My Work - Psychotherapist in Ottawa, Ontario

In Ontario, Canada, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provides funding for psychotherapy through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), however the coverage and access to psychotherapy services vary depending on the type of service and the individual’s needs.

Psychotherapy services provided by a physician, such as a psychiatrist, are covered under OHIP. This includes assessments, follow-up appointments, and medication management.
However, psychotherapy services provided by a registered psychologist or a social worker or a registered psychotherapist who is not a physician are not covered under OHIP.

Some of these services may be covered by a private health insurance plan or employee benefit plan, or by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada for Indigenous people, or the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for eligible First Nations and Inuit people.

It’s always best to check with your insurance provider or with the MOHLTC to confirm what type of psychotherapy services are covered under OHIP and what other options are available if OHIP coverage is not sufficient.

The duration of psychotherapy can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the type of therapy being provided. Some people may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy for several months or even years.

The duration of therapy sessions themselves also vary, some last for 50 minutes and others for 90 minutes.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is often considered a short-term therapy and may be completed within 10 to 20 sessions. Whereas, psychoanalytic therapy, which often involves deeper exploration of unconscious thoughts and feelings, may take longer to complete, typically several years.

It’s important to note that the duration of therapy is not necessarily an indicator of the therapy’s effectiveness. The most important factor is the progress the individual is making towards their therapy goals, and that should be evaluated regularly.

It’s also important to note that the therapist and the individual should have regular check-ins to evaluate the progress and adjust the therapy plan if needed. And that the therapy should be discontinued if the individual is not benefiting from it or if the individual reaches their therapy goals.

It can be difficult to know whether you should see a psychologist or a psychotherapist, as both types of professionals are trained to help individuals with mental health issues. The main difference between the two is that psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology, while psychotherapists may have a master’s degree or a diploma in a related field.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to see a psychologist or a psychotherapist:

• The type of issue you are experiencing: If you have a specific mental health diagnosis, such as depression or anxiety, or you are dealing with a specific issue like trauma, then a psychologist or psychotherapist can help you.
• The level of support you need: If you need more intensive support, such as regular therapy sessions, then a psychologist or a psychotherapist may be a better option for you.
  The type of therapy you prefer: Both psychologists and psychotherapists offer a variety of therapy types, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. It’s important to find a professional who offers the type of therapy that you feel most comfortable with.
• The level of expertise: Both psychologists and psychotherapists are trained to help individuals with mental health issues, but psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology, which provides them with a higher level of expertise.
• It’s also worth noting that some psychotherapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and some are not. It’s always best to check with the CRPO and ensure that the psychotherapist you are considering is registered, and has the appropriate education, training and experience to help you with your specific needs.
• Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a mental health professional who you feel comfortable with, who can understand your needs and who can help you achieve your goals.