How To Find Accessible Mental Health Support

When you first start considering therapy, it might feel overwhelming.  There are plenty of factors to consider, but protecting our mental health is an important investment to make nonetheless. Mental health support has always been needed, but COVID-19 and its aftermath has put an unprecedented strain on our collective overall health. Research shows that mental health issues like anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicidal behaviour have been on the rise.

If you have been considering investing in your mental health by seeking therapy, there’s never been a better time than now! There are different ways to access mental health support.  Keep reading to learn more. 

Work Benefits: How to Use Your Benefits/How to Cover Therapy With Insurance

It can be helpful to understand the cost of therapy, including coverage through private or workplace insurance plans, or finding low-cost options that work for you.  Generally speaking, registered psychotherapists, social workers or psychologists are not covered by provincial healthcare plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), but you might be covered through your work, private insurance or your spouse.  

Depending on your insurance plan, coverage can vary. 

As a first step, it’s always useful to inquire about what coverage you do have and which therapy services are included. For example, some insurance plans will cover a psychologist but not a psychotherapist, and vice versa. It can be helpful to clarify what coverage you have in order to know what type of therapy you might want to seek out.

There are two different ways to submit your claims. The private practice in which you seek therapy might offer direct billing, in which case the clinic can charge your insurance company right after the visit so you don’t have to submit a claim yourself. If direct billing is not offered, then the clinic typically would provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Some insurance companies might cover a specific number of therapy sessions within the insurance year, whereas some will provide a certain amount that you are able to spend and claim. As previously mentioned, there are a lot of different factors that can vary depending on your personal insurance, so we definitely encourage you to inquire about what’s included for you.


Private Pay

Private pay is an option if you have either no or limited insurance coverage. Through this option, therapy services can be accessed by paying out of pocket for the sessions. Each clinic/practitioner has their own fee that is set according to their experience and qualifications. The best way to check for the fee is either their website or information page, email or phone call to the reception or by setting up a consultation with the clinician. 

What If I’m A Student?

Some therapists offer a reduced rate for students seeking therapy. However, this can depend on your therapist, so it’s important to inquire about those options during  your free consultation.  

Also, depending on your school and whether you’ve opted for the health insurance they offer, therapy coverage might be included. Typically, schools will provide a straightforward outline of what your insurance might cover. 

What If I’ve Just Graduated?

If you’ve just graduated, you can look into whether your school offers extended health insurance coverage for their alumni. 

Pro-bono or Low Cost Therapy

Put simply, pro-bono therapy (free sessions) or low-cost sessions are offered by therapists to those who are seeking mental health services but aren’t able to pay for it. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to qualify for it. A therapist might have a specific day of the week or certain hours that they offer pro-bono or low-cost therapy. No matter your financial situation, your mental health remains important. Don’t be afraid to inquire. In some cases, student therapists who are completing their practicum hours for their degree also offer pro-bono/low-cost sessions under supervision with a more senior clinician.

Provincial Support

As previously mentioned, private practice therapy is typically not covered by OHIP in Ontario.  However, therapy is covered by OHIP if it is provided by a medical doctor or if it takes place in a medical setting such as a hospital.  There are also some scenarios when mental health services are funded by public health, such as with government-funded hospitals or services with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).  Additionally, there are clinics that are supported by the government to support certain populations, such as the homeless. 

In Ontario, there are some mental health resources you can use if needed: 

• BounceBack (1-866-345-0224) helps people 15+ with free guided mental health self-help support through CBT. 

• Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for those 5-20, you can also do online web chats and text. 

• Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) helps Indigenous peoples all across Canada. 

• All of these numbers are toll-free and can be used at your discretion. 

Prevalence of Mental Illnesses. 

According to the MHCC, “In any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or illness and it affects almost everyone in some way”. Mental health is a prevalent issue that can lead to bigger effects in your life later on if not dealt with from the start. It has also been predicted that, “By age 40 nearly 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness” (MHCC). 

Mental illness can affect you at any stage of life, and if not addressed accordingly, they can continue to be present throughout your entire life. It remains important to treat your mental health like any other physical illness. Mental health may not always be visible, but it can impact every aspect of your life, including your work, relationships and overall quality of life. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel that you need help!

Mental Health As An Investment, Not An Expense

While most therapy options are not yet covered by provincial healthcare plans, remember that there are always options available. Look into your insurance plan or contact your school to see what kinds of therapy and designations are available to you as well as the amount of coverage you have. You might be pleasantly surprised! As a starting point, you can reach out to some of the organizations we listed above if you need immediate support. Another option is to contact some mental health clinics and inquire about their low-cost or pro-bono options. If the clinic doesn’t provide that option, they will refer you to an organization or clinic that can help you.

If you’re not sure what to look for in a therapist, check out our other blog post for tips on finding the right therapist for you. 

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