Fees and Insurance Coverage
Understanding the practical side of therapy, including what it costs and how it may be covered, is part of getting started with confidence. Below you’ll find information on our fees, insurance and extended health benefits, physician referrals, receipts, and how therapy costs may be claimed on your taxes.
If anything isn’t answered here, we’re always glad to help: just get in touch.
Our Fees
Session fees at Discourse Psychology Centre vary depending on three things: the clinician you work with, the type of service (for example, individual versus couples therapy), and the length of the session. Because of this, we don’t list a single flat rate. The fee depends on what your care actually involves.
We’re always fully transparent about fees before anything begins. Your free 15-minute consultation is the best place to get exact numbers: we’ll talk through what you’re looking for, match you with the right clinician, and give you a clear picture of the cost before you commit to anything.
Payment is made at the time of each session, and a receipt is provided for insurance reimbursement.
Is Therapy Covered by OHIP?
Psychological services provided in private practice are not covered by OHIP. However, most extended health benefit plans offered through employers or purchased privately do cover services provided by a Registered Psychologist (C.Psych.), and clinicians working under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. At Discourse Psychology Centre, all services are either provided by, or supervised by a registered psychologist, which means clients are often eligible for reimbursement through their extended health plan.
Extended Health Benefits and Insurance
If you have coverage through work or a private plan, psychological services are frequently included under a “paramedical” or “mental health” benefit. Coverage varies widely between plans: some reimburse the full session fee up to an annual maximum, others cap the per-session amount. Many workplace Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) can also be applied toward psychology fees, either on their own or after your regular benefit is used up.
Because plans differ so much, it’s always worth confirming your specific coverage before you begin. We recommend asking the questions below on a quick call.
How to Check your Coverage
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly before beginning therapy. When you call, ask the following:
- Does my plan cover services provided by a Registered Psychologist (C.Psych.)?
- Does my plan cover services provided under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist?
- Do I need a physician referral to access my psychological services benefit?
- What is my annual coverage limit for psychological services?
- Is there a per-session limit on what is reimbursed?
Do you Direct Bill? Receipts and Reimbursement
Payment is made by the client after each session. We don’t direct-bill insurers. Instead, you’ll receive a receipt right away that you can submit to your extended health provider for reimbursement. Every receipt includes all the information insurers typically require, including the clinician’s registration number and designation.
Physician Referrals
We’re happy to work collaboratively with your physician. While some physicians will refer us patients, you do not require a physician referral to begin services. That said, some insurance plans may request a referral letter from your family doctor before they will reimburse you for psychological services, so it’s worth checking with your provider in advance.
Can I Claim Therapy as a Medical Expense on my Taxes
If part of your therapy cost isn’t covered by insurance, you may be able to claim the out-of-pocket amount as a medical expense on your Canadian income tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes registered psychologists as authorized medical practitioners, which means fees paid for psychological services, for you, your spouse, or your dependants, generally qualify as eligible medical expenses under the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
A few things worth knowing:
- Only the portion you actually pay out of pocket counts: amounts reimbursed by your insurer are not eligible.
- The credit applies to eligible medical expenses above an income-based threshold, so the benefit depends on your total medical expenses and income for the year.
- Keep your session receipts. They already include the clinician’s registration number and designation.
Because everyone’s tax situation is different, we strongly recommend confirming with your accountant, or whoever files your taxes, before relying on this. They can confirm what applies to your circumstances and how to claim it correctly. This information is general and is not tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does therapy cost?
Session fees vary by clinician, the type of service, and the length of the session, so there's no single flat rate. We're always transparent about cost upfront — your free 15-minute consultation is the best place to get exact numbers for your situation.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Often, yes. Most extended health plans cover services provided by or supervised by a Registered Psychologist (C.Psych.). Coverage amounts and limits vary by plan, so it's best to confirm your specific benefits using the questions above.
Do you direct-bill my insurance?
We do not currently support direct billing. You pay at the time of session and receive a receipt to submit to your insurer for reimbursement. The receipt contains everything most insurers require.
Can I use my Health Spending Account (HSA)?
Possibly, yes. Many HSAs can be applied to psychology fees, either on their own or after your standard benefit is used. Check the terms of your specific account.
Can I claim therapy on my taxes?
Possibly. Fees paid to a registered psychologist generally qualify as an eligible medical expense under the Medical Expense Tax Credit. Only your unreimbursed, out-of-pocket costs count, and eligibility depends on your income and total medical expenses — so confirm with your accountant or tax preparer.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
We take self-referrals and doctor's referrals. However, some insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement, so check with your provider.
Have questions about fees or coverage before booking? Contact Us by phone at 647-203-1468 or by email.
All inquiries are confidential and returned promptly. Or explore our psychological services to see how we can help.