Therapy Covered by Student Insurance - Beyond YorkU Counselling Services
Searching for a therapist shouldn't add to your stress, on top of exams, financial pressure, homesickness, or relationship strain you might already be carrying. First Session helps York students find a licensed counsellor who fits their needs, whether that's anxiety, depression, academic burnout, or a major life transition, and who's covered by your student insurance.
The connection between you and your therapist is the most important factor for a positive therapy experience. Browse therapist profiles, watch short video introductions to get a feel for their style, and book a free consultation before committing to anything. Over 10,000 Canadians have found their therapist through First Session. You can be next.
Therapists
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Therapy is hard work.
Frequently asked therapy questions
All registered York University students are automatically enrolled in the YFS Health & Dental Plan (undergraduate) or the YUGSA Health Plan (graduate) unless they've opted out. You can check your Student Account Statement to confirm enrollment.
York students are covered for counselling and therapy up to $125 per visit, for up to 10 visits per benefit year. If you have questions about your coverage, you can raise them directly with a therapist. All First Session therapists offer a free initial consultation to gauge fit and answer questions like these.
York extended health insurance covers sessions with a Psychologist, Social Worker/Counsellor, Master of Social Work, or Psychotherapist.
Private therapy in Toronto typically costs $125–$200 per session. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can check your budget first. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates and mention your student status and coverage limit when reaching out. With your extended student insurance (YFS or YUGSA), many York students pay little to nothing out of pocket for a portion of their sessions.
Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) offers Single-Session Walk-in Counselling and Short-Term Counselling (6–8 sessions). Simply call (416) 736-5297 to connect. They also offer events and workshops to help students develop preventive habits to maintain their well-being.
Student-led clubs such as ActiveMinds at York, The Happiness Plan YU, and Wellness Lounge organize additional events centred around mental health and peer support.
Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) is free and limited to 6-8 sessions after an initial walk-in assessment. Private therapy involves out-of-pocket fees, which can be partially subsidized by your York student health plan. It's ongoing, open-ended, and customized to your long-term mental health goals. It also offers greater scheduling flexibility and access to a wider pool of therapists.
Yes. York students can access online therapy with their extended health insurance. For insurance purposes, it doesn't matter whether the session is online or in person as long as the provider is covered. Online therapy can make it easy to fit around your busy schedule.
Use First Session to find the best therapist for you.