Last updated: October 24, 2026 · Reviewed by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
How do you choose a therapist? Start with what you want help with, then check that the person is registered with an Ontario regulatory college. After that, look for fit: how they work, whether they understand your language and culture, their availability, online or in-person sessions, and cost. A free consultation call is often the easiest way to tell whether someone feels right for you.
Key takeaways
- In Ontario, psychotherapy is a regulated, controlled act. It can be provided by members of six regulatory colleges, including Registered Psychotherapists, psychologists and registered social workers.
- You can check a therapist’s registration online in a few minutes. The rule also covers therapists outside Ontario who see Ontario clients by video.
- Research consistently links the strength of the client-therapist relationship with better outcomes, so feeling heard and respected matters.
- People who receive the kind of therapy they prefer are less likely to drop out early.
- Asking questions before you book is normal, and so is switching therapists if the fit is not right.
- Private therapy is not billed to OHIP. Check your extended health benefits and ask about receipts before you start.
Looking for a therapist can feel like a lot of work at the exact moment you have the least energy for it. Long lists of names, credentials and therapy types make it hard to know what matters. This guide covers how to choose a therapist in Ontario in six practical steps, the questions worth asking before you book, and the signs of a good fit.
Step 1: Start With What You Want Help With
You do not need a diagnosis or a perfectly worded reason to start therapy. A rough sense of what has been hard is enough to narrow your search. A few notes can help:
- What has been difficult lately, such as worry, low mood, stress, grief, conflict at home or a big life change.
- Who the support is for: you, you and a partner, your family or your teen.
- What you would like to feel or do differently a few months from now.
- Anything you already know you want, such as a therapist of a certain gender, someone who speaks your language, or someone who understands your culture or faith.
These notes make therapist profiles easier to read and make a first call less awkward. They can change as you go, and that is fine.
Step 2: Check That the Therapist Is Registered in Ontario
In Ontario, psychotherapy for serious concerns with mood, thinking, emotional regulation, perception or memory is a controlled act under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. That means it can be performed by members of six regulatory colleges (CRPO, n.d.-d):
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
- College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
The rule applies to practitioners in Ontario and also to those located outside Ontario who provide services to clients in Ontario, for example by video call (CRPO, n.d.-a). If you find an online therapist based in another province or country, it is fair to ask which Ontario college they are registered with.
Titles can be confusing. A word like “counsellor”, “coach” or “therapist” on its own does not tell you whether someone is regulated. The title “psychotherapist” is protected in Ontario and can be used by people registered with one of the colleges above (CRPO, n.d.-d).
How to check registration
Each college keeps a free public register you can search by name. For Registered Psychotherapists, CRPO’s public register shows whether someone is currently registered and in which category (CRPO, n.d.-b). Many therapists also list their registration number on their website or profile, which makes the search quicker.
What “Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)” means
CRPO has two main categories for practising therapists. A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) has completed a recognized psychotherapy education program, is registered with the College and practises with clinical supervision while completing the client and supervision hours needed to move into the full Registered Psychotherapist category (CRPO, n.d.-a). Both categories provide psychotherapy and follow the same professional practice standards.
Types of Mental Health Professionals in Ontario
Several professionals provide mental health care in Ontario, and their roles differ:
| Professional | Regulated by | What they do | Covered by OHIP? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or RP (Qualifying) | CRPO | Psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. Does not communicate a diagnosis or advise on medication. | Not in private practice; often included in extended health benefits |
| Psychologist | College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario | Assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy. Does not prescribe medication. | Not in private practice; publicly funded in some hospital programs |
| Registered Social Worker (RSW) | Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers | Psychotherapy and counselling, often alongside practical and social support. | Not in private practice; free in many hospital and community programs |
| Psychiatrist | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario | Medical doctor who can diagnose, prescribe medication and provide therapy. | Yes, usually with a referral |
Registered Psychotherapists cannot communicate a diagnosis or give advice about medication (CRPO, n.d.-c). If you need an assessment or are thinking about medication, your family doctor or nurse practitioner is a good first stop, and therapy can sit alongside that care.
Also read: Is Therapy Covered by OHIP? Paying for Psychotherapy in Ontario
Step 3: Look at How They Work
Therapists draw on different approaches. You do not have to choose one in advance, but a quick overview makes profiles easier to understand:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions, and practises new skills. It is often used for anxiety and low mood.
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps you notice, understand and work with emotions, in individual or couples therapy.
- Psychodynamic therapy explores how earlier experiences and relationships shape patterns in the present.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) works with different “parts” of you, such as a self-critical part and a part that tries to protect you.
- Somatic therapy brings in the body, breath and nervous system, not just thoughts and words.
- Person-centred therapy puts the relationship and your own pace at the centre of the work.
