Psychotherapy is treatment based on talking with a trained therapist, and in Ontario it is also a regulated health service. That second part is what makes it different from many other kinds of support: the law defines what psychotherapy is, limits who may provide it, and protects certain job titles. This guide covers the definition, who can practise, the formats it comes in, how long it tends to last, and how to confirm that someone is registered.

The Short Definition

CAMH describes psychotherapy as a general term for treatment based on “talking work” with a therapist. It aims to ease distress by talking through and expressing feelings, and to change attitudes, behaviours, and habits that are not helping you. CAMH also stresses that how well it works depends on a trusting relationship between you and the therapist.

What Ontario’s Law Says

Ontario has a formal definition for one regulated activity, the “controlled act of psychotherapy.” The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) quotes it as:

“Treating, by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.”

CRPO says the act applies to people practising in Ontario and to people outside the province who serve clients in Ontario, for example by video call. This definition describes what the law restricts; it is not a test you have to pass to ask for help. Many people see a psychotherapist for stress, relationship strain, or a hard transition, and those concerns are just as valid a reason to book.

Who Can Provide It

CRPO says the controlled act may be performed by CRPO registrants and by registrants of five other Ontario colleges whose members can practise psychotherapy. A student in a recognized program may do so under the supervision of a Registered Psychotherapist. Beyond that, CRPO lists only narrow exceptions, such as spiritual treatment under one’s own religion’s tenets and Indigenous healing.

Titles are protected too. CRPO states that the Psychotherapy Act restricts the titles “Psychotherapist,” “Registered Psychotherapist,” and “Registered Mental Health Therapist,” along with their variations and abbreviations, and that only CRPO registrants may use them. CAMH adds that other professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and some family doctors, can also provide psychotherapy under their own regulation.

Formats You Will See

CAMH describes four common formats:

  • Individual therapy, one-on-one with a therapist.
  • Couple therapy, which “helps couples to resolve problems and conflicts that they’re unable to find solutions to on their own.”
  • Family therapy, which is “focused on changing the way families interact.”
  • Group therapy, which “brings together eight to 12 people who are struggling with similar issues.”

At Serenity Psychotherapy Clinic, individual therapy, couples therapy (in person), and family therapy are available.

How Long Does It Take?

There is no single answer. CAMH describes short-term psychotherapy as lasting up to 16 sessions and focusing on immediate issues, and long-term therapy as addressing longstanding, complex ones. It adds that some people need about 20 sessions, that progress may not come quickly, and that you may feel worse at first as difficult issues come to the surface. Many people also return to therapy at different points in their lives.

Psychotherapy and Medication

CAMH notes that research supports the effectiveness of both medication and psychotherapy, alone or combined, for mental health problems. Questions about medication belong with your family doctor or a psychiatrist; a psychotherapy session is a place to talk, not to prescribe.

Confirming Someone Is Registered

CRPO keeps a public register where you can look up a Registered Psychotherapist by name and check their status. At Serenity, sessions are with Ahmad Shihab, MA, RP, a Registered Psychotherapist registered with CRPO (#11572). You can verify that on the CRPO register before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is psychotherapy the same as counselling?

The two words overlap, and many people use them interchangeably. In Ontario the titles “Psychotherapist” and “Registered Psychotherapist” are protected, while the word “counsellor” tells you less about someone’s training.

Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?

No. At Serenity you can book a free 30-minute consultation directly, with no referral and no diagnosis required.

Is psychotherapy available online in Ontario?

Yes. Individual and family sessions are available online for clients located anywhere in Ontario, and the online therapy page explains how it works. Couples sessions are in person only.

What does it cost?

Individual sessions are $220 per hour, and the first consultation is free. We directly bill with most insurance providers — please give us a call to inquire about your specific insurance policy. See fees and insurance for every session fee.

When to Reach Out

If you are curious about psychotherapy but unsure whether it fits, the free consultation is a way to ask questions with no obligation. If you are thinking about suicide or are in immediate danger, call or text 9-8-8 or call 911 now.

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