How to Find Affordable Therapy in Canada

Finding a therapist can be difficult. Finding one you can afford can be even harder.

Private psychotherapy and counselling can cost well over $100 per session, and not everyone has insurance coverage or the ability to pay those fees. Fortunately, there are several ways to find affordable, low-cost, and sometimes free therapy in Canada.

One option that is sometimes overlooked is working with a student therapist completing their clinical training under supervision.

Find a Student Therapist (FAST) is a Canada-wide directory that helps people find student therapists offering low-cost and no-cost counselling and psychotherapy, both virtually and in person.

1. Consider working with a student therapist

Student therapists are completing the clinical or practicum portion of their professional training. Depending on their program, they may be studying counselling psychology, psychotherapy, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.

They see real clients while receiving supervision from a qualified clinical supervisor.

Because they are still completing their training, their fees are often considerably lower than those charged by established therapists. Some offer sliding-scale rates, free sessions, or a limited number of no-cost, pro-bono sessions.

Working with a student therapist can therefore be one way to access therapy when the usual cost of private therapy isn’t manageable.

2. Look for sliding-scale therapy

Many therapists offer a sliding scale, meaning that some clients can pay a reduced fee based on their financial circumstances.

Availability varies. Some therapists reserve only a few reduced-fee spaces, while others structure much of their practice around lower-cost care.

When contacting a therapist, it’s reasonable to ask whether they currently have sliding-scale spaces available and what their lowest available fee is.

3. Check university and therapist-training clinics

Universities, colleges and psychotherapy training institutes sometimes operate clinics where students provide counselling under supervision.

Fees can be substantially lower than standard private-practice rates, and some programs offer services at no cost.

Eligibility, location, wait lists and the types of concerns treated can vary from one clinic to another.

4. Look for community and nonprofit services

Community health centres, family-service organizations, nonprofit agencies and other local organizations may provide free or subsidized counselling.

These programs can be excellent resources, although they may have eligibility requirements, limited numbers of sessions or waiting lists.

Searching for free counselling in your city or low-cost therapy in your city, or contacting local community-service organizations, can uncover options that aren’t widely advertised.

5. Consider virtual therapy

If you’re comfortable meeting online, virtual therapy can significantly expand your options.

Instead of being limited to therapists within travelling distance, you may be able to work with someone elsewhere in your province or territory—or sometimes elsewhere in Canada—depending on the therapist’s professional designation and the regulations that apply to their practice.

This can be particularly useful for people living in smaller communities or looking for a therapist with a particular area of focus, identity, language or therapeutic approach.

FAST includes student therapists and clinics offering virtual and in-person services in communities across Canada. Depending on where you live, you can explore affordable therapy options in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and other Canadian communities, as well as options throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and other provinces and territories.

Is therapy with a student therapist different?

There are some important differences.

A student therapist is still developing their clinical experience. They may not be appropriate for every person or every clinical situation, and individual practicum sites may restrict the kinds of concerns their students can treat.

At the same time, students receive ongoing clinical supervision, meaning they have an experienced professional overseeing and supporting their work.

Before beginning therapy, you can ask about the therapist’s training, supervision, experience with your concerns, fees, availability and what will happen when their practicum ends.

How much does student therapy cost in Canada?

There isn’t one standard fee.

Some student therapists offer sessions at no cost, while others charge reduced fees. Rates vary according to the therapist, training program, clinic and location.

When comparing options, you may also want to check whether the service can be reimbursed through your extended health benefits. Coverage can depend on the student’s profession, their supervisor and the requirements of your particular insurance plan.

How do I find a student therapist in Canada?

Find a Student Therapist was created specifically to make lower-cost therapy options easier to find.

Rather than searching individual universities, training programs and clinics one at a time, you can use FAST to find student therapists and clinics offering affordable therapy and learn about their fees, areas of focus, therapeutic approaches, availability, and virtual or in-person services.

Search for a Student Therapist →

Find a Student Therapist is a directory rather than a therapy provider. Therapists listed on FAST provide services through their respective practicum placements and under their own clinical supervision.