Cost should never be the reason you wait. Access
Affordable therapy · Toronto · Virtual across Ontario
Affordable therapy in Ontario, for real-life budgets
The Heart of Healing offers reduced-fee sessions with a student clinician, clear fees for every other session, and plain answers about insurance, OHIP and free public programs. Every new client starts with a free 15-minute consultation.
Accepting new clients · Virtual across Ontario.
What is affordable therapy?
Affordable therapy means ways to pay less for the same kind of care: using the benefits you already have, a reduced-fee session with a student clinician, group therapy, or free public programs. At The Heart of Healing in Toronto, Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists see clients by secure video across Ontario. If cost is a barrier, tell us in your free consult and we will go through the options with you.
Ways to make therapy more affordable
Most people combine more than one. Start with what fits your situation. We can help you sort out the rest.
Reduced-fee sessions with a student clinician
Lower-cost sessions with a student clinician who is in graduate training and works under the supervision of a registered clinician. Spaces are limited, so we keep a waitlist.
Join the waitlist →Use your extended health benefits
We provide a receipt after every session. Many plans cover Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists. Check whether you are on your own, a partner's or a parent's plan, and what your yearly maximum is.
Check your student health plan
Many Ontario college and university plans cover therapy up to a yearly cap. Plans differ on the per-visit amount and whether a referral is needed, so read your booklet first.
Therapy for students →Free and publicly funded programs
OHIP does not cover therapy in private practice. The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program offers free CBT-based care for adults 18 and over. BounceBack Ontario offers free guided programs, and ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) can point you to services.
Group therapy
Group therapy often costs less than individual sessions and can be a strong fit for certain goals, including support for South Asian and Brown women.
Therapy for Brown women →Workplace and tax supports
Ask HR about an employee assistance program or a health spending account. Many clients can also claim therapy receipts as a medical expense on their taxes. Check with your accountant or the CRA for what applies to you.
Our fees
Sessions are 50 minutes, by secure video across Ontario. We publish our fees so you know before you book.
Free consult. Every new client can book a free 15-minute call to talk about fit, availability and fees.
Your options. Your exact fee depends on the clinician and is confirmed in writing before your first session. In your free consult we can talk through what suits you, such as extended health benefits, tax receipts and reduced-fee options.
Cancellations. Please give at least 48 hours' notice by emailing your clinician directly.
OHIP. OHIP does not cover private therapy. Many extended health plans do cover Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists, and we provide receipts.
| Session (50 minutes) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Individual therapy Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist | $180 to $220 |
| Couples or family therapy Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist | $220 to $255 |
| Reduced-fee session Student clinician under supervision, waitlist | Ask us about reduced-fee availability |
How the reduced-fee waitlist works
Three simple steps. You set the pace.
Tell us you are interested
Send us a message through our contact form and mention the reduced-fee option. Our client care team can also answer questions about scheduling, fees and receipts.
We add you to the waitlist
We contact you when a space opens. Wait times change, so ask us for a current estimate. In the meantime, you are welcome to book a free consult or use the other options above.
We check it is the right fit
We talk through your goals and confirm whether a student clinician or a registered clinician suits you best before you begin.
Who you will work with
Registered clinicians who believe real change starts with genuine connection.
Christina Abounassar
Over 10 years in practice. Christina works with driven professionals, couples and individuals who are ready to do deeper work. Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Meet Christina →Megan Sigmundson
Nine years in practice. Megan supports students, young adults, women, men and parents with anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions. Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Meet Megan →Daria
Daria is often your first point of contact. She helps you book your free consult, answers questions about scheduling, fees and receipts, and makes sure you feel looked after from your first message.
Student clinicians are not registered clinicians. They work under the clinical supervision of a registered clinician.
Frequently asked questions
How much does therapy cost in Ontario?
At The Heart of Healing, individual sessions are $180 to $220 for 50 minutes and couples or family sessions are $220 to $255, depending on the clinician. Typical Ontario fees for Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists vary by clinician and experience, which is why we share our ranges.
What is a student clinician?
A student clinician is completing their graduate training in social work or psychotherapy. They are not a registered clinician yet, and they work under the clinical supervision of a registered clinician.
Is a student clinician right for me?
Many people find it a good fit. If your needs are complex, or you are in crisis, an experienced registered clinician or an urgent service may suit you better. We will talk this through with you before you begin.
Is therapy covered by OHIP?
Not in private practice. OHIP covers visits to a psychiatrist with a physician referral and some publicly funded programs, but waitlists can be long. Many extended health plans do cover Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists.
Will my insurance cover sessions with a student clinician?
Coverage varies by plan, and some plans do not reimburse student clinicians. Check with your insurer before you book.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
Please email your clinician directly at least 48 hours before your session.
Not sure which option fits? Let's talk it through.
Book a free 15-minute consult. We talk about fit, availability and fees. No pressure.
If you are in crisis
- Call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24/7 anywhere in Canada.
- Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 for mental health and addictions services.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
The Heart of Healing is not a crisis or emergency service.