax credit, because the Canada Revenue Agency lists them as authorized medical practitioners. Keep your receipts, and check the CRA's current rules or ask a tax preparer before you claim.
Lower-fee options
Some therapists offer a sliding scale based on income, so it is worth asking. University and college training clinics often offer lower-cost sessions with supervised students who are completing their practicum.
Where peer support fits
Peer support is not covered by OHIP, and it does not replace therapy. Many people use it while they wait for a publicly funded program, or alongside therapy once it starts. A peer worker has been through the mental health system themselves and can help you understand your options, prepare for appointments and keep going while you wait.
Common questions
Is psychotherapy covered by OHIP in Ontario
Only when a doctor provides it, or when it is part of a hospital or publicly funded program such as Ontario Structured Psychotherapy. OHIP does not cover a registered psychotherapist in private practice, though workplace benefits often pay part of the cost.
Is counselling covered by OHIP
Not in private practice. Free counselling is available through community agencies, Canadian Mental Health Association branches and programs such as BounceBack. ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) can tell you what is available near you.
Do I need a referral for free therapy in Ontario
Not always. You can refer yourself to Ontario Structured Psychotherapy and BounceBack without a family doctor. Psychiatrists and most hospital programs need a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Is therapy covered by OHIP for kids
Many child and youth mental health agencies in Ontario offer free, publicly funded services. One Stop Talk offers free virtual sessions with a therapist for anyone under 18, and Kids Help Phone is free at any hour.
Key takeaways
- OHIP covers therapy from doctors, including family doctors, psychotherapy-focused doctors and psychiatrists.
- Therapy inside hospitals and publicly funded programs is free.
- Adults with depression or anxiety can refer themselves to Ontario Structured Psychotherapy at no cost.
- Private-practice psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers are not covered, but benefits, tax credits and sliding scales can lower the cost.
- ConnexOntario can point you to free services near you, day or night.
Weighing your options? Compare peer support vs therapy.
On a waitlist? Browse peer workers who can support you while you wait.