Psychotherapy FAQ – Fees, Insurance, and What to Expect
I’m Victoria Donahue, a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto specializing in trauma, anxiety, and nervous system healing. Below are answers to common questions about starting therapy, session structure, cost, and insurance coverage.
I provide in-person psychotherapy in Toronto and virtual sessions across Ontario.
If your question isn’t answered here, you’re welcome to book a consultation.
How much does therapy cost in Toronto?
Individual psychotherapy sessions are $250 for 50 minutes.
This length allows enough time to work meaningfully while maintaining emotional integration between sessions. Therapy is an investment in lasting emotional and nervous system change rather than short-term symptom relief.
How often should I attend therapy?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Meeting weekly helps your nervous system build momentum and allows changes to stabilize between sessions.
As therapy progresses, session frequency can be adjusted depending on your goals and how your system responds. Some clients eventually move to bi-weekly or maintenance sessions once patterns shift.
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session focuses on understanding you – not just your symptoms, but the patterns behind them.
We will:
- Discuss what brings you to therapy
- Explore emotional and behavioural patterns
- Identify therapy goals
- Determine whether the fit feels right for you
Some clients come during a crisis, while others seek deeper self-understanding. Either is completely appropriate. You are not expected to know what to say, that is part of my role in guiding the process.
What is a therapy session like?
Sessions are collaborative and paced according to your nervous system. Therapy may include discussion, emotional processing, body awareness, and memory processing approaches such as EMDR therapy, IFS therapy, or somatic therapy.
The goal is not only insight, but actual change in reactions, relationships, and internal experience.
Is psychotherapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many extended health benefits plans cover Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario. Coverage varies depending on your provider.
Common providers that often include psychotherapy coverage:
- Manulife
- Sun Life
- Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
- Blue Cross
- Desjardins
- Green Shield
You will receive a receipt after each session that you can submit for reimbursement. Please check directly with your insurance provider for details of your plan.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment can be made by e-transfer or credit card.
What is the cancellation policy?
Appointments require 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled within 48 hours are charged the full session fee. This policy protects reserved clinical time.
How long does therapy take?
Length of therapy varies based on goals and the patterns being addressed. Some clients attend for a focused period, while others choose longer-term depth work.
The aim is meaningful change as efficiently as possible, while respecting that deeper patterns require time to shift.
How do I get started?
You can book a consultation here:
The consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and see if working together feels right before committing to ongoing sessions.
This information is provided by Victoria Donahue, Registered Psychotherapist (Ontario).