Therapists for Conestoga Students

Private therapy sessions in Kitchener typically run $130–$200, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The CSI plan covers 70%, up to $300 a year, with a doctor's referral. For example, on a $165 session, the plan reimburses about $116, so you'd pay about $50 out of pocket, and the maximum covers about two sessions.

First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. If cost is a concern, you can filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates, or for student or intern therapists offering low-cost therapy.

Yes. Conestoga student health insurance, called the CSI health & dental plan, covers 70% of the cost of a session with a psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist, or clinical counsellor, up to $300 per policy year. The social worker must be a Registered Social Worker (RSW) or hold a Master of Social Work degree. A medical doctor must refer you for your insurance to cover these sessions. You can connect with one for free at the Medical Clinic on campus and ask for a referral.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing, so you’ll pay by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt from your therapist. After your appointment, you can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. You’ll typically need the therapist’s name and credentials, the session date and cost, and your plan or member number. Your insurer will then review the claim, and you'll typically be reimbursed within 2-5 days for the eligible portion based on your coverage. 

Conestoga College offers free counselling and many other resources to support student mental health and well-being. Students can connect with health professionals at the Medical Clinic or counsellors at Counselling Services, talk with a Peer Wellness Navigator (PWN), visit the Breathing Space to recharge and relax, drop by virtual peer support groups, and attend educational events covering stress management, sleep, movement, nutrition, sexual health, substance misuse, and mental health literacy.

Counselling at a campus clinic is usually free for registered students. Trained, licensed mental health professionals offer it, and it can be a great starting point. Because demand is high, support is usually short-term, often comes with longer wait times, and has reduced hours during school breaks. If you need ongoing care or have more complex needs, they will usually refer you off campus.

Private therapy gives you the flexibility to work long-term with a therapist you choose yourself based on their exact specialty (such as ADHD and neurodivergence, complex trauma, or eating disorders), modality (like EMDR, DBT, or somatic work), or shared lived experience and identity. While it costs money, student health plans often reimburse eligible fees, and many therapists offer sliding-scale rates. A major benefit is faster, direct access. First Session lets you view therapist profiles, watch introductory videos, and book without a lengthy intake process or waitlists.

Nope! Therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent. Some do so only in certain circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Your therapist can explain the specific limits of confidentiality in your first session. If you choose private therapy, one thing to keep in mind is your health insurance. If you use a plan where someone else is the policyholder, such as a parent's insurance plan, the policyholder may receive information about claims. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

Register with Accessible Learning through Conestoga's Student Success Services. For a mental health condition, you can submit an OSAP Disability Verification Form, Conestoga's Health Certificate Form, or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that references the condition. You'll then meet with an Accessibility Advisor to set up your accommodations. If your condition is still developing or you're waiting on documentation from your health care provider, reach out anyway: Conestoga's policy allows reasonable accommodations in the meantime.

Email your professor right away to let them know you experienced a mental health crisis, and check your course outline for its policy on missed evaluations. Whether you get an extension or make-up assessment is usually at their discretion. If the crisis is related to an ongoing condition, contact Accessible Learning: under Conestoga's Student Accommodation Procedure, students can request retroactive accommodation by submitting documentation from a regulated health care professional.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with Conestoga College. We created this page specifically to support Conestoga students and have researched all the information here. However, if you're unsure, we encourage you to double-check details with your school. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.