Finding the Best Online Therapist in Ontario
Updated July 15, 2025If you’re searching for a licensed online therapist in Ontario, you’re not alone. Thousands of people across the province are turning to virtual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. This guide will walk you through how to find the right therapist for your needs.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You may be nervous, unsure, or even overwhelmed by all the options out there. That’s completely normal. The good news is that online therapy in Ontario is now easier to access than ever before. And finding the right therapist can be life-changing.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose someone who feels like the right fit for you.
1. Think About What You Need Help With
Take a few quiet minutes to reflect. What are you struggling with right now? Are you feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or sad? Are you dealing with trauma, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues—or something else?
You don’t need to have all the answers, but a general idea can help. Some people ask their doctor to help clarify their symptoms. You can also ask your doctor for a referral to see a psychiatrist. Many therapists also start with a session or two to assess what’s going on and recommend a treatment plan.
Certain therapies, like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), have strong research support for specific problems. You might hear terms like “eclectic approach,” which means a therapist blends styles. But not all of those methods have the same evidence behind them. That’s worth asking about.
2. Use Reputable Therapist Directories
Websites like Psychology Today let you search for online therapists in Ontario. You can filter by location, issue, type of therapy, gender, and more. Each profile usually includes the therapist’s photo, fees, and approach.
Other helpful directories include:
Ontario Health’s Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP)
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed in Ontario
In Ontario, therapists must be registered with a professional college. Depending on the therapist’s background, they may belong to:
The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Check their license on the college’s website to make sure they’re in good standing.
4. Learn About Therapy Styles
Therapists use different approaches to help people feel better. Some of the most common ones include:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) – often used for anxiety, phobias, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Learn more about CBT for anxiety, OCD treatment, CBT for depression, and online trauma treatments.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) – often used for emotion regulation and self-harm. Learn more about Online DBT in Ontario. Discover the differences of CBT and DBT.
EMDR – often used for trauma and PTSD. Discover 5 Benefits of EMDR and the differences of CBT and EMDR.
Mindfulness-based therapies – help with stress and emotional awareness
It’s okay if you don’t know which one is best. Ask the therapist to explain how they work and why they use a certain approach for your concern.
5. Book a Free Consultation
Most online therapists offer a free 10–20 minute call. Use this time to ask questions like:
“Have you worked with people who struggle with what I’m going through?”
“What’s your approach to therapy?”
“How often would we meet?”
You’re also checking for a vibe—do you feel heard and understood? Do they explain things in a way that makes sense?
6. Don’t Forget About the Practical Stuff
Make sure the therapist’s availability works with your schedule. Weekly sessions are usually best, especially early on.
Ask about their fees. You will want to confirm that you have insurance coverage.
7. Trust Your Gut
Even if everything looks good on paper, your comfort matters most. Therapy should feel safe. You don’t have to feel instantly connected, but if something feels off after a few sessions, it’s okay to keep looking.
Also, feeling nervous at first is normal, especially if you’re opening up about things like trauma, OCD, or anxiety.
8. Understand the Rules Before You Start
Each therapist will have their own policies about privacy, cancellations, and payments. Make sure you’re clear on the details before you commit to regular sessions.
9. Take That First Step
Finding the right therapist is like working with a good coach. They won’t play the game for you, but they’ll help you build the skills and cheer you on through the tough parts.
You don’t need to know exactly where the path leads. You just need to start walking.
How We Can Help. For Ontario Residents.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we offer evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, trauma, ADHD, and more.
We match you with a therapist who fits your needs, values, and schedule. All our therapists are licensed to practice in Ontario, and we offer free consultations so you can meet with us before committing. Meet our licensed social workers, psychologists and registered psychotherapists.
We’ll help you find the right starting point—no pressure, no obligation. Book a free consultation to learn how we can help.
References
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2014). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 159, 118–126.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2011). Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: Management (NICE guideline No. CG113).
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. (2023). Find a social worker. https://www.ocswssw.org
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (2023). Public register. https://www.crpo.ca
