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Online therapy provides a convenient way to receive therapy support through digital means such as video calls, phone calls, text or email and it is widely available in Ontario.
This modern approach allows clients to connect with licensed Ontario therapists from the comfort of their homes, offering a practical, accessible, and flexible alternative to in-person therapy.
At OntarioTherapists.com, we specialize in providing compassionate and effective online therapy tailored to each client's unique needs.
Our online platform ensures you can securely access a wide range of therapeutic services facilitated by our experienced professionals licensed to practice psychotherapy in Ontario and is PHIPA compliant.
Note: Online therapy and counselling may also be called virtual therapy, virtual counselling, teletherapy, telehealth, digital therapy, e-therapy, etc. All these terms mean the same.
Benefits of choosing online therapy and counselling in Ontario
Virtual therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking mental health support. Some key advantages include:
Widespread Accessibility: Online therapy extends access to mental health services across Ontario, particularly in remote, rural, and underserved areas.
Convenience: Virtual therapy eliminates commute time and costs, which is beneficial during Ontario's winters or when there is high- traffic volumes between the client and the therapist’s office.
Privacy: Small communities with fewer resources and therapists can sometimes mean you’re seeing the same person as others that you know. Connecting virtually allows you to reach out, outside your community or area to connect without others knowing what you’re doing.
Flexibility: Flexible scheduling allows clients to coordinate therapy around busy schedules, work hours, and other time constraints.
Comfort: Clients can engage in therapy sessions from a comfortable, private and familiar environment (such as their home), which allows for open communication.
Cost-efficiency: Besides eliminating travel costs, online therapy can reduce costs by eliminating travel, parking, etc.
Confidentiality: Virtual therapy services enable individuals to receive treatment without the potential stigma of being seen at a therapist's office.
Fewer Physical Barriers: The nature of online therapy removes physical and geographic barriers to care. This benefits people living in isolated areas, individuals with mobility issues, or those without access to reliable transportation.
In-person vs online therapy in Ontario
Both online therapy and in-person counselling in Ontario provide meaningful mental health support to clients.
Choosing between in-person and online therapy depends on circumstances, preferences, and what the client feels most comfortable with. However, below are some points to consider.
Pros and Cons of Online Therapy
Here are the pros and cons of online therapy:
Pros
Enhances accessibility, convenience, flexibility, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and privacy.
Expands the variety of therapeutic services available across the province, allowing for more tailored treatments.
Minimizes physical barriers to mental health services, which is vital in geographically vast provinces like Ontario.
Provides access to more therapists for a more tailored experience for therapy needs
Ontario therapists are able to connect with those needing help outside of Ontario in provinces where Psychotherapy is not yet regulated
Access to your therapist if you’re out of province in case of emergency
Cons:
Requires reliable internet connectivity
More time maybe required to establish a solid rapport and therapeutic alliance
Security and privacy can be a concern. (Ensure a secure platform is used by your therapist.)
At out clinic, we do not work virtually with those that are actively suicidal, engaging in severe forms of self harm or have expressed suicidal ideation with a plan in the 6 months.
Pros and Cons of In-Person Therapy
Here are the pros and cons of in-person therapy:
Pros:
Therapeutic alliance and rapport building may be attained faster
May be more effective for certain types of therapy that require close interaction
Cons:
Less accessible for those in remote areas
More time-consuming and expensive due to travel
Limited by physical availability of specialists in certain areas
How online counselling in Ontario works
Our virtual therapy sessions are offered through JaneApp, a secure teleconference technology we give you access to. Meetings can also be conducted via Google Meet if needed, with the understanding that at this time, it is not PHIPA compliant. Other platforms we have used with clients include WhatsApp and FaceTime (with consent).
Jane is a secure video conferencing platform for health practitioners. It is easy to use and offers optimal privacy that complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
Virtual counselling services begin with a free half-hour consultation with a member of our team of your choosing. Our online psychotherapists have diverse expertise to suit your unique therapeutic needs and we welcome you to meet with them to see who may be that great fit for your!
Meet the team
To discover more about each therapist and their specific areas of passion and focus, please click here, to meet the team or on their names.
Book a free consultation!
Once you have chosen a psychotherapist, click the button below to book your 30-minute session or call us at 647-296-9235.
FAQ about online counselling in Ontario
1) Is online therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Online therapy provides an effective alternative to in-person treatment for a range of mental health conditions. However, the effectiveness can depend on the nature of the issue being addressed, the client's communication style, and the therapeutic approach used.