Many therapists combine approaches. What tends to matter is whether the way they work makes sense to you. In a meta-analysis of 53 studies with more than 16,000 clients, people who received the type of therapy they preferred were less likely to drop out and had somewhat better outcomes than people who did not (Swift et al., 2018).
So say what you prefer, whether that is structure and practice between sessions, room to talk without a set plan, or including the body. A good therapist will explain how they work and adjust where they can.
Step 4: Think About Language, Culture and Identity
For many people, feeling understood depends on more than training. You might want someone who speaks your first language, understands family expectations, knows what it is like to grow up between two cultures, or will not ask you to explain your faith from scratch.
Research suggests that many clients prefer a therapist of their own racial or ethnic background and tend to rate them more positively, while differences in outcomes are smaller on average (Cabral & Smith, 2011). Shared background can make it easier to open up, and good care can also come from a therapist of a different background who is curious, humble and respectful about your culture.
It is fair to ask directly: “How do you work with people from my background?” How a therapist answers, and whether they make space for your racial and cultural identity, tells you a lot.
Also read: Finding a South Asian Therapist Who Truly Gets You
Want to see whether a therapist feels like a fit before you commit? A free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure way to ask your questions first.
Step 5: Decide Between Online and In-Person Therapy
Therapy by video is now a common option in Ontario. A meta-analysis comparing videoconferenced and in-person mental health services found broadly similar results for many concerns (Batastini et al., 2021).
Online therapy may suit you if you live outside a large city, have a packed schedule or young children, have mobility or vision needs, or want a therapist who speaks your language and is not nearby. In-person sessions may suit you better if you have no private space at home or you feel more settled sitting in a room with someone.
If you choose online sessions, plan for privacy: a room where you will not be overheard, headphones, and a simple plan for what to do if someone walks in.
Step 6: Sort Out Cost and Coverage Early
Private psychotherapy in Ontario is not billed to OHIP. Most people pay privately or through extended health benefits from work, school or a private plan. Before you book, ask your benefits provider whether your plan covers a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), how much is covered per year, and whether you need a doctor’s referral to be reimbursed. Coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) varies from plan to plan. You can also ask a therapist about fees, receipts and whether a sliding scale may be available.
If cost is a barrier, free options exist, including the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program for adults, community health centres, workplace assistance programs and campus counselling. ConnexOntario can help you find local services any time: call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247.
Questions to Ask a Therapist Before You Book
Most therapists offer a short call before the first session. CRPO suggests asking practical questions about cost, scheduling, notes and confidentiality, along with questions about the therapist’s approach and how they will understand your perspective (CRPO, n.d.-d). Here are some to choose from:
- Which Ontario college are you registered with, and in what category?
- What kind of therapy do you offer, and what does a session with you look like?
- Have you worked with concerns like mine?
- How do you work with people from my culture, faith or background?
- Can we have sessions in my language, or mix languages?
- What are your fees, and will your receipts work with my benefits plan?
- When do you have openings, and what happens if I need to cancel?
- What are the limits of confidentiality?
- How will we know if therapy is helping, and what happens if it is not?
You do not need to ask all of these. Pick the two or three that matter most to you.
Signs a Therapist Is a Good Fit
The working relationship between you and your therapist, often called the therapeutic alliance, is one of the most studied parts of therapy. A large meta-analysis of nearly 300 studies found that a stronger alliance was consistently linked with better outcomes across different types of therapy (Flückiger et al., 2018).
CRPO describes what clients should see over time: a conversation about benefits, risks and expected outcomes so you can give informed consent, a goal or plan you agree on, sessions with a clear beginning and end, and clear professional boundaries (CRPO, n.d.-d).
| Often a good sign | Worth raising or reconsidering |
|---|---|
| You feel listened to, even when you share something hard | You often feel judged, rushed or talked over |
| They explain how they work and check that you agree | Goals and methods are never discussed |
| They are curious about your culture, faith and family | You keep having to defend or explain your background |
| They welcome feedback, including criticism | Feedback is met with defensiveness |
| Boundaries are clear and contact stays professional | Promises of a cure or quick fix, pressure to book, or contact that feels too personal |
When to switch therapists
It can take a few sessions to know whether a therapist feels right, and some discomfort is a normal part of talking about hard things. If something still feels off, try naming it in a session first. If that does not help, it is okay to look for someone else. CRPO notes that a Registered Psychotherapist will understand if you meet with different therapists to find the right fit (CRPO, n.d.-d).
If a therapist crosses a professional boundary or you feel unsafe, you can contact their regulatory college.
Choosing a Therapist for a Specific Need
For anxiety, panic or low mood
Look for someone who can describe a clear plan, such as skills for worry or panic, and who helps you understand what happens in your body when anxiety rises. More on anxiety and depression counselling.
For couples
Look for a therapist both partners feel comfortable with, who does not take sides and who asks about safety. If there is violence or fear at home, joint sessions may not be the right first step. More on couples therapy and marriage counselling.
