Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about therapy at Oakville Therapy by Counselling & Co. in Oakville, Ontario.

How much does therapy cost in Oakville?

Session fees vary by therapist and session type. We offer competitive rates in line with Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area. Please contact us for current pricing. Most extended health insurance plans in Ontario cover sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW), which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Is therapy covered by OHIP in Ontario?

Psychotherapy provided by Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). However, most employer-provided extended health insurance plans do cover sessions with RPs and RSWs. Some plans also cover therapy through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). We recommend checking with your insurance provider for your specific coverage and annual limits.

Do you offer virtual therapy across Ontario?

Yes. We offer secure, PHIPA-compliant virtual therapy sessions to clients anywhere in Ontario. Virtual sessions are conducted via a private, encrypted video platform and are comparably effective for most mental health concerns (Norwood et al., Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2018). This allows us to serve clients in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Toronto, and across the province.

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Your first session is an intake assessment where your therapist will ask about your history, current concerns, goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether the therapist feels like a good fit. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with. You should leave the first session with a clearer sense of the therapeutic direction.

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help match you with the right therapist based on your specific concerns, preferences, and goals. The therapeutic relationship — the fit between you and your therapist — is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy (Norcross & Lambert, Psychotherapy Relationships That Work, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2019). If you feel the match is not right, we encourage you to let us know so we can connect you with a different therapist.

What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist in Ontario?

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is trained in psychotherapy and regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario — they can provide psychological assessments, diagnoses, and therapy. Both can provide effective psychotherapy. Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers who are authorized to provide psychotherapy under Ontario law.

How often should I attend therapy sessions?

Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As progress is made, many transition to biweekly sessions and eventually monthly maintenance sessions. Your therapist will work with you to determine the right frequency based on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and your schedule.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee. We understand that life happens — illness, emergencies, and schedule changes are a reality — and we will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Do you provide therapy for children and teenagers?

Yes. We offer specialized child therapy (ages 4+) using play-based and creative approaches, and teen therapy (ages 13-18) using adolescent-adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and other evidence-based modalities. Our child and teen therapists have specialized training in working with young people and their families.

Are you LGBTQ2S+ affirming?

Yes. We are proud LGBTQ2S+ affirming care providers. Our therapists are trained in culturally competent, inclusive practices and provide a safe, welcoming space for clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued in therapy.

What areas of Oakville do you serve?

Our office is located at 2904 South Sheridan Way, Suite 100, in Oakville, Ontario, with convenient access from all neighbourhoods including Downtown Oakville, Bronte, River Oaks, Glen Abbey, Clearview, Palermo, and Joshua Creek. We also serve clients in neighbouring communities including Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, and Hamilton. Virtual sessions are available across Ontario.

What is EMDR therapy and do you offer it in Oakville?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating PTSD and trauma. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less distressing. Yes, we offer EMDR therapy at our Oakville office and via virtual sessions. Multiple meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials support its effectiveness (WHO, 2013; Chen et al., PLOS ONE, 2014).

Do you offer therapy on evenings and weekends?

Yes. We offer appointments Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 9:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Availability depends on the individual therapist, but evening and weekend sessions are available to accommodate work and school schedules.