Everything you ever wanted to know about paying for therapy.
If you've been thinking about starting therapy, you may have found yourself wondering: How much does therapy cost in Halifax? Will my insurance cover it? And how do I know if I'm choosing the right therapist?
These are questions I hear often, and they're completely reasonable ones to ask.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You may already be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or simply unsure about what you need. The last thing you want is to be surprised by the cost or find out after your first appointment that your benefits don't cover the type of therapist you've chosen.
At Chapman Counselling Therapy, I want the process to feel as straightforward as possible. I offer individual and couples counselling in Halifax, as well as online therapy across Canada, and I am happy to talk with you about fees, insurance, and whether we might be a good fit before you commit to starting therapy.
How Much Does Therapy Cost in Halifax?
Therapy fees vary depending on the therapist's education, credentials, experience, specialization, session length, and the type of therapy you're looking for. At Chapman Counselling Therapy, individual therapy sessions are $165 for 50 minutes.
I also offer a free 15-minute consultation for new clients. This gives us an opportunity to briefly talk about what brings you to therapy, what you're looking for, and whether I might be the right person to support you.I think this initial conversation is important because finding the right therapist isn't just about finding an available appointment. It's about finding someone you feel comfortable talking to.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Nova Scotia?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before starting therapy.
Many extended health benefits plans provide coverage for counselling or psychotherapy, but every insurance policy is different.
Your plan may specify which professional designations are covered and how much you're entitled to each year.
I currently offer direct billing through TELUS Health eClaims and Blue Cross. However, having an insurer listed as one that can process claims does not necessarily mean that your individual benefits plan will cover Registered Counselling Therapist services. Your specific policy determines your coverage.
That's why I always recommend checking your benefits before beginning regular appointments.
What should I ask my insurance company?
You can make this process much easier by asking your benefits provider a few specific questions.
You might ask:
"Does my extended health plan cover services from a Registered Counselling Therapist?"
Then ask:
- How much coverage do I have per year?
- What percentage of each appointment is covered?
- Is there a deductible?
- Is there a maximum amount per appointment?
- Do I need a referral from my doctor?
- Does my plan cover online counselling?
- Is my therapist's professional designation eligible for reimbursement?
- Can my therapist direct bill my insurance company?
It's worth making the call before your first appointment. It can save you from an unexpected expense later.
What Is Direct Billing?
Direct billing means that, when your insurance plan and provider are eligible, the therapist can submit the claim to the insurance company on your behalf. I offer direct billing through TELUS Health eClaims and Blue Cross.
Direct billing can make accessing therapy a little easier because you don't necessarily have to pay the full session fee upfront and then wait for reimbursement. However, direct billing does not guarantee that your insurance will cover the entire cost.
Your benefits plan may cover a percentage of the appointment or have an annual maximum. It's always important for you to understand your own individual coverage.
How Much Will Therapy Cost Me After Insurance?
This depends on your benefits.
For example, if your plan reimburses 80% of a $165 therapy session, the insurance portion would be $132, leaving approximately $33 out of pocket. If you attended 10 sessions at that reimbursement rate, your approximate out-of-pocket cost would be $330.
But your actual cost could be different depending on your annual maximum, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and the details of your plan. That's why I encourage clients to check their benefits rather than assuming that a certain percentage will be covered.
Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
This is a very personal question. Therapy is an investment—not only financially, but also in your time, energy, and willingness to look at things differently.
Sometimes people come to therapy when they've been struggling for months or even years. They may be exhausted from trying to manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma, or major life changes on their own. Other people come because they know something isn't quite right but aren't sure what they need.
You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to start therapy, in fact we can often do deeper work when you are not dealing with a crisis on top of it all.
Why Does Therapy Cost So Much?
It’s understandable to look at the cost of a therapy session and wonder why it is so expensive. When you’re paying for an hour of someone's time, it can be easy to assume that the entire fee goes toward that hour. In reality, the session is only one part of running a private counselling practice.
As a Registered Counselling Therapist, you have to invest in years in education, clinical training, professional development, supervision, and ongoing learning so that you can provide safe, ethical, and effective care. There are also significant costs involved in running a private practice, including professional liability insurance, registration and regulatory fees, continuing education, office space, technology, secure record keeping, administrative time, and other business expenses.
There is also a lot of work that happens outside of the therapy hour. Depending on the client and the type of work we're doing, this can include reviewing information before an appointment, preparing for sessions, documenting clinical notes, communicating with other professionals when appropriate, managing referrals and scheduling, and continuing to learn about the issues I support clients with.
