How Blue Cross covers therapy in Ontario
Ontario Blue Cross sells individual health plans. Its Complete Health brochure (September 2025) lists one benefit line for psychologists, social workers, clinical counsellors and psychotherapists.
The Entry, Essential and Enhanced levels list $55, $80 and $95 per visit, with maximums of $250, $400 and $500 per calendar year. Coverage levels of 60%, 70% and 80% appear in the same section.
This page lists Ontario therapists by designation so you can match a profile to the wording in your plan.
A session priced above your per-visit amount leaves you covering the difference. First Session profiles show fees and the exact designation, so you can check both before booking.
What to know about Blue Cross therapy in Ontario
Online and in-person
The brochure also lists online therapy counselling under its inConfidence program: 5 hours of individual and 5 hours of couple counselling per year. It does not say which plan levels include it.
First Session's guide to Blue Cross says online therapy is generally covered when the provider meets the policy's credential requirements.
Credentials in Ontario
According to the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registered Psychotherapist is a protected title. The controlled act of psychotherapy came into force on December 30, 2017. RP (Qualifying) holders practise with clinical supervision while they finish the requirements.
Social workers registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers may also use the title psychotherapist without joining CRPO. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario reserves Psychologist and Psychological Associate for its members.
Cost and insurance
A Toronto-area psychotherapy referral service reports an average of $150 to $300 per 45-minute session. Therapists set their own fees, and session lengths differ, so compare session length as well as rate.
The Guaranteed Acceptance Plan has no medical underwriting. Its flyer lists 70% up to $300 per calendar year for the same provider types.
Free public option in Ontario
Ontario Health describes the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program as free, publicly funded cognitive-behavioural therapy for adults 18 and older with depression or anxiety-related symptoms. You can self-refer through your regional network.
How to choose a Blue Cross therapist in Ontario
1Match the designation to your plan
Read your benefits booklet for the list of covered providers, then compare it with the designation on each profile, such as RP, RSW or psychologist. The brochure does not separate RP from RP (Qualifying), so ask Blue Cross about the second one.
2Compare the fee with your per-visit amount
At the Essential level, five visits at $80 reach the $400 yearly maximum. Divide your own yearly maximum by the session fee to see how many sessions it funds.
3Watch the intro video
A bio lists training. A video lets you hear how someone talks about your concern. First Session profiles include a short intro video, so you can judge the tone before you book.
4Decide how to claim
Ontario Blue Cross lists direct billing at participating providers and claims through its mobile app. First Session does not offer direct billing, so you pay the therapist and claim reimbursement yourself with your receipt.
5Use the free consultation
Book the free 15-minute consultation from the profile. Ask about the therapist's experience with your concern and what the receipt shows for your claim.
Looking for something more specific?
Filter by specialty in Ontario
Anxiety therapists in Ontario
Depression therapists in Ontario
CBT therapists in Ontario
Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario
Social workers in Ontario
Other insurers in Ontario
Manulife therapists in Ontario
Sun Life therapists in Ontario
Canada Life therapists in Ontario
Greenshield therapists in Ontario
Blue Cross in other places
Blue Cross therapists in Richmond Hill
Blue Cross therapists in Alberta
Nearby cities
Therapists in Toronto
Therapists in Ottawa
Therapists in Hamilton
Therapists in London
Therapists in Mississauga
Helpful reading
Does Blue Cross insurance cover therapy?
How to find a therapist covered by insurance in Canada
Online vs. in-person therapy
How we vet our therapists and counsellors
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