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We've put together a brief guide to help you find the right therapist, determine what the different designations mean, and what you should be looking for when assessing fit. Find the guide here.
The therapists listed on First Session charge between $80-250 per therapy session. Each therapist's price, or range of prices is listed on their profile page. Currently, all billing is handled with the therapists directly.
Yes, we agree—it's far too complicated! We've written a brief guide to help understand it here.
Many employer/group benefits and extended insurance plans do cover these professionals. Your coverage will generally depend on the designation or license of each professional (ex. Registered Social Worker, Registered Clinical Counsellor). Please check each therapist's profile page, under Insurance Coverage, to see what designations/coverage they fall under. If you're unsure about coverage, you should ask your benefits provider whether they cover that specific designation of therapist.
No. Anyone can book with a therapist directly. However, you do typically need a doctor's referral to see a psychiatrist (who can diagnose and prescribe medication).
No. Your therapist will provide payment details and for online therapy, they'll use their own platform that you'll get access to.
On each of the therapists' profile pages, you may notice "Sliding Scale" listed near their rates. When a therapist offers a sliding scale, they typically reserve a limited number of discounted spots within their client roster, for those without benefits, or with financial constraints. If you're interested in obtaining a discounted rate with a therapist who offers sliding scale, you should ask them directly about availability.
When you use the online booking tool, you are reserving a spot directly in the calendar of your therapist. After you make your booking, your therapist will reach out directly providing any additional information you need to start therapy.
When you contact a therapist via First Session, your form submission is submitted directly to the therapist. You can read more about First Session's commitment to confidentially in our Privacy Policy.
If your therapist is full and has a waitlist, you cannot book with them directly, but you can contact them to inquire about their waitlist. Therapist waitlist times can vary from several weeks to a few months.
Currently OHIP and MSP does not cover the services of the therapists listed on First Session.
First Session is growing in Ontario and British Columbia, and will be adding practitioners in Alberta next.
You can apply here.
We are constantly looking to improve this platform, and really appreciate any feedback you're willing to share with us. You can get in touch by filling out this form.
