Frequently asked questions.

Is therapy covered by OHIP?

We really wish there was a simple answer to this one! OHIP does cover therapy when it is done by a doctor (family doctor or psychiatrist) or as a service within a Family Health Team. But, most folks do not have access to these teams or psychiatrists and many family doctors do not specialize in therapy or counselling.
Most extended health insurance does cover mental health services. This is the private insurance you might receive through work or school, or as a service covered by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for Indigenous folks.
We know that accessing therapy can be financially challenging, this is why we offer sliding scale services, pay-what-you-can slots and affordable therapy offered by therapy interns.

What is the cost of therapy?

At Access Therapy our costs range from $75/hr. to $160/hr.
The affordable therapy option ($75/hr.) is offered by therapist interns completing their final requirements of their Masters of Counselling degrees. They are supervised by the clinical lead at Access and offer fantastic and affordable therapy.
The fully licensed therapists offer sliding scale options with limited slots at $100/hr. This is especially useful for folks that would benefit from seeing an experienced therapist (like with trauma, abuse or severe mental health struggles) because these concerns are outside an intern’s scope of practice.

Is virtual therapy really helpful?

Virtual therapy has similar (if not the same) outcomes as traditional in-person therapy plus the added convenience of zero travel time and being in a familiar and comfortable place. The potential drawbacks are related to your access to a strong internet connection, access to technology (phone, tablet or computer) and whether you have a space that is private enough for you to fully open up.

Otherwise, the course of therapy is very similar in-person and virtually. At Access Therapy, we have both options so that you can try either one and see what works best for you. [In-person location is in Hamilton, ON, just off Locke St]

How many sessions of therapy will I need?

This is very dependent on each individual person and their unique needs. During your initial session with your therapist they will offer an approximation of how many sessions it will take to achieve your personal goals. This is not a guarantee though, life can throw wrenches and each person’s level of commitment looks different, so this number is bound to change with circumstance.

How often do I need to come to therapy?

The most common frequency is every 2 weeks. This gives you time to let each session settle in and for you to practice skills, notice changes or identify new challenges. Some folks like to come more often as a way to bolster their support and hit-the-ground-running (so to speak) in therapy. Your therapist will offer their insight into what feels like the best option for you, but ultimately, you decide what works for you in your life.

Is it true that I might feel worse before I feel better?

Sometimes this is true.
For some folks talking about the issues that bring them into therapy feels freeing and validating, these folks might feel better right away and not experience a drop in their mood. But, for other folks, opening up about challenging things can feel heavy. Your therapist is there to help you through this entire process, especially the effects of therapy. We encourage you to share this experience with your therapist, that’s what they are there for.
You don’t have to do this alone.