Online therapy also provides accessibility and convenience, making it easier to adhere to treatment schedules and continue care through lifestyle changes (e.g., moving).
2) What are the costs involved with online therapy in Ontario?
The primary fee associated with online therapy in Ontario is the cost of a session. Rates vary widely depending on the therapist's qualifications, experience, and specialty.
Our company offers online therapy rates on a sliding scale based on client needs. The fee ranges from $130-$150 per session (including HST).
3) Are online therapy services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
Typically no. Online or in-person psychotherapy from a private practice is not covered by OHIP.
However, online therapy that adheres to OHIP's eligibility requirements may be covered. This can include services conducted by a medical doctor or psychiatrist or sessions held in public medical settings (e.g., hospitals). Learn more.
4) What payment options are available for online therapy in Ontario?
Common payment options include credit cards, e-transfers, and direct billing to insurance.
We accept the following payments: E-transfer, Visa and Mastercard.
5) How can I find a licensed online therapist in Ontario?
Our dedicated online therapists have diverse expertise to suit your therapy needs. They are also licensed to practice online psychotherapy in Ontario. Click here to book your 30-minute consultation.
Other ways to find online therapists in Ontario include searching online directories, doctor referrals, recommendations from friends and family, etc. However, we encourage you to check CRPO to ensure an online therapist is registered and in good standing in Ontario.
All online psychotherapists in Ontario must be registered with CRPO. This does not mean they are registered to provide strictly online therapy; it means they are registered in Ontario to provide the controlled act of psychotherapy. (Learn more).
6) Do I need a referral to see an online therapist in Ontario?
No, you do not need a referral to see an online therapist in Ontario.
7) Can I access online therapy from anywhere in the world?
Yes, you can access online therapy from anywhere in the world, but therapists must be licensed in Ontario to serve Ontario residents.
If you’re in a province where psychotherapy is not regulated, please feel free to reach out to see if we’re able to help you.
7) Are online therapy sessions recorded?
Online therapy sessions are not typically recorded to ensure privacy unless consent is given by both the client and the therapist for training or legal purposes.
8) What privacy measures are in place for online therapy sessions?
Therapists use secure, encrypted platforms to ensure confidentiality during virtual therapy and follow confidentiality protocols to protect client information.
The video platform, Jane, offers security and complies with PIPEDA and PHIPA. Our team also complies with provincial and federal ethical standards (as outlined in the PHIPA, PIPEDA, and CRPO). Learn about our privacy policy.
9) Who can access online counselling services?
We provide personalized therapeutic care and guidance for all ages and stages of life.
10) Can I see a therapist online and in person?
Many therapists offer hybrid services to clients. Our team provides online psychotherapy across Ontario and in-person sessions in select locations.
11) What happens if I have technical issues during an online therapy session?
If technical issues occur, the session can be rescheduled, or alternative communication methods, such as a phone call, might be used.
12) What happens if I miss an online therapy session?
We ask our clients to provide 24 hours notice for any appointment that will not be attending. If an appointment is missed, it will be counted as a “no show," and the full session fee will apply.
However, we understand that life happens, so please reach out to us if there are extenuating circumstances that cause you to miss or cancel an appointment (outside of the 24-hour notice window).
If we ever miss a session with you (with the exception of illness or personal emergency), your next session is on us.
13) Can I switch therapists if I'm not satisfied with my experience?
Yes! We encourage you to meet with one or more of our online therapists until you find the right fit. Our Clinical Director can also help you find a therapist who better meets your needs.
14) How can I prepare for my first online therapy session?
Ensure a good internet connection, find a quiet and private space, and have your preferred video-conferencing application installed, if required.
On the day of your session, you'll receive an email prompting you to join the video session. You can attend using a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
15) How long is each online therapy session?
Online therapy sessions often last between 45 and 60 minutes. Virtual counselling through our collective runs 50 minutes per session.
16) How do I know if online therapy is a good fit for me?
Aside from having a strong therapeutic alliance with your therapist (which is critical for productive therapy sessions), the success of online therapy mainly depends on an individual's circumstances, preferences, and comfort level with technology.
For optimal results, you must ensure a stable internet connection and a safe, quiet space with minimal distractions.
However, the best way to know if online therapy is right for you is to try a few sessions and evaluate your feelings afterward.
We offer new clients free 30-minute consultations, during which you can discuss your concerns and expectations with us. Our team will do our best to answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision.
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