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Is Counselling and Psychotherapy Covered by OHIP? Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025
Mental health is a growing concern in Ontario, and many people are seeking support in the form of counselling and therapy. A common question that arises is whether these services are covered by OHIP, Ontario’s publicly funded health insurance plan. The answer is not entirely straightforward, as coverage depends on the provider and the setting in which the care is delivered.
NOVA VR THERAPY
Athem Houssein
7/9/20253 min read
Counselling services provided by psychiatrists are covered by OHIP, but access typically requires a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions, and their services are fully insured by the province. Some family doctors, particularly those who are part of Family Health Teams, also offer short-term counselling or psychotherapy. These services are similarly covered by OHIP and may be easier to access than psychiatric care.
Publicly funded institutions such as hospitals, community health centres, and government-supported mental health programs often provide therapy at no cost to the patient. These programs may employ registered psychotherapists, social workers, or psychologists, and as long as the services are delivered within the public system, they fall under OHIP coverage. Ontario’s Structured Psychotherapy Program, school-based counselling services, and outpatient mental health clinics are examples of such publicly supported options.
However, therapy delivered by professionals in private practice—including psychologists, registered psychotherapists, and social workers—is not covered by OHIP. Unless these providers work within a publicly funded setting, their services must be paid for out of pocket or through extended health insurance plans. This is a significant gap in Ontario’s mental health coverage, as many people turn to private practitioners for more immediate or specialized support.
Fortunately, there are alternatives for those without private insurance. Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income. University clinics and programs with therapists-in-training also provide lower-cost services under supervision. Many workplaces offer short-term counselling through Employee Assistance Programs. In addition, Ontario has expanded access to virtual therapy through programs such as BounceBack and other online services that offer guided support for anxiety, depression, and related issues.
In summary, OHIP covers counselling in limited circumstances. You are eligible if you see a psychiatrist with a referral, visit a family doctor trained in psychotherapy, or receive therapy through a public hospital or government-funded clinic. However, most therapy offered through private practitioners is not covered and requires payment or insurance. Understanding these distinctions can help you find the right kind of mental health support while avoiding unexpected costs.
For more details, helpful overviews can be found at Settlement.org, Everwell Counselling, and HealthQuotes.ca.
Athem Houssein
SOCIAL WORKER (MSW)
Rebecca Bates
SOcial Worker (MSW)
DeRoux Jones
Psychotherapist. (q)
Emily Light
Psychotherapist. (q)
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