Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task – there are so many to choose from and it can seem like a challenge to figure out which one is the right fit for you. 

Whether you’re seeking therapy for relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ concerns, trauma, or life transitions, we have therapists at Roots in Wellness who provide specialized care.

There are a few steps that we recommend when looking for a therapist:

1. What are your goals for therapy? What are the things you’re struggling with, and what are you hoping to achieve in therapy? Choose someone whose specialties align with your main concerns
2. Are there demographics that you align with? Are you more comfortable with a therapist of a specific gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or other demographic? Sometimes choosing someone similar to us can help us feel more comfortable.
3. Would you prefer in-person or virtual? This can be important for some people. If your preference is in-person, you can choose somewhere that’s convenient for you.
4. Do you have a budget? Therapy can be a big investment in yourself, and while it’s often worth it, sometimes we have financial restrictions. Looking at student therapists or affordable therapy programs can be helpful if you’re concerned about finances.
5. Have you had therapy before? Sometimes our past experiences can inform what we want in the future. Are there things you liked or didn’t like? You may be able to see some signs of these characteristics in online profiles.
6. Is there anyone who catches your eye? If someone caught your eye, even if you can’t explain why, this might be a good sign to reach out. Check out their page and make sure they’re aligned with you, and then you can schedule a consultation call.
7. Do some interviews! The most important thing in therapy is your connection with your therapist. Most therapists offer a free consultation call. This gives you an opportunity to get to know them and see how you feel talking to them. Don’t be afraid to interview a few therapists, and do so until you find one that works for you.

Our team page includes filters to help you more easily look at some of the factors above.

If you’re still unsure, contact our Administrative Coordinator Emily, and she can help match you with someone that works for you.
info@rootsinwellness.ca
226-503-9412 

The cost of therapy varies depending on the therapist you choose and the type of appointment you’re booking. At Roots in Wellness, we believe that quality therapy should be accessible, and we have a range of therapy offerings to meet different budgets.

Our team includes experienced Registered Psychotherapists, in addition to Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) and intern therapists who offer therapy at a lower fee while receiving regular, ongoing supervision. This allows more individuals and couples to access professional mental health support.

Our current rate in the Affordable Therapy Program is $90/50 minute session, with a sliding scale on a pay-what-you-can model for those in financial need.

Therapy with our Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) ranges from $140-180/50 minute session, depending on the therapist’s background and professional experience.

Many extended healthcare benefits plans cover psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). We recommend checking with your Extended Healthcare Benefits provider to understand your specific coverage, annual limits, and reimbursement practices.

Our team page includes filters to help you more easily see how much each therapist charges. If you’re still unsure, contact our Administrative Coordinator Emily, and she can help match you with someone that works for you – and your budget!
info@rootsinwellness.ca
226-503-9412 

Therapy is unfortunately not covered by OHIP.

If you have extended health benefits, your therapist may be covered under your insurance plan. 

In order to find out, check to see if they covered Registered Psychotherapists.

If you’re still unsure, contact our Administrative Coordinator Emily, and she can help match you with someone that works for you.
info@rootsinwellness.ca
226-503-9412 

Every insurance plan is different, so your best bet is to contact your insurance company directly to ask them what your policy covers.

Mental health coverage is typically listed by provider type. You’ll want to confirm the designation of the therapist you are interested in working with, and ask if your plan covers their designations. Our therapist team at Roots in Wellness is made up of Registered Psychotherapists (RPs), Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), and Registered Social Workers (RSWs). If you’re seeing an intern or a qualifying therapist, you’ll need to ask if they covered qualifying Registered Psychotherapists under a supervised practice model.

We are thrilled to be able to offer direct billing at Roots in Wellness!

We currently offer direct billing for a variety of popular insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Greenshield, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Johnston Group, Desjardings, Equitable, and more. 

Please confirm with your therapist which insurance companies they are able to direct bill for prior to beginning therapy.

It is also important to check in with your benefits provider to confirm your Extended Healthcare Benefits Plan allows direct billing by psychotherapists, as insurance plans can vary even within one insurance company. 

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is someone who has (in most cases) completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology and is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). The CRPO is a governing body that RP’s have to report to, that governs the profession and ensures we’re working ethically and safely.

A MSW has a Master’s in Social Work, which is similar to an RP, but the education is somewhat different. Some MSWs will do private therapy, but many work in the social service sector. A social service worker has a college diploma and is trained to work in social services. 

Psychologists and Psychiatrists both have Doctorate degrees and often will charge much more per hour than a Social Worker or Psychotherapist. Both can provide formal diagnoses (RPs and MSWs cannot), and Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication.

For more information, check out our blog post on different Professional Designations.