What is a Registered Social Worker?
A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario is a social worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the regulatory college responsible for the profession.
Social work is a broad profession. Depending on their training and practice, RSWs may provide counselling and psychotherapy, assessment, advocacy, case management, and support for individual, family, and community concerns.
Some RSWs are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy in Ontario. These social workers may use "psychotherapist" as a descriptor, but "Registered Psychotherapist" (RP) is a protected title reserved for members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
When comparing therapists on First Session, you can see each provider's specific designation and profile before booking.
What to know about RSWs in Markham
Online and in-person options
You don't necessarily need to find an RSW whose office is physically in Markham. Ontario-registered social workers may provide services online to clients in Ontario, subject to the requirements that apply to their practice.
For Markham residents, this means you may be able to choose between an in-person therapist nearby and an Ontario-registered RSW who provides virtual sessions from another location.
For insurance purposes, coverage generally depends on your plan's eligible provider designations and other requirements, rather than whether your session takes place online or in person. Check your specific benefits plan before booking.
What can an RSW help with?
RSWs work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, grief, life transitions, family concerns, and other mental health or social challenges. Some also focus on specific populations and lived experiences, such as immigrants and newcomers, LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent people, people living with chronic illness or disability, or members of particular cultural or religious communities.
Cost and insurance
Private therapy fees vary between RSWs. In Ontario, you may commonly see RSW session fees in the $130–$200 range. Many extended health plans cover social worker services, but details vary. Your plan may specify an annual maximum, reimbursement percentage, eligible provider types, or other limits. Before booking, check whether Registered Social Worker (RSW) is an eligible designation under your plan and whether you need to meet any other requirements for reimbursement.
Finding an RSW who speaks your language
Language can be an important part of finding a therapist you feel comfortable with. Markham is a multilingual community, and you may prefer to work with someone who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, or another language you use regularly.
First Session lets you filter therapists by language, making it easier to find an RSW who can provide therapy in your preferred language.
How to choose a Registered Social Worker in Markham
1Match their specialty to what you're looking for
RSWs can work with many different concerns, and their areas of focus can vary considerably. Look for someone whose experience matches what you want help with, whether that's anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, grief, family concerns, stress, or another issue.
2Consider their therapeutic approach
Two RSWs working with the same concern may use very different approaches. Review each therapist's profile to see whether they work with approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or other modalities that may fit your needs.
3Check your insurance coverage
Before committing to regular sessions, confirm that your extended health plan covers RSW services and check your annual maximum, reimbursement percentage, and any per-session limits. Then compare those details with the therapist's listed fee so you know what you may have to pay out of pocket.
4Watch the therapist's intro video
A profile can tell you about someone's credentials and specialties, but it can't fully convey what it feels like to talk with them. First Session profiles include a short introductory video, giving you a chance to get a sense of the therapist's communication style before booking a consultation.
5Use the free consultation to assess the fit
During First Session's free 15-minute consultation, you can ask about the therapist's approach, experience with your concerns, and what you can expect from sessions.
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