Therapy Fees & Insurance Coverage

Deciding to start therapy is easier when you know exactly what it costs and what your insurance will cover. This page lays it all out: our session fees, who we can bill directly, which programs cover therapy at no cost to you, and how payment works.

How much does a therapy session cost?

Individual therapy at Wholetherapy costs $175 to $190 per 50-minute session. Where a clinician’s fee falls within that range reflects their level of training and experience.

Your first conversation with us costs nothing: every new client can book a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video to make sure the therapist you are considering is the right fit before you commit to anything.

You will receive a receipt after each session that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Most private and workplace benefits plans in Nova Scotia include some coverage for counselling or psychotherapy. Coverage varies by plan, so before your first session we recommend asking your insurer five quick questions:

1. Is counselling or psychotherapy covered under my plan?
2. Which clinician designations are covered (for example RCT, MSW, or Clinical Specialist)?
3. Is direct billing allowed?
4. What is my annual coverage amount and per-session maximum?
5. Do I need a physician referral or pre-authorization?

If your plan covers part of a session fee, you pay the remaining balance.

Who we can bill directly

For many clients we can bill your insurer directly, so you pay only your portion (or nothing) at the time of your session. We currently direct bill through:

• Telus eClaims, which covers Manulife, Canada Life (including legacy Great-West Life) and other supported insurers
• Medavie Blue Cross
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• Green Shield
• Workers’ Compensation Board and provincial equivalents
• Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) / Indigenous Services Canada
• Victim Services Nova Scotia
• Approved motor vehicle accident insurers, when written authorization has been provided

Programs that cover therapy at no cost to you

Some clients qualify for programs that cover the full cost of therapy:

Veterans, CAF members and RCMP. Therapy may be fully covered through Veterans Affairs Canada or RCMP health services. Our team includes approved providers for these programs, including clinicians with direct experience supporting military and RCMP clients.

First Nations and Inuit clients. The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program covers counselling with approved providers, and we bill NIHB directly.

Refugees and protected persons. We have clinicians approved under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), including therapists who work in Urdu, Hindi and several other languages.

Clients referred through Victim Services Nova Scotia can also have sessions billed directly to the program.

If you think one of these may apply to you, mention it when you book and our intake team will confirm the details.

What about MSI?

Nova Scotia’s provincial health plan (MSI) does not generally cover counselling with therapists in private practice. Coverage for our services comes through private or workplace benefits, or through the federal and provincial programs listed above.

How payment works

Payment is due at the time of your session. We accept credit card through Jane, our secure clinic management system, or e-transfer to info@wholetherapy.ca. We do not accept cash.

Cancellation policy

Our clinic-wide cancellation policy is 24 hours’ notice prior to your session. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance through Jane, by email, or by contacting your clinician.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, and missed appointments, are charged the full rate of the session booked. Please note that insurance plans generally do not reimburse fees for missed or late-cancelled sessions.

In case of emergency, please contact info@wholetherapy.ca or your clinician directly.

Frequently asked questions about therapy costs

What are typical therapy fees per session in Nova Scotia?
Private therapy in Nova Scotia commonly ranges from about $150 to $220 per session depending on the clinician’s designation and experience. At Wholetherapy, sessions are $175 to $190 for 50 minutes.

Is therapy covered by my group insurance at work?
Many workplace plans cover counselling or psychotherapy, often with an annual maximum. Check which clinician designations your plan reimburses and whether direct billing is available.

Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
You do not need a referral to book with us. Some insurance plans require a physician referral or pre-authorization for reimbursement, so check your plan before your first session.

Can I use my coverage for online sessions?
Sessions delivered virtually are billed the same way as in-person sessions. If your plan covers counselling, it generally applies to both. Confirm with your insurer if you are unsure.

What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice before your session if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged the full rate of the session booked. In an emergency, contact info@wholetherapy.ca or your clinician directly.

What if I do not have insurance?
You can pay directly by credit card or e-transfer, and you will receive a receipt for each session. The free 15-minute consultation is a good way to plan a pace of sessions that works for your situation.

Ready to get started?

Book a free 15-minute consultation to find the right therapist for you, in person in Dartmouth or online anywhere in Nova Scotia. Meet our therapists, see more frequently asked questions, or contact us to get started.