How much does therapy cost in Canada [2026]?

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Key takeaways: 

• Most private therapy fees in Canada commonly range between $120 to $250+ per hour, depending on the provider type, their experience, and where you live.
• A standard session runs 50 to 60 minutes; many therapists also offer 30- or 90-minute sessions priced by length.
• You may pay less through workplace benefits, insurance, an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), or the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit. Eligibility depends on CRA rules and may vary based on province and practitioner designation.
• GreenShield Health offers flat nationwide virtual therapy for $135 per hour anywhere in Canada, with a free 15-minute consultation for individual therapy (more below).

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Therapy in Canada typically costs between $120 and $250+ per hour, depending on the provider you see and where you live. Understanding what drives that range — and the ways to bring your out-of-pocket cost down — can take some of the uncertainty out of getting started. This guide breaks down typical therapy costs across Canada by provider type, explains what affects the price, and covers how benefits, insurance, and tax credits can help.

What affects the cost of therapy in Canada

A few things determine what you’ll pay for a therapy session:

• Provider type and credentials. Psychologists generally charge the most; registered psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors often cost less.
• Experience and specialization. Therapists with more experience or specialized training in areas like trauma or couples work may charge higher rates.
• Where you live. Rates vary by province and city, and tend to be higher in larger urban centres.
• Session length. Most sessions are 50 to 60 minutes. Shorter check-ins or longer sessions are priced accordingly.
• Format. Virtual therapy is often priced the same as or lower than in-person, and removes travel time and cost.

Private therapy is generally not covered by provincial health plans, so most people pay out-of-pocket or through workplace benefits or EAP plans.

How much therapy costs in Canada by provider type

Private therapy rates vary by the type of provider you see, their experience, and where you live. The table below shows typical per-session ranges across Canada, alongside flat-rate virtual therapy from GreenShield Health for comparison.

¹ Typical private-pay fees per session across Canada, 2024–2026. A standard therapy session is commonly 50–60 minutes. Rates vary by provider type, years of experience, and region.

² GreenShield Health is a flat $135 per hour for all provider types nationwide (2026 rates). See Therapy costs with GreenShield Health below.

³ Psychologist rates shown as a national benchmark; availability varies by province.

Because GreenShield Health charges one flat rate regardless of provider type or province, it often costs less than seeing a comparable private therapist. More on how that works below.

How session length and format affect cost

Most therapy is billed by session length. A standard session is 50 to 60 minutes, but many therapists offer shorter or longer options:

• 30 minutes — a brief check-in or follow-up, priced lower than a full session.
• 50–60 minutes — the standard therapy hour, and the most common booking.
• 90 minutes — an extended session, often used for couple’s therapy or more intensive work, priced higher.

Online therapy is typically the same price as or lower than in-person, and it removes travel time and cost. Couple’s sessions are sometimes priced higher than individual sessions, though this varies by provider.

Ways to reduce your therapy costs

You may not need to pay full price for therapy. Depending on your situation, several options can reduce or fully cover your out-of-pocket cost:

• Group benefits plan or personal insurance plan. If you have a private or workplace benefits plan that covers mental health (from any insurer, benefits or EAP provider), you may be able to claim therapy for reimbursement. Pay for your session and submit a claim with an itemized receipt.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many employers offer a set number of counselling sessions through an EAP at no cost to you. Check with your employer or benefits provider to see what’s included.
• Medical Expense Tax Credit. Out-of-pocket therapy costs may be eligible for the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit at year-end. Keep your receipts and claim them when you file your return.

• GST/HST exemption. As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapy and counselling therapy services are exempt from GST/HST, so no sales tax is charged on qualifying sessions.

For a full walkthrough of coverage, claims, and tax credits, see The GreenShield Guide to Therapy Costs and Insurance Coverage.

Therapy costs with GreenShield Health

GreenShield Health offers virtual therapy to all Canadians 18 and over, whether or not you have benefits or insurance coverage. Sessions are delivered through GreenShield+, our online platform where you can find a therapist and meet by video or voice.

One flat rate: $135 per hour. Whoever you work with, wherever you are in Canada, the price is the same. No premiums based on therapist type or level of experience, and no regional pricing.

GreenShield Health works with Canadian-licensed social workers, psychotherapists, certified counsellors, registered clinical counsellors, and psychologists, depending on your province.

Getting started for free

Individual therapy starts with an optional free 15-minute consultation by video or voice, before you commit to a paid appointment. This short session helps you get a sense of the therapist’s style and decide if they feel like the right fit. If you’d like to explore more than one therapist, you’re welcome to book a consultation with each before deciding. Couple’s therapy begins with a full session.

Session options and pricing

Therapy from GreenShield Health is $135 per hour for both individual and couple’s sessions, and the price is the same everywhere in Canada. The cost of each session is based on its length. Sessions are available in 30, 60, or 90-minute lengths for individual therapy, and in 60- or 90-minute lengths for couple’s therapy, all by video or voice:

Exact pricing is shown in your account before you book. *The free 15-minute consultation is available for individual therapy. Pricing reflects rates as of June 2026.

Already covered through a GreenShield plan?

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You may not need to pay for therapy out of pocket.

• Sponsored hours through your workplace benefits. If you, your spouse, or a parent has health benefits or an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) through GreenShield, you may have sponsored hours that cover some or all your session costs.
• GreenShield personal health insurance plans. GreenShield personal health insurance plans include 4 hours of virtual counselling per year (2 hours individual therapy, 2 hours couple’s therapy) per person. Additional therapy may be eligible under your insurance plan, often under Paramedical coverage. 

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Log into GreenShield+ to check your coverage

Pricing transparency

Session rates are always visible before you book. There are no sign-up fees, no subscription charges, and no cancellation penalties when you cancel with at least 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) are charged the full session cost.