Your questions, answered
Because starting therapy should feel informed, supported, and clear.
What’s the difference between a Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist in Ontario?
Ontario has several regulated mental health professionals, each with a different scope of practice.
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Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW/MSW) are both qualified to provide psychotherapy. They support individuals, couples, and families with emotional, relational, and mental health concerns, but do not diagnose mental disorders or prescribe medication.
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Psychologists provide psychotherapy and are trained to conduct psychological assessments and make diagnoses, but do not prescribe medication.
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, and may also provide psychotherapy. Psychiatric services are typically covered by OHIP with a referral.
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Our practice provides psychotherapy through Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers, offering collaborative, evidence-based care.
Is psychotherapy covered by insurance in the Province of Ontario?
Psychotherapy is often covered under extended health benefits in Ontario, depending on your individual insurance plan. Many plans include coverage for services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW/MSW).
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Coverage for psychotherapy differs from coverage for psychology, and coverage varies by insurer and plan. Because benefits differ, we recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurance provider, including eligible provider types and annual limits.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No referral is required to begin private psychotherapy in Ontario. You can book an appointment directly with a therapist at our practice.
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A referral may be helpful if you are seeking services covered by OHIP, seeing a psychiatrist, or if your insurance provider specifically requires one for reimbursement.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you are unsure.
How do I know if therapy will be beneficial for me?
Therapy can be helpful at many points in life — not just during a crisis. People seek therapy for stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, identity exploration, trauma, life transitions, or simply wanting greater self-understanding and emotional support.
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You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what’s “wrong” to begin. Therapy can be a space for support, growth, reflection, and prevention, helping you navigate challenges before they feel overwhelming.
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At Co & Associates, we believe mental and emotional well-being is a shared human experience, and support is something you’re allowed to access at any stage of your journey.
How do I choose the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is about therapeutic fit — feeling safe, understood, and supported. While therapy approaches and modalities matter, research shows that the relationship with your therapist is one of the most important factors in meaningful change.
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At Co & Associates, we use a thoughtful intake and matching process to connect you with a therapist whose experience, approach, and relational style align with your needs and goals. If at any point the fit doesn’t feel right, you’re always welcome to discuss this or request a change. Therapy should feel collaborative, not transactional.
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We believe you deserve a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.
What happens during the first session?
Your first session is a chance to begin getting to know your therapist in a safe, supportive, and collaborative space. Your therapist will review the intake information, ask about what brings you to therapy, and explore what support you’re hoping for.
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There is no pressure to share everything right away. You’re welcome to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, you’ll begin to identify goals and discuss how therapy can support you moving forward.
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You’re also encouraged to ask questions about your therapist’s approach, experience, and what working together may look like. At Co & Associates, the first session is about connection, clarity, and creating a foundation for meaningful work together.
How long does therapy last and how often will we meet?
The length of therapy and how often you attend sessions depends on your goals, needs, and what feels most supportive for you. Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, and this may change over time as therapy progresses.
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Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration, healing, or ongoing growth. Progress looks different for everyone and can vary based on the complexity of concerns and the goals you’re working toward.
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At Co & Associates, therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Your therapist will regularly check in with you to ensure your care continues to align with your needs and pace.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a foundational part of psychotherapy and is protected by professional and legal standards in Ontario. What you share in therapy is kept private and handled with care.
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There are limited situations where confidentiality must be broken, such as if there is a risk of serious harm to you or others, concerns about the abuse or neglect of a child, or if records are required by a court order. Your therapist will discuss these limits with you so you’re fully informed.
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At Co & Associates, client records are stored securely using privacy-compliant systems, and access is restricted to your care team. Your safety, trust, and privacy are always prioritized.
What are your fees and do you have a cancellation policy?
Session fees vary by clinician and service and are outlined at the time of booking. Payment is due at the time of your session, and receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement.
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To support fairness and protect clinician availability, Co & Associates has a cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled with 48 hours’ notice may be charged up to $75 per session. Cancellations made with 24 hours’ notice or less, or missed appointments, are charged the full session fee.
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We understand that life happens, and this policy helps ensure we can offer consistent, accessible care to all clients. If you have questions about fees or policies, we’re always happy to discuss them with you.
Do you offer virtual therapy and, is it effective?
Yes. Co & Associates offers virtual therapy across Ontario, as well as hybrid therapy with clinicians who work both in-person and virtually, depending on your needs and preferences.
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Virtual therapy is widely recognized as effective and can be just as impactful as in-person therapy for many concerns, including stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, and life transitions. It offers flexibility, accessibility, and continuity of care from the comfort of your own space.
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We are also proud to be the exclusive virtual therapy provider for Physiomed, supporting clients with integrated, collaborative care. During intake, we’ll help you choose a therapist and format that best fits your goals, schedule, and comfort level.
Land Acknowledgment
Co & Associates acknowledges that we operate on the traditional territories and Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and within the broader traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee peoples.
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We recognize the enduring presence, stewardship, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples on this land, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We are committed to ongoing learning, respect, and responsibility in how we show up in relationship with the land and the communities we serve.