What Mental Health Services Does OHIP Cover in Ontario?
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers mental health care that is provided by a medical doctor or within the public health system. This includes visits to your family doctor for mental health concerns, appointments with a psychiatrist (with a referral), care during a hospital stay, emergency psychiatric assessments, and some publicly funded programs such as Ontario Structured Psychotherapy.
OHIP does not cover private psychologists, registered psychotherapists, or registered social workers who work outside the public system. These private services are usually paid out of pocket or through workplace or extended health insurance. Knowing what is covered and what is not can help you plan the right path to mental health support in Ontario.
Mental Health Care Covered by OHIP: Doctors, Hospitals, and Public Programs
The simple rule is that if a medical doctor is involved, the visit is usually covered. Here is what that looks like in practice.
Family doctor visits for mental health
Your family doctor is often the first stop. OHIP covers visits where you talk about stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep, or other mental health concerns. Your doctor can assess you, suggest next steps, prescribe medication if needed, and refer you to a specialist.
Psychiatrist appointments
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health care. OHIP covers psychiatrist visits, but you usually need a referral from your family doctor or another physician. Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions, manage medication, and provide some therapy.
Hospital-based mental health care
If you are admitted to a hospital for a mental health reason, OHIP covers the cost of that care. This includes inpatient treatment, assessments, and care from the hospital mental health team.
Emergency psychiatric care
If you go to a hospital emergency room during a mental health crisis, OHIP covers the emergency assessment and care you receive there.
Publicly funded therapy programs
Ontario has some free, publicly funded programs. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy offers short-term, evidence-based therapy for anxiety and depression at no cost. Community health centres and some non-profit agencies also offer free or low-cost counselling.
Private Mental Health Care Outside OHIP
This is where many people are surprised. A large part of everyday therapy in Ontario is not covered by OHIP because it is given by professionals who work outside the public hospital system.
The following are usually not covered by OHIP:
Private psychologists, who may charge around $180 to $300 per session.
Registered psychotherapists, who usually charge around $100 to $200 per session.
Registered social workers offering private counselling.
Many wellness services, such as naturopathy and private group programs.
These services are usually paid for out of pocket or through private insurance. For example, if you are looking at options like one-on-one psychotherapy with a registered professional, this is normally a private service rather than an OHIP-covered one.
Why Is So Much Therapy Not Covered by OHIP?
OHIP was built mainly around medical care from doctors and hospitals. Psychiatry fits this model, so it is covered. But most day-to-day talk therapy in Ontario is given by psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers who are not physicians.
Because these professionals are not part of the public hospital system, their services fall outside OHIP. This is why a person can see a psychiatrist for free with a referral but pay full price to see a private psychotherapist.
This gap is one reason wait times for publicly funded mental health care can be long. Many people choose private care to be seen sooner or to get a specific type of support, such as couples and family counselling that is not always easy to access through the public system.
How Can You Pay for Therapy That OHIP Does Not Cover?
If the care you need is not covered by OHIP, there are still several ways to manage the cost.
Workplace and extended health insurance
Many workplace benefit plans include mental health coverage. These plans often cover a set amount each year for a psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker. Check your plan booklet to see what is included and how much.
Workplace injury coverage (WSIB)
If your mental health condition is linked to a workplace injury or event, you may qualify for coverage through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Our page on WSIB-covered psychotherapy explains how this works and who may be eligible.
Sliding scale and student rates
Some clinics offer lower fees based on income or sessions with supervised students in training. This can make therapy more affordable while still giving you professional support.
Free and low-cost public programs
As mentioned earlier, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy and community health centres offer free or low-cost options. These can be a good starting point, though wait times vary.
Does OHIP Cover Specialized Treatments Like rTMS?
Some treatments for depression, including brain stimulation therapies, have specific coverage rules. rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is one example. Ontario now has a publicly funded rTMS program for adults with depression that has not improved with other treatments. It is offered at selected hospital and community sites, usually by referral from your doctor. Outside this program, rTMS is generally paid for privately.
Coverage depends on where the treatment is given and whether you meet the medical criteria. Private clinics may offer rTMS with shorter wait times, but treatment is generally paid for privately. If you want to understand this option better, our guide on how rTMS helps treatment-resistant depression explains how it works. We offer rTMS therapy at our London, Ontario location, and our team can walk you through the details during a consultation.
Does OHIP Cover Group Therapy and Wellness Services?
OHIP mental health coverage can include some group therapy, but only when it is run through a hospital or a publicly funded program. For example, group sessions that are part of a hospital outpatient program are usually covered.
Private group programs, peer support circles, and wellness-based services are a different story. These are normally paid privately. If you are interested in connecting with others who understand what you are going through, private mental health support groups can be a helpful addition to individual care, even though they fall outside OHIP.
Wellness services such as naturopathy, breathwork, and similar supportive care are also not part of OHIP mental health coverage. Some people use workplace benefits to help with these costs, while others pay directly. It is always worth checking your insurance plan first.
OHIP Coverage vs Private Care: What Is the Difference?
The main difference comes down to who provides the care and how quickly you can be seen. OHIP mental health coverage works well for medical care and crisis support, but it can involve wait times, especially for specialists.
Private care, on the other hand, usually means shorter waits and more choice of provider and service type. The trade-off is cost, since you pay out of pocket or through insurance. Many people in Ontario use a mix of both, such as seeing their family doctor through OHIP while also working with a private therapist.
There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on your needs, your budget, and how soon you want to begin. Understanding both options puts you in a stronger position to decide.
How Do You Start Getting Mental Health Support in Ontario?
The right first step depends on your situation, your budget, and how quickly you need support. Here is a simple way to think about it.
For a medical assessment or medication, start with your family doctor. The visit is covered by OHIP.
For free short-term therapy, look into Ontario Structured Psychotherapy or a community health centre.
For faster or specialized private care, consider a registered psychotherapist, often paid through insurance.
In a crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, open 24/7) or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you are not sure whether you are ready to seek help, our post on signs it may be time to see a therapist can help you decide. And if you are weighing private options, learning how to find the right therapist is a useful next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OHIP cover a psychologist in Ontario?
No. OHIP does not cover private psychologists. Their services are usually paid out of pocket or through workplace or extended health insurance. Private psychologist sessions often cost between $180 and $300.
Does OHIP cover a registered psychotherapist?
No. Registered psychotherapists working in private practice are not covered by OHIP. Sessions usually cost between $100 and $200 and are often claimed through private insurance.How do I talk to my teen about mental health?
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Ontario?
Yes, in most cases. You usually need a referral from your family doctor or another physician to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist visit itself is covered by OHIP.
Is therapy free anywhere in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, community health centres, and some non-profit agencies offer free or low-cost therapy. Wait times vary, so it helps to apply early.
Does private insurance cover therapy that OHIP doesn't?
Often, yes. Many workplace and extended health plans cover a set amount each year for psychologists, psychotherapists, or social workers. Check your plan details to see what is included.
Understanding Your Mental Health Coverage Options in Ontario
OHIP covers important parts of mental health care, especially care from doctors and hospitals. But a large share of everyday therapy in Ontario sits outside OHIP and is paid privately or through insurance.
Knowing the difference helps you plan. Whether you start with your family doctor, a free public program, or a private registered professional, there is a path to support for most situations and budgets. The most important step is reaching out when you need help.
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