Does insurance cover an RSW in Ontario?

One of the most common questions before starting therapy is a practical one: will my insurance help cover it? For services provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario, the answer is often yes, but it depends on your specific plan.

Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for counselling or psychotherapy provided by a Registered Social Worker. Typically you pay for your session, receive a receipt, and submit it to your insurer for reimbursement. Some plans also allow direct billing.

Look at your benefits booklet or member portal for a paramedical or mental-health category, then check whether it lists 'Social Worker,' 'Registered Social Worker,' 'MSW,' or 'psychotherapy.' It also helps to note your annual maximum and any per-visit limits.

When in doubt, call your insurer and ask directly: 'Does my plan reimburse counselling or psychotherapy provided by a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW)?' That one question usually clears things up.

A limited number of sliding-scale spots are available for clients who need them. If cost is a barrier, it's worth raising during your consultation so we can talk through options.