Short answer: No, not most therapy types.
Many people in Hamilton are surprised to learn that therapy sessions with psychotherapists or psychologists are not covered by OHIP, unless the services are provided through a hospital or a physician’s office. Only psychiatrists—who are medical doctors—are fully covered by OHIP, and you’ll need a referral to see one.
So, if you’re looking for individual, couples, or family therapy, and wondering about cost, here’s what you need to know:
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OHIP does not cover private practice therapists, including registered psychotherapists and psychologists.
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It does cover sessions with psychiatrists and some mental health services provided through family health teams or hospitals.
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Many private insurance plans do reimburse sessions with registered psychotherapists or psychologists, so it’s worth checking your coverage.
At Empire, we work with people looking for clarity, support, and effective therapy options outside the public system. Our registered psychotherapists help you make the most of every session, with or without insurance coverage.
What Does OHIP Cover?
OHIP covers some mental health services, but only when they’re provided by specific professionals or within certain settings. You can access free therapy through a psychiatrist (with a doctor’s referral), community health programs, hospitals, and family health teams.
These services often have long wait times and may focus on assessment, diagnosis, or medication management rather than ongoing talk. OHIP does not cover sessions with registered psychotherapists, social workers, or counsellors in private practice.
Why Most Therapy Isn’t Covered?
OHIP doesn’t cover most therapy because it falls outside the medical model that the provincial plan was designed to support. Registered psychotherapists aren’t considered physicians, so their services aren’t included.
This creates a gap between what’s publicly funded and what’s actually most accessible and helpful for issues like anxiety, relationship struggles, and burnout. This is why many people choose to pay privately or use their benefits to access therapy from professionals they trust.
Do I Need a Referral for Covered Mental Health Services?
Short answer: Yes, for OHIP-covered services, you usually need a referral.
If you’re hoping to access OHIP-covered mental health services, you’ll usually need a referral from your family doctor. This is especially true if you’re trying to see a psychiatrist, since they’re the only mental health professionals fully covered by OHIP.
Services offered through hospitals or community mental health programs may also require a referral or intake process. For therapy outside of these systems, like seeing a registered psychotherapist, you can book directly without a referral (although it isn’t covered).
Your Options for Private Therapy in Hamilton
If you’re looking for support outside of the public system, there are ways that you can access private therapy that fits your situation and budget. Many therapists offer flexible options to help make care more accessible, especially for those without full coverage through work or school.
Private or Employer-Provided Insurance
Many extended health plans cover sessions with registered psychotherapists.
Coverages can vary, so it’s a good idea to check what types of professionals are covered under your policy, how much is covered, and how many sessions are included each year. You usually pay upfront and submit your receipt for reimbursement, but some clinics offer direct billing if your plan allows it.
Student Health Plans
College and university students often have therapy coverage built into their student health plans. These plans usually include a set number of sessions per year with approved professionals.
You may need to use a provider from their preferred list or submit receipts for reimbursement. If you’re a student, it’s worth looking at your plan or asking your student union for more details about your coverage.
Sliding Scale Options
Some therapists offer a sliding scale based on income or financial need.
Sliding scale therapy is a flexible pricing system where the fee is lowered to match what you can reasonably afford. This makes therapy more affordable for those without insurance or with a limited income.
Therapists-in-Training (Interns)
Intern or practicum students offer low-cost sessions while completing their clinical training. They’re closely supported by experienced supervisors and can provide high-quality care at a reduced rate.
This is a good fit for people looking for more affordable therapy and open to working with someone newer in the field.
Why Choose Private Therapy in Ontario?
Private therapy gives you more choice, flexibility, and consistency than publicly funded options. You can choose a therapist who fits your needs, book sessions without long wait times, and stay with the same person for as long as you need.
For many people, the ability to build a steady, personalized relationship with their therapist is worth the investment. You also have more freedom to explore specific approaches, like attachment-based therapy or somatic work, that may not be available in public systems.
Empire Psychotherapy: Accessible Therapy Beyond OHIP
Publicly funded mental health services play an important role in Ontario, especially for those in crisis or needing psychiatric care. But for those looking for consistent, personalized support without the long wait, private therapy can be a meaningful step forward.
At Empire Psychotherapy, we offer options that work for all types of budgets. If you’re curious about getting started, reach out to book a free initial chat or ask us anything.
We’re here to help!
