Examining Teletherapy And Online Therapy: Canada Mental Health Resources
Mental health often plays a significant role in overall well-being. However, support can be limited by distance, cost, or scheduling barriers. In recent years, teletherapy and online therapy have become increasingly common in Canada, offering new ways to connect with qualified professionals. This article looks at why mental health matters, the specific mental health challenges many Canadians face, how therapy can help, and what to expect from virtual care. We will also highlight available resources, including public programs and independent platforms like BetterHelp, that offer mental health services through online therapy in Canada.
Affordable therapy that fits your budget
Get started with a licensed therapist for just $85-$110 CAD per week, billed weekly or monthly.
Get startedPricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Exploring the importance of mental health
Maintaining good mental health can support individuals in every aspect of life, from day-to-day functioning, emotional well-being, and relationships. Good mental health may improve concentration, emotional balance, and decision-making.
When mental health challenges go unaddressed, they may lead to sustained distress, reduced productivity at work or school, and difficulties in relationships. They can also affect physical health, increasing risks of sleep problems, chronic pain, and weakened immunity.
Understanding common mental health challenges
From temporary work stress to challenges in relationships, the majority of individuals face mental health concerns from time to time. While not all mental health challenges indicate diagnosable disorders, chronic symptoms like anxiety, sadness, mood changes, and disrupted sleep, may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Recent Canadian statistics indicate:
- In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians report experiencing a mental health problemor illness.
- By age 40, about half the population will have had a mental illness at some point
- In 2022, over 5 million Canadians (18%) aged 15 and older met diagnostic criteria for mood, anxiety, or substance-use disorders in the past year.
- Among those, 36.6 % reported partially or fully unmet needs in areas like counselling, information, or medication.
These figures suggest that challenges to mental well-being are common, and that the availability of comprehensive care remains unequal.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
Understanding mental health conditions affecting Canada
Canadians may encounter a range of conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. Co-occurring disorders are also common.
Challenges may intensify in remote areaswhere fewer local credentialed therapists are available. Systemic inequalities, like poverty or racism, can also worsen barriers to help, especially for marginalized communities.
How a therapist can help
The therapeutic process can begin when one starts working with a qualified healthcare provider. A trained mental health professional can help guide individuals to:
- Identify and name symptoms or patterns of behavior
- Build coping tools for stress or emotional distress
- Reframe unhelpful thoughts or behaviors
- Strengthen resilience and self-understanding
This collaboration aims to create trust, structure, and a pathway toward emotional well-being.
Finding a therapist online
In recent years, online therapy has expanded significantly. Platforms such as BetterHelp connect individuals with credentialed therapists through advanced digital tools. For example, BetterHelp uses a matching system to connect users with the right therapist. Each online therapist on the platform is qualified to provide support, with many holding a master’s degree and having undergone additional training. Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists all work on the platform and can support various demographics, such as young adults or the family member of someone struggling with mental illness.
1.7M reviews with a 4.9/5 ★ session rating
Find the right therapist for you.
What type of therapy are you looking for?
Let's walk through the process of finding the right therapist for you! We'll start off with some basic questions.
Searching for providers can be more convenient through websites, directories, and mobile apps that let users filter by specialization, approach, or language. These features may be particularly valuable for those in remote areas or anyone who prefers virtual care over in-person therapy sessions. Additionally, having more options may increase the chance of finding a good fit.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchHow online therapy can impact Canada
Online therapy can help to transform mental-health care in Canada. Enabling individuals facing mobility issues, tight schedules, and financial strain to connect with qualified mental health professionals can reduce delays in getting help and offer more affordable sessions without obstacles like excessive waiting or travel. In addition to its convenience and affordability, research shows that online talk therapy can be an effective option for patients with a variety of mental health challenges.
How teletherapy compares to traditional therapy
Teletherapy typically uses the same evidence-based modalities as traditional therapy, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). This type of talk therapy can be especially beneficial for patients living with depression, anxiety disorders, and the effects of trauma. In general, CBT focuses on reframing a person’s thought patterns in order to positively affect their emotions and behaviors.
Exploring the effectiveness of virtual therapy
Evidence suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for common conditions like depression and anxiety. Meta-analyses and clinical trials supporting virtual deliveryof methods like CBT report similar benefits. Remote approaches can also work well for couples in marriage counseling, offering virtual therapy that supports trust and change.
Exploring the benefits of online therapy
Other potential benefits of online therapy often include:
- Flexibility: Clients can schedule video calls from home, fitting sessions around other commitments.
- Reduced wait times: Many platforms provide quicker matches compared to traditional referral systems.
- Comfort: Being in a familiar environment may ease anxiety and encourage open conversation.
- Wider choice: Clients can connect with therapists who specialize in specific areas, beyond what local availability allows.
