Online Therapy in Toronto
Online therapy has risen in popularity in the past few years, and it’s no surprise. Let’s answer some of your biggest questions about online therapy.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is a really attractive option for receiving your therapy services in today’s world! You might be seeking online therapy for the same reasons as you’d seek in-person therapy, but might prefer online for one or many reasons.
You can do many types of therapies online - including CBT, existential counselling, relationship and marriage counselling, and coaching!
An online therapist is a trained professional and has clinical experience of face-to-face counselling, as well as specific training in Counselling Theory and Skills.
What are the advantages of getting online therapy in Canada?
Getting online therapy has many advantages, and here are just a few:
No Commute
Online therapy, even if you’re seeing an in-person local professional, is remote, so you won’t need to leave the comfort and safety of home. No need to fight traffic or pay huge bucks for parking. This is a huge advantage if you’re a busy person.
Easier to Maintain Consistency
Since you can hop into a session from anywhere (provided that it’s quiet and confidential), maintaining weekly sessions isn’t as much of a challenge. Maintaining consistency in attendance can hugely impact your therapy outcomes and help you see results faster.
Better Access to the Right Fit
Since you won’t necessarily be limited to finding a therapy practice in your close geographical neighbourhood (If you live in Ontario you can receive online therapy from any professional licensed in Ontario), this opens up the possibilities to finding the right practice that actually suits your needs.
Insurance
As long as you’re seeing an online therapist who’s located and licensed in the province of Ontario, you’ll typically be able to claim the sessions under your insurance plan, if it covers services of the mental health professional you’re seeing.
Is online therapy right for me?
Getting therapy online isn’t the right fit for absolutely everyone. Here are some important things to consider if online therapy is right for you:
Privacy and Space
You’ll need to have a safe, secure spot where you can talk candidly with no interruptions. If you live with other people, are there times in the week when you’re alone in your home? Can you find somewhere that you can speak without being overheard?
Internet Connection
Having access to wifi and a fast connection is imperative to prevent technical issues and dropoffs. Therapy can be a vulnerable experience to begin with, so ensuring your therapist doesn’t freeze or unexpectedly cut out during the session can help it feel more safe.
Cost
Just remember that online therapy in Toronto and Ontario will be roughly the same cost as in person therapy. So if you’re just seeking online therapy for economical reasons, it may not work out.
Your Specific Reason for Therapy
What exactly brings you to therapy and what are you hoping to achieve? While virtual therapy can be just as effective as in person therapy, it does depend on the issue you’re facing.
Online therapy is best suited for life issues, relationship issues, low level anxiety and depression, and issues that are not clinical in nature. If you’re facing a crisis situation or psychosis, online therapy may not be the right fit for you.
How Much Do Online Therapy Sessions Cost?
Fees for therapeutic services in Ontario range anywhere from $50 to $300 per session based on a variety of factors including educational background, experience, type of therapy, psychologist supervision, and office costs.
How Much Do Online Therapy Sessions Cost here at KMA:
Here at KMA, your initial intake session is 50-minutes and costs $190.
Your first session is an intake session to learn more about you and get you started on the perfect plan of action for you!
Here at KMA, your follow up sessions are 50-minutes and cost $245.
Your follow up sessions are designed to produce results based on the goals from your intake session. You'll meet weekly or bi-weekly with your therapist and we'll check in regularly to ensure optimal results.
Is Online Therapy/Counselling Covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, most therapy services in Ontario are not covered by OHIP. This includes most psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers.
The prices and services offered by private offices range widely. Read our articles How Much Does Therapy Cost? and What Are the Different Types of Therapists? to learn more about these services and costs.
Even though many therapy services are not covered under OHIP, there are options out there. Read our article “Is Therapy Covered by OHIP?” to learn about all of the options.
How Many Online Therapy Sessions Do I Need?
How many online therapy sessions you will need usually depends on the scope of your issues and the many factors unique to you. Generally speaking, most people will have a sense of when counselling has been successfully completed.
Most people find weekly sessions the most productive, and some may find bi-weekly or twice-a-week sessions are the right pace for them. Your online therapist will work with you to create a plan of action that’s right for you!
How Does Online Therapy at KMA work?
Online Therapy here at KMA Therapy begins with a 50-minute introductory session with one of our intake counsellors. In these fifty minutes, we will ask important questions to determine the severity of the problem and the treatment approach needed.
- Why are you seeking counselling at this time?
- What are you experiencing in your day-to-day life that could be improved?
- We learn about your upbringing, family, and past experiences.
- Create goals based on what your individual needs and desires are.
We’re also asking questions to get a better sense of your personality. Here at KMA, we believe it’s very important that we get to know you so that your counsellor is the ‘right fit’. The consultation is also a wonderful time to address any questions you may have.
Finally, we will provide you with a customised plan of action – this includes the recommended therapist who is best equipped to suit your needs, a recommended duration of therapy (if applicable), and a recommendation for any additional testing or psychological services we feel would be helpful.
Many of our counselling services are covered under health insurance plans, and this will fall under the category of “Psychologist Services”. Here at KMA Therapy, we are strongly dedicated and motivated to help you resolve your issues in a safe, professional and warm environment.
Can I see a therapist both online and in-person?
Definitely!
Whether you want exclusively online therapy with the option for in person services once in a blue moon, have a therapy-app in-person therapist combo, or visit a local healthcare professional and opt for occasional online sessions, all are possible and totally effective.
The most important thing is that you’re getting the help you need, period!
Here are KMA, we offer both in person and virtual therapy, so you have in-person access to sessions at our 5 locations across Toronto.
Get Started with Online Therapy in Toronto, Ontario, or Canada Today
Getting Help at KMA is as easy as completing our online registration form. Our care coordinator will reach out to you with more information about your introductory appointment.
We have five locations throughout Toronto, as well as online therapy options.
To learn more about online therapy, give us a call at 416-487-6288. We are open Monday through Sunday from 10am-9pm.
In the meantime, check out these helpful articles that help answer your questions about online therapy:
- Is Online Psychotherapy Effective?
- How to Find an Online Therapist in Toronto
- What are the Benefits of Online Therapy in Toronto
- In-Person Therapy vs Therapy App: Which is Right for Me?
Counselling is one of many other mental health therapies. We want to ensure that you receive the kind of care you need.
Let us help you get back the freedom you deserve.
