Understanding your insurance coverage takes less than ten minutes and could save you hundreds of dollars. Whether couples therapy is covered depends on your plan, your provider, and the credentials of your therapist. 

Here is a clear breakdown of what you need to know.

Does OHIP Cover Couples Therapy in Ontario?

In most cases, couples therapy is not covered by OHIP. OHIP primarily covers medically necessary physician and hospital services and does not typically pay for private couples counselling or psychotherapy provided in private practice.

However, some individuals may be able to access publicly funded relationship or mental health services through hospitals, community health centres, family health teams, or other government-funded programs. Availability varies depending on your location and eligibility criteria and wait times may apply.

Many Ontarians use extended health benefits through their workplace or private insurance plans to help cover the cost of couple’s therapy. Coverage often depends on the credentials of the therapist, such as a Clinical Psychologist, Registered Psychotherapist, or Registered Social Worker.

At Inner Voice Therapy, clients are provided with receipts that can be submitted to their insurance provider for reimbursement, depending on their individual benefits plan.

What Does Extended Health Insurance Cover?

Many Canadians have access to extended health benefits through their employer or a private insurance plan. These plans often include a mental health component that covers a set dollar amount per year for therapy services.

Whether couples therapy is covered depends on how your plan defines eligible services and which regulated professions it recognises. 

Some plans cover individual therapy only, while others extend to couples and family sessions.

If you are unsure whether to start therapy, our article on how to have a conversation about couples therapy may help you take the first step.

Which Therapist Credentials Are Typically Covered?

Registered Psychotherapists

Many insurance plans in Ontario now cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist regulated by the CRPO. Coverage varies by provider so always confirm with your insurer before booking.

Registered Social Workers

Registered Social Workers are among the most widely covered providers under extended health plans. If your therapist holds an RSW designation, there is a reasonable chance your plan includes their services.

Psychologists

Sessions with a registered psychologist are covered by most extended health plans. Because psychologists hold doctorate-level training, their per-session rates are higher, but coverage limits tend to reflect that.

Marriage and Family Therapists

Coverage for Marriage and Family Therapists varies more widely. Some plans include them and others do not. Check your policy wording carefully if your therapist holds this designation specifically.

What to Check With Your Insurance Provider

Before booking your first session, contact your insurance provider and ask the following:

• Is couples therapy or family therapy covered under my plan?
• Which regulated professions are eligible for reimbursement?
• What is my annual coverage limit per profession?
• Do I need a referral from my GP to claim therapy sessions?
• Is there a per-session maximum that applies?
• Can I submit receipts directly or does my therapist need to bill the insurer?

Getting clear answers upfront prevents unexpected out-of-pocket costs later.

What If Your Insurance Does Not Cover Couples Therapy?

Employee Assistance Programs

Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program that includes a set number of free or subsidised counselling sessions per year. EAP sessions are separate from your extended health benefits and worth checking before paying out of pocket.

Sliding Scale and Affordable Options

Some therapists and community organisations offer sliding scale fees based on income. Our article on what to do when therapy seems too expensive covers practical options available in Ontario.

Flexible Payment Options

Some private practices offer payment plans or package rates for couples committing to multiple sessions. It is always worth asking your therapist directly about flexible payment arrangements before assuming therapy is out of reach.

How Much Can You Claim Back?

Reimbursement amounts vary widely depending on your plan. Here is a general picture of what most extended health plans offer:

Coverage Type	Typical Annual Limit
Psychotherapist	$500 to $2,000
Social Worker	$500 to $2,000
Psychologist	$1,000 to $3,000
EAP Sessions	3 to 8 free sessions

According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, mental health benefits are among the fastest growing components of group insurance plans in Canada, with many employers increasing annual limits in recent years. It is worth reviewing your plan annually as coverage may have improved.

Does Inner Voice Therapy Accept Insurance?

At Inner Voice Therapy, our therapists hold regulated credentials including Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Psychologist designations. Many clients are able to claim their session fees through their extended health benefits.

Couples therapy sessions at Inner Voice Therapy start at $230, available in 50 or 90-minute formats both virtually and in person in Mississauga. 

We recommend confirming your specific coverage with your insurer before your first appointment.

You can read more about our approach in our article on finding a BIPOC couples therapist or learn about common relationship problems we help couples work through.

Conclusion

Couples therapy is not covered by OHIP but many extended health plans do cover a meaningful portion of the cost depending on your provider’s credentials and your plan details. 

Check your coverage, ask about EAP options, and do not assume therapy is out of reach before exploring what is available to you.If you are ready to get started, contact Inner Voice Therapy to learn more about our couples therapy services and how to make the most of your benefits.