Therapists for George Brown Polytechnic Students

Private therapy in Toronto typically costs $125–$200 per session, with Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) at the lower end and psychologists at the higher end. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront so you can consider your budget first. If cost is a concern, you can filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates, student or intern therapists who offer low-cost therapy, or use your student insurance to offset some of the costs.

It depends on your plan. Domestic students on the balanced, enhanced drug, or enhanced dental plans are covered for 80% of the cost of therapy up to $1,000 per policy year, while the enhanced health plan covers 90% up to $1,000 per policy year when you see a registered social worker (RSW) or master of social work (MSW) practitioner. International students are not covered for therapy or counselling under their plan.

You'll pay for your session first by debit or credit card. After your session, you will receive an itemized receipt with the therapist’s name and credentials, the session date, and the cost. You can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. 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. 

George Brown Counselling & Student Well-Being Services offers short-term individual counselling, wellness skill-building groups, and one-on-one peer mentorship. The Community Care Centre (CCC) also provides equity-focused peer support and well-being programming.

George Brown Counselling & Student Well-Being Services is free for registered students. Trained, licensed mental health professionals offer one-on-one counselling, and it can be a great starting point. That said, it is usually short-term, often has longer wait times and reduced hours during school breaks. If you need ongoing care or have more complex needs, they may 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.

Yes, George Brown students can access online therapy. Many Toronto therapists offer online sessions, with added evening and weekend availability, making it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

Nope! Therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent. They may do so only in certain circumstances, such as a serious, immediate safety concern or when the law requires disclosure. 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.

Start by completing the Accessible Learning Services Registration Form, then gather documentation from a licensed health professional describing how your condition affects your daily life and studies. For a mental health condition, you'll need the George Brown Polytechnic Medical Verification Report (a report from another post-secondary school also works) or a completed OSAP Disability Verification Form. For a learning disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or mild intellectual disability (MID), you’ll instead submit your most recent psychoeducational assessment, your latest Individual Education Plan (IEP), or both. Then, log into the Accommodate Portal with your student ID and request an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant, who will work with you to build an individualized plan that might include extra time on tests, note-taking support, or assistive technology.

If you don’t have a diagnosis or paperwork yet, that’s okay. You can talk with a therapist about what you’re going through, and they can guide you on next steps.

Check your syllabus for the policy on missed assessments, then email your instructor right away to let them know you experienced a mental health crisis and discuss your options for a deferred exam, an alternate evaluation, or an extended deadline. They may ask for supporting documentation, like a doctor's note. If you have an ongoing mental health condition or suspect you need recurring support, you can register with George Brown Accessible Learning Services. If you want help appealing a grade, you can also connect with the Academic Support office in the Student Association or your academic department.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with George Brown Polytechnic. We created this page specifically to support George Brown 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.