For a teen
Ask how the therapist handles confidentiality with teens and parents. In Ontario, there is no set age of consent for therapy, so a young person’s capacity to consent is considered case by case. More on teen therapy and counselling.
Around pregnancy, birth or fertility
Look for someone familiar with perinatal concerns who can work alongside your doctor or midwife. More on postpartum, perinatal and fertility counselling.
How Therapy Can Support You
Hayat Embodied Therapy is a solo online practice led by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who practises with clinical supervision, as the College requires. Sessions draw on approaches such as CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic therapy, with an embodied, culturally responsive focus. Breathe, Feel, Heal.
Support is available through individual therapy for adults, teen therapy, couples therapy and culturally sensitive therapy for BIPOC individuals and families, online, by private video, across Ontario, including Oshawa, Durham Region and Toronto, in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.
Fees are shared during the free 15-minute consultation, and receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement. Coverage depends on your extended health benefits plan, and coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) varies, so check with your provider. The consultation is also a good time to ask any of the questions above. Answers to common questions are on the FAQ page.
When to Seek Support
You do not need to have found the perfect therapist before reaching out. It may help to talk to someone if:
- Stress, worry or low mood has lasted a few weeks and is affecting sleep, work, school or relationships.
- You keep ending up in the same conflicts with a partner or family members.
- Something happened that you cannot stop thinking about.
- You are relying on alcohol, substances or overwork to cope.
- You feel hopeless, or have thoughts of not wanting to be here.
If you are on a waitlist, your family doctor or ConnexOntario can help you find support in the meantime.
If you need help right now
This practice doesn’t provide crisis or emergency services. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time. In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Young people can reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right therapist?
Start with what you want help with, check that the therapist is registered with an Ontario regulatory college, then look at fit: their approach, language and cultural understanding, availability, format and cost. A short consultation call is often the easiest way to see whether you feel comfortable with them.
How do I find a therapist in Ontario?
You can search online directories, ask your family doctor, check your workplace assistance program or benefits provider, or contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for free help finding local services. Before booking, confirm the therapist’s registration on their college’s public register.
How do I know if a therapist is registered?
Search the therapist’s name on their regulatory college’s public register. For Registered Psychotherapists, that is the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). The listing shows whether they are currently registered and in which category.
What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist in Ontario?
Both can provide psychotherapy. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario and can assess and diagnose mental health conditions. Registered Psychotherapists are regulated by CRPO and do not communicate a diagnosis or advise on medication. Neither prescribes medication in Ontario.
Is it okay to switch therapists?
Yes. It can take a few sessions to know whether a therapist is a good fit. If something does not feel right, you can raise it with them first, and you are free to look for someone else. Registered Psychotherapists are expected to understand that clients may meet with different therapists to find the right fit.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist in Ontario?
Not for private psychotherapy. You can contact a Registered Psychotherapist, psychologist or social worker directly. Some benefits plans ask for a doctor’s referral before they reimburse sessions, so check your plan. Seeing a psychiatrist through OHIP usually needs a referral.
Choosing a Therapist Can Take a Little Time
There is no perfect therapist, and you do not have to get it right on the first try. Checking registration, asking a few questions and noticing how you feel in the first conversations is a solid way to choose.
Reaching out at all is a real step. You can take the next one at your own pace.
Start with a conversation
Online therapy in Ontario, by private video, in English, Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi. Book a free 15-minute consultation to ask your questions and see whether it feels like a fit.
Reviewed by Laiba Hayat, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA-HON, MACP
CRPO #19694 · Last reviewed: October 24, 2026
Laiba is the founder of Hayat Embodied Therapy in Oshawa, Ontario, offering online therapy in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi with an embodied, culturally responsive approach. She practises with ongoing clinical supervision, as the College requires. More about Laiba
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
References
- Batastini, A. B., Paprzycki, P., Jones, A. C. T., & MacLean, N. (2021). Are videoconferenced mental and behavioral health services just as good as in-person? A meta-analysis of a fast-growing practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 83, 101944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101944
- Cabral, R. R., & Smith, T. B. (2011). Racial/ethnic matching of clients and therapists in mental health services: A meta-analytic review of preferences, perceptions, and outcomes. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(4), 537-554. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025266
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.-a). Controlled act of psychotherapy. https://crpo.ca/apply-to-crpo/controlled-act-of-psychotherapy/
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.-b). Registered Psychotherapist status check. https://crpo.ca/resources/registered-psychotherapist-status-check/
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.-c). Standard 1.4: Controlled acts. https://www.crpo.ca/standard-1-4/
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.-d). What to know about psychotherapy. https://crpo.ca/resources/what-to-know-about-psychotherapy/
- Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 316-340. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000172
- Swift, J. K., Callahan, J. L., Cooper, M., & Parkin, S. R. (2018). The impact of accommodating client preference in psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(11), 1924-1937. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22680
