Whether you’re a therapist setting your rates or a prospective client searching for a therapist, you my be wondering how much does therapy cost in Canada? This information can be helpful in determining your next steps.
In Canada, there’s no regulation requiring therapists to charge a specific amount per session, which means each therapist has the autonomy to choose their own rate. In saying this, the average cost of therapy may vary by city and province. Similarly, depending on the therapists’ credentials costs also vary.
This article answers the question how much does therapy cost in Canada, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect or charge.
Cost of Therapy in Edmonton, Alberta
First of all, the overall average cost for therapy in Edmonton is approximately $194.55 per hour. However, depending on the therapist’s credentials cost can vary. Social workers, for instance, charge on average $197.06 per hour. On the other hand, counsellors charge on average $168.48 per hour; while psychologists charge an average of $218.03 per hour.
However, as therapists set their own rates, there is wide range for how much therapy costs in Edmonton.
How much does therapy cost in Edmonton, Alberta?:
- Social workers tend to charge between $145 to $220 per hour.
- Counsellors tend to charge between $60 to $235 per hour.
- Psychologists tend to charge between $140 to $240 per hour.
Cost of Therapy in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary’s therapy costs closely mirror those of Edmonton, with the overall average cost for therapy in Calgary approximately $194.10 per hour. However, again, depending on the therapist’s credentials cost varies. Social workers charge on average $194.56 per hour. Counsellors charge on average $167.58 per hour, and psychologists charge an average of $220.15 per hour.
How much does therapy cost in Calgary, Alberta?
- Social workers charge between $140 to $240 per hour.
- Counsellors charge between $100 to $220 per hour.
- Psychologists charge between $150 to $300 per hour.
Cost of Therapy in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto presents a slightly different picture, with the overall average cost for therapy in Toronto approximately $189.70 per hour. With social workers charging on average $161.91 per session; Registered Psychotherapists charging on average $157.89 per session; and psychologists charging an average of $250.61 per hour.
How much does therapy cost in Toronto, Ontario?
- Social workers charge between $100 to $250 per hour.
- Registered Psychotherapists charge between $130 to $225 per hour.
- Psychologists charge between $180 to $320 per hour.
Cost of Therapy in Ottawa, Ontario
The average cost for therapy in Ottawa is approximately $187.89 per hour with social workers charging on average $172.06 per hour; Registered Psychotherapists charging on average $170.27 per hour; and psychologists charging an average of $224.85 per hour.
How much does therapy cost in Ottawa, Ontario?
- Social workers charge between $120 to $210 per hour.
- Registered Psychotherapists charge between $90 to $200 per hour.
- Psychologists charge between $170 to $295 per hour.
Cost of Therapy in Vancouver, BC?
Finally, the average cost for therapy in Vancouver is approximately $187.34 per hour with social workers charging on average $157.94 per hour; counsellors charging on average $163.91 per hour; and psychologists charging an average of $241.06 per hour.
How much does therapy cost in Vancouver, BC?
- Social workers charge between $125 to $225 per hour.
- Counsellors charge between $100 to $250 per hour.
- Psychologists charge between $140 to $300 per hour.
How Much Does Therapy Cost In Canada?
Based on the above data, the average therapy session in Canada costs $190.72 per hour, However, depending on the therapists credentials, the cost for therapy can range between $60 to $300 per hour.
Conclusion
Based on the data, it’s evident that cities in larger cities in Alberta, Ontario & British Columbia have similar average therapy costs. But slightly differ across professions from province-to-province. Psychologists generally charge more than social workers, who in turn tend to charge more than counsellors. However, based on this data, in Ontario, social workers and Registered Psychotherapists charge around the same rate per session.
Although it’s impossible to determine why variation exists, as therapists set their own. However, how much therapy costs in Canada depends on many factors that can influence a therapists rate. These may include but not limited to: level of education, specialization, or years of experience; professional regulation vs. non-regulation; cost of living; and/or practice expenses such as overhead for office space and staff.
Disclaimer
The data presented in this article was gathered from public business listings on therapist directories and was compiled and used under the fair use provision of the Copyright Act. These figures are derived from a random sample of 100 public price listings, including 34 social workers, 33 psychologists, and 33 counsellors or registered psychotherapists per city. This data may not represent the entire therapy sector in each city due to being a small sample.
Also, these samples do not differentiate between RSW and RCSW credentials in Alberta or British Columbia; or the educational level for each therapy profession. In addition, these rates only reflect the costs of individual sessions, and therapists who provide couple or family therapy usually charge more per session compared to one-to-one therapy sessions.
Please be advised that this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional advice.