Finding a therapist in Quebec
Quebec reserves the title of psychotherapist. According to the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), anyone who is neither a physician nor a psychologist needs a psychotherapist permit issued by the OPQ.
Public health and social services establishments in Quebec offer mental health care free of charge, according to the Government of Quebec. Private therapy is the route when you want to choose the therapist, the language and the schedule yourself.
Language and tone are hard to judge from text. First Session profiles include a short intro video, so you can hear how a therapist speaks before you book. Profiles also show the designation, so you can match it to your insurance plan.
What to know about therapy in Quebec
Online and in-person
Therapists can offer sessions in person, online or both, and the listings above show who offers which format. The second listing shows therapists based outside Quebec who are insured to provide online care to Quebec clients.
According to timeanddate.com, most of Quebec is on Eastern time. The Îles de la Madeleine use Atlantic time, and Blanc-Sablon and nearby areas stay on UTC-4 all year.
Credentials in Quebec
The OPQ issues the psychotherapist permit. Members of five orders can apply: guidance counsellors, occupational therapists, nurses, psychoeducators, and social workers and marriage and family therapists.
Social workers and family therapists belong to the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). Psychologists belong to the OPQ itself.
Cost and insurance
The OPQ says psychologists in private practice set their own rates. It gives a guideline of $120 to $180 for a 50-minute session.
The OPQ also says most group insurance plans offer at least partial reimbursement of these fees. First Session profiles list fees, and receipts are provided for reimbursement.
English and French
Quebec recognizes the right of English speakers to receive public health and social services in English, within each institution's access program, according to the Government of Quebec.
In private therapy you can pick the language directly. Use the language filter and read each bio for the languages used in session.
How to choose a therapist in Quebec
1Match the designation to your plan
Plans name the designations they reimburse, such as psychologist or social worker. Read the designation on each profile and compare it with your benefits booklet before you book.
2Choose the session language
Decide whether you want sessions in French, English or another language. Filter by language, then confirm in the bio or the consultation which language the therapist uses for therapy.
3Hear the therapist first
Open two or three intro videos and notice pace, tone and warmth. Shortlist the people you could imagine talking to, then read their bios for training and approach.
4Ask about your concern in the consultation
Use the free 15-minute consultation to ask about experience with your concern. Also confirm the session time zone if the therapist is outside Quebec.
Looking for something more specific?
Filter by specialty in Quebec
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Helpful reading
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