Ontario Does Not Offer Equal Access to Therapy

Having once been in this position myself, I am aware that not everyone can afford therapy – regular sessions, or at all – and, unfortunately, most therapists cannot afford to provide many pro-bono, low-cost, or sliding scale spots.

FREE & LOW-COST THERAPY OPTIONS

Keep in mind that these options are usually time-limited and provided by students, who often are not allowed to be paid. Thus, effectiveness of treatment may waiver, and finding a good fit may be more difficult. You may need to take what you can get.

Affordable Therapy Network

Open Path Collective

If you are a post-secondary student, check with your school; mental health resources are often covered by your tuition!

What about BetterH**p?
I do not recommend BetterH**p or their competitors. Their PHIPA/PIPEDA compliance is questionable, as is their treatment of the therapists they employ, which directly impacts your care.

Risks & Benefits of Peer Support

Online support group can provide access to a validating network in between, or in lieu of, therapy sessions. However:

* Online support groups, especially Facebook groups, are often open to the public and are rarely facilitated by regulated mental health professionals.

* The feedback you receive in these groups may not always be helpful, and, despite group rules, you may come across people who say harmful things. Consequently, these may or may not be safe spaces for you.

* Please be mindful when considering where to share vulnerable things about yourself, and to what degree you have anonymity; use your discretion and remember that what you post online will always be online.

* Still, there is tremendous healing benefit in connecting with those who have similar lived experience and are happy to support you. My hope is that one or more of these resources will help meet your social/emotional needs.