Therapists for Seneca Polytechnic Students

Private therapy sessions in Toronto typically run $125–$200, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The SSF Balanced plan covers psychologists and social workers at 80%, up to $300 a year. For example, on a $160 session, the plan reimburses $128, so you'd pay $32 out of pocket, and the $300 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, for psychologists and social workers. The Seneca Student Federation's SSF plan covers clinical psychologists and social workers (RSW or MSW), who share one annual maximum:

• Balanced plan (automatic enrolment) and Enhanced Drug plan: 80% per visit, up to $300 a year
• Enhanced Dental plan: $20 per visit, up to $300 a year
• Enhanced Extended Health plan: psychologists only, 90% per visit, up to $400 a year

Psychologist visits need a physician's recommendation. Registered Psychotherapists aren't listed on the plan. Every therapist on this page is a psychologist or registered social worker. Plans change each year, so confirm your coverage with Alumo before booking.

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. 

Seneca offers free counselling and other mental health resources for all registered domestic and international students. Counselling Services uses a stepped-care approach to match students with the right level of support based on their needs, including 1:1 counselling, support groups, and peer support. Student Wellbeing Specialists provide advocacy, case management, and crisis support and help students navigate campus and community resources. They are available Monday through Friday (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) virtually or in person at campus offices, and can be booked through the Student Portal. Lastly, Seneca offers self-directed tools on topics like stress, identity and self-exploration, coping with transitions, relationships, substance use, and more.

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. That said, it is usually short-term, often has longer wait times, and offers 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.

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 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.

You can register for accommodations through the Accessible Learning Services (ALS). You'll need supporting documentation from a regulated health care professional, such as a Functional Assessment Form (FAF). Then, you'll meet with an Accessibility Counsellor, in person or virtually, to review your documentation, discuss your functional limitations, and create a personalized accommodation plan. Once approved, you can use the ALS Student Portal to send your accommodation letters to your professors.

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. They may ask for supporting documentation, like a doctor's note. You will receive a temporary DEF grade if you have been granted deferred examination privilege (DEF) on compassionate grounds. If you have ongoing mental health struggles, consider registering with Seneca Accessible Learning Services (ALS) so you have formal accommodations in place for future assessments.

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