What to expect from online therapy sessions
When beginning online therapy, individuals typically experience:
- Completion of intake forms detailing background, goals, preferences, and availability
- A match with a credentialed therapist suited to individual needs and preferences
- A brief introductory conversation to assess fit
- Regular online sessions, often via video calls, with structure and timing set collaboratively
- Supplemental materials, such as worksheets, exercises, or reflective prompts to use between sessions
Counsellors understand that the first session can be nerve-wracking for patients. They typically strive to cultivate a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment for live sessions where their clients can feel confident and comfortable receiving support. However, it can be important to note that online therapy platforms generally do not provide immediate support, and in a crisis situation, it can be vital to seek in-person treatment.
Exploring different types of virtual therapy sessions
Common online sessions include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on practical strategies to shift patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
- Other methods, such as mindfulness-based, psychodynamic, or solution-focused therapy may also be available virtually.
Affordability of online therapy
Online therapy through BetterHelp, which is available Canada-wide, tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy without coverage from an insurance provider. Prices range from $85 to $110 CAD weekly or $340 to $440 CAD monthly. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
It can be important to note that although BetterHelp providers can provide online counselling services, they cannot prescribe medication. Many insurance plans offer coverage for seeing an in-person psychiatrist for medication management.
Online therapy resources in Canada
Beyond BetterHelp, several other online mental health support options exist:
- TheCanadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) operates across the country, offering programs, support, and information.
- Provincial health portals can potentially connect residents to local virtual resources and Canadian credentialed physicians or therapists offering online services.
The benefits of BetterHelp
The BetterHelp online therapy platform aims to stand out with distinct advantages:
- 100 % online: No drive time, no waiting rooms, no need to sit in a clinic lobby
- Affordable: Subscription-style pricing is often lower than traditional in-person therapy sessions.
- Broad network: Offers thousands of credentialed therapists, increasing chances of a good fit
- Fast matching: Some clients are matched within 48 hours, helping to accelerate progres
- Flexible delivery: Sessions can be held via chat, phone, or video calls from wherever is most comfortable.
- Control and choice: Easy to switch therapists if the match doesn’t feel right.
More benefits of teletherapy: Helpful tools and ongoing support
Aside from weekly live sessions to provide support, other advantages of telehealth services include:
- Lowered stigma: Receiving support at home may feel safer and more discreet.
- Continuity: Sessions can continue seamlessly despite travel, relocation, or schedule changes.
- Flexibility: Individuals with mobility constraints, chronic conditions, or fatigue may find virtual options more manageable than in-person visits.
one or more self care & clinical tools
Therapy that fits your life
Flexible, accessible, and built around you
- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Takeaway
In Canada, teletherapy and online therapy can offer viable, effective alternatives to in-person mental health support. They can provide comprehensive care options, whether through platforms like BetterHelp or public resources. For individuals in remote areas, managing busy lives, or pursuing more convenient options, virtual models can bring new possibilities, and research supports online mental health services as an effective option.
Combined with care from Canadian credentialed physicians where needed, teletherapy can offer flexibility and choice, empowering people to take steps toward mental well-being in ways that fit their situation and schedule.
Can you do telehealth in Canada?
Telehealth therapy is available to individuals living in Canada. For example, BetterHelp is a platform that can connect Canadians with qualified professionals who serve their area.
Can you provide teletherapy internationally?
Yes; for example, BetterHelp is a global therapy platform that connects users worldwide with qualified professionals. That said, professionals can typically only work with clients who live in an area in which they are credentialed to practice.
Is online therapy free in Canada?
Online therapy in Canada is not typically free, though some free resources—such as crisis hotlines—may be available. Also note that online therapy can often be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy without insurance.
Is there a demand for therapists in Canada?
Yes; therapists are in high demand in Canada. It's one reason—in addition to the need for more convenient care—that so many people are turning to virtual sessions (via phone or video chat) as a way to receive treatment. Online therapy allows people to connect with a broader pool of therapists than what may be available in their local area.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance in Canada?
BetterHelp does not currently accept insurance in Canada. The BetterHelp flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality therapy from an extensive therapist network.
Why is therapy so expensive in Canada?
Therapy and other types of psychology treatment are expensive in Canada largely for systemic reasons. Another reason is that there is currently a shortage of mental health care providers in Canada.
Is BetterHelp free in Canada?
BetterHelp is not free in Canada. However, BetterHelp may offer financial aid to those who qualify.
What percentage of Canadians struggle with mental health?
As of 2022, over five million Canadiansage 15 and older met diagnostic criteria for a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or substance use disorder in the last twelve months. This equates to roughly 12% of Canadians—and many more may struggle with mental health even if they don’t have a diagnosable condition.
How much is an average therapy session in Canada?
In-person therapy sessions in Canada can cost upwards of $100 or even $200. However, sliding-scale fees or financial aid may be available in some cases.
How do people afford therapy in Canada?
Therapy can help a person cultivate well-being and reach their full potential, but it is not readily available to everyone. For those who are struggling to cover the expenses of therapy, sliding-scale fees or financial aid may be available. Other people who have concerns about affording therapy may turn to online therapy, which can cost less than in-person care without insurance.
- Previous Article
- Next Article