I know that $165 can feel like a significant investment, especially when you're paying for therapy out of pocket. I don't take that cost lightly. My goal is to provide thoughtful, professional care that is worth the investment while being transparent about fees from the beginning.
What If I Can't Afford Weekly Therapy?
If weekly therapy doesn't fit comfortably within your budget, it's worth having a conversation with your therapist.
Depending on your circumstances and therapeutic goals, sessions may not always need to occur every week. The appropriate frequency depends on what you're working on, how you're doing, and what you and your therapist decide together.
Your financial circumstances are a valid part of the conversation and you shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask about the cost of therapy. Your therapist knows that affording therapy is one piece of the puzzle of accessing therapy.
How Do I Know If a Therapist Is Right for Me?
Cost is important, but I encourage people to consider the bigger picture when choosing a therapist.
You might ask yourself:
Does this therapist understand what I'm dealing with?
If you're looking for support with ADHD, perimenopause, trauma, anxiety, OCD, or relationship concerns, look for someone with relevant training and experience.
Do I feel comfortable talking to this person?
Therapy requires vulnerability. You should feel that your therapist listens without judgment and takes your concerns seriously. A consultation call can help you get a feel for who a therapist is.
Does their approach make sense to me?
There are many different approaches to therapy. You don't need to become an expert in them before making an appointment, but it can help to ask your therapist how they work.
Do I feel heard?
This might be the most important question of all.
You don't need to know exactly what you need from therapy when you first reach out. Part of my job is helping you figure that out.
What Does Therapy With Me Look Like?
I'm a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT), certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
My clinical work focuses on helping people better understand themselves, their emotions, relationships, and the patterns that may be keeping them stuck.
I work with teens, adults, and couples, and my areas of clinical expertise include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Autism and neurodiversity
- OCD
- Perimenopause and menopause mental health
- Couples and relationship concerns
I'm also a Certified Menopause Mental Health Provider and have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).
My approach is collaborative and individualized. I don't believe therapy should feel like you're being handed a checklist of things you "should" be doing. Instead, we'll work together to understand what's happening and find strategies and approaches that make sense for you.
What Happens at the First Appointment?
It's completely normal to feel nervous before your first therapy appointment. You don't need to prepare a perfect explanation of what's wrong.
During an initial session, we'll talk about what brings you to therapy, your history, what you've been experiencing, and what you'd like to be different. We'll also talk about your goals and decide together what might be helpful moving forward.
Therapy is a collaborative process. You don't have to have all the answers before you walk through the door.
Looking for a Therapist in Halifax?
If you're looking for a therapist in Halifax, I offer in-person counselling from my office in Halifax's South End, as well as virtual therapy for clients across Nova Scotia and Canada.
I work with individuals and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, OCD, perimenopause, relationship concerns, and other life challenges.
My goal is to provide a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what's happening.
If you're not sure whether therapy is right for you, that's okay too.
You can start with a free 15-minute consultation.
There's no expectation that you need to have everything figured out. We can simply talk about what's going on and whether I might be able to help.
Ready to take the first step?
Book your free 15-minute consultation with Chapman Counselling Therapy.
In-person appointments are available in Halifax's South End, and online therapy is available across Canada.
Or visit Chapman Counselling Therapy to learn more about my services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does therapy cost in Halifax?
Therapy fees vary between providers. At Chapman Counselling Therapy, individual therapy sessions are $165 for 50 minutes. A free 15-minute consultation is available for new clients.
Does insurance cover counselling in Nova Scotia?
Many extended health plans provide some coverage for counselling or psychotherapy, but coverage varies by plan. Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether services from a Registered Counselling Therapist are covered.
Does Chapman Counselling Therapy offer direct billing?
Yes. Chapman Counselling Therapy offers direct billing through TELUS Health eClaims and Blue Cross, although coverage depends on your individual benefits plan.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
You can contact Chapman Counselling Therapy directly to discuss your needs and book a consultation. If you are seeking insurance reimbursement, check your individual benefits plan to see whether a referral is required.
Does Chapman Counselling Therapy offer online therapy?
Yes. Online therapy is available for clients across Canada, in addition to in-person counselling in Halifax's South End.
What areas does Chapman Counselling Therapy specialize in?
Clinical areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, OCD, perimenopause and menopause mental health, and couples counselling. Chapman Counselling Therapy also offers support for children, adolescents, and adults.
Is there a free consultation?
Yes. Chapman Counselling Therapy offers a free 15-minute consultation for new clients.