Find a Therapist in Hamilton

Therapy in Hamilton typically ranges from $130 to $250 per session, depending on the therapist’s credentials, experience, and availability. Some therapists offer sliding scale pricing, which adjusts fees based on income or financial situation, making therapy more accessible if cost is a concern.

MSP does not cover the cost of private practice therapy. However, many people have full or partial coverage through employee benefits, private insurance, or student health plans. To confirm your eligibility, review your benefits booklet or contact your insurance provider. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your insurance coverage.

No referral is required to see a private practice therapist in Hamilton. You can connect directly with a psychologist, counsellor, psychotherapist, or social worker through First Session.

If you want to see a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and diagnose psychiatric conditions but usually does not provide ongoing talk therapy), you will need a referral from your family doctor. Psychiatrist visits are covered by OHIP.

Yes. Many Hamilton therapists provide secure online therapy to clients across Ontario, including Burlington, Niagara, Guelph, and smaller towns across the province.

Therapists in Hamilton offer a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, couples counselling, and trauma-focused therapies. The right approach depends on your needs and goals, which you can discuss during your free initial consultation.

Psychologists: Allowed to perform psychological assessments, make formal diagnoses, and provide psychotherapy. Must register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO); typically hold doctoral (Ph.D., Psy.D.) or master’s (for psychological associates) degrees in psychology, plus extensive clinical training and supervision.

Registered Psychotherapists (RPs): Allowed to provide psychotherapy. Regulated by the Training generally includes a relevant master’s degree in psychotherapy, psychology, counselling, or similar fields, plus supervised clinical hours. The term “psychotherapist” is a protected title in Ontario, which means you must be registered with CRPO to use it.

Registered Social Workers (RSWs): Provide psychotherapy, assessments, and case planning. Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in social work and registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Counsellors: The term “counsellor” is not regulated or legally protected in Ontario. That means anyone, regardless of training, can use that label without oversight. If you're considering someone who calls themselves a counsellor, carefully verify their training and membership in any professional body.

A professional certified as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)—sometimes RP (Qualifying) or RP(Q)—holds a license issued by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is in the process of completing an intensive psychotherapy training program. They are registered with the CRPO and accountable to its professional standards and Code of Ethics, and must pass a licensing exam. Finally, they must practice under clinical supervision while completing at least 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision.

For more on Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), see What does "Qualifying" mean for a Registered Psychotherapist? 

In hamilton, MSW designates a level of education, whereas RSW designates registration with a regulating body.

MSW stands for a Master’s of Social Work, a graduate-level degree earned after completing a Bachelor’s. A professional holding an MSW may not necessarily practice clinical therapy, but many do.

On the other hand, RSW stands for Registered Social Worker. An RSW in Hamilton is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). They have met the OCSWSSW’s education and training requirements, follow its code of ethics and professional standards, and participate in continuing education. They are accountable to the OCSWSSW as a regulating body.

Your health insurance plan may specify that you are covered for treatment by an MSW, but typically this professional must also be registered as an RSW.

For more on MSW vs. RSW, see What does MSW RSW mean in Canada? 

Think about what you’d like to work on — like anxiety, depression, or trauma recovery— and look for a therapist who specializes in that area. Practical factors such as cost, availability, and whether you want in-person or online sessions also matter.

On First Session, you can watch short introductory videos to get a sense of each therapist’s style, then book a free consultation to see if it feels like the right fit. Research shows that the client-therapist relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy.

We've also put together a thorough guide to help you find the right therapist, determine what the different designations mean, and what you should be looking for when assessing fit.

Absolutely. We recognize that age, cultural background, sexuality, and gender identity all shape how people experience therapy. To support every client, First Session works with a diverse and inclusive roster of therapists. You can use filters to find providers by identity, lived experience, or language to ensure a better fit. If you have any feedback about improving this process, we’d love to hear from you.