Does OHIP Cover Therapy in 2025? Everything You Need to Know About Free and Covered Mental Health Services in Ontario

If you live in Ontario and have ever asked yourself, “Does OHIP cover therapy?” you’re not alone.

With the rising cost of private counselling, more Ontarians are searching for free or covered therapy options through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The truth? Some therapy is covered, but not all. It depends on who provides it, where it happens, and how it’s classified medically.

Let’s unpack exactly what OHIP covers in 2025, where to find free therapy, and how to manage your mental health care smartly

🧠 What OHIP Covers (and Doesn’t) for Therapy in 2025

✅ Therapy Covered by OHIP

OHIP focuses on medically necessary services. So, if your therapy is delivered by a medical doctor or through a publicly funded program, it’s likely covered.

Here’s what qualifies:

1. Psychiatrists (Medical Doctors)

   • Fully covered with a referral from your family physician.

   • OHIP pays for the consultation, diagnosis, and ongoing psychotherapy or medication management.

   • Available mainly through hospitals and mental health centres.
     
     

2. Family Doctors Offering Counselling

   • Some family physicians provide mental health care (e.g., CBT or supportive therapy).

   • These sessions are billed directly to OHIP.
     
     

3. Hospital or Community Programs

   • Publicly funded initiatives like the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP) or local Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide therapy free of charge.

   • They often focus on depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery.

❌ Therapy Not Covered by OHIP

While coverage has expanded in recent years, OHIP still doesn’t pay for most private therapy. Here’s what’s excluded:

1. Private Psychologists or Registered Psychotherapists

   • Not covered unless they work in a publicly funded facility.

   • Expect to pay $150–$250 per session out of pocket.
     
     

2. Online Counselling Platforms (Private)

   • Unless affiliated with a public program, virtual therapy is usually not OHIP-funded.
     
     

3. Alternative or Holistic Therapies

   • Life coaching, hypnotherapy, and other non-medical services aren’t covered.

Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Therapy in Ontario

Here are some reliable, publicly funded programs you can explore today:

1. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP)

   • Free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help for adults with anxiety or depression.

   • Visit ontariohealth.ca for program details.

2. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

   • Offers free walk-in counselling, crisis services, and group support across Ontario. (cmha.ca)

3. BounceBack Ontario

   • Government-funded self-guided therapy and coaching by phone or video for mild to moderate depression. (bouncebackontario.ca)

4. Drop-in Counselling

   • Drop-in counselling is counselling offered at walk-in clinics where patients can get help without having to make an appointment ahead of time. Most drop-in clinics are free of charge. (camha.ca)

Private Therapy: What It Costs in Ontario 2025

If you choose private therapy, here’s what to expect:

How to Access Covered Therapy Services

1. Talk to Your Family Doctor.

   • They can refer you to a psychiatrist or hospital-based therapist - both covered by OHIP.

2. Call 211 Ontario.

   • Find free community mental health programs by dialing 211 or visiting 211Ontario.ca.

3. Check Local Hospitals or CHCs.

   • Many run free group programs or short-term counselling clinics.

4. Explore School or Campus Programs.

   • Students can often access therapy through their campus health centres.

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Frequently Asked Questions about OHIP Therapy Coverage

1. Is there a way to get free therapy in Ontario?

Yes! You can access free therapy through publicly funded programs like the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program, Canadian Mental Health Association, or BounceBack Ontario. These services are 100% covered under public health funding, no private insurance required.

2. What are three things that OHIP does not cover in Ontario?

OHIP does not cover:

1. Private therapy from psychologists or psychotherapists outside hospitals.

2. Dental care (except surgery performed in hospitals).

3. Prescription medications outside hospitals (unless covered under OHIP+ or senior plans).

3. How much does a therapy session cost in Ontario?

Private therapy sessions typically cost between $150–$250+ per hour, depending on the therapist’s credentials and location. Psychiatrists, however, are free under OHIP when referred by a doctor.

4. What if I don't have money and I need therapy?

If you can’t afford therapy, try:

• Public programs like OSP, CMHA, or BounceBack Ontario.

• Community Health Centres, which offer free counselling.

• University clinics offering reduced-rate sessions ($30–$60).

No one should go without mental health support, Ontario has free options if you know where to look.

5. Why is therapy so expensive in Ontario?

Therapy is costly because private practitioners set fees based on education, licensing, and demand. They aren’t publicly funded, which means they cover overhead costs like office rent and insurance. Public programs funded by OHIP are free, but wait times may be longer.