Ian CheesemanSometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and in need of immediate assistance. Toronto’s top crisis intervention health providers are here to lend you a helping hand.
With trained professionals available 24/7, they offer crisis hotlines, walk-in counseling, and emergency psychiatric care.
They also have an array of support groups and workshops tailored to address specific mental health concerns, whether you’re navigating grief, addiction, or trauma.
No matter the time or situation, you can rely on these services to provide you with the support you need.
How much do mental health services cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, the average cost per session for mental health services is $136.92. The cost can vary depending on the type of service, the provider, and the client’s insurance coverage.
Other mental health services, such as psychiatric medication and group therapy, may also be available through public health insurance (OHIP) or through private providers.
How We Chose
1. Headway Mental Health
Headway Mental Health specializes in guiding adolescents and adults towards improved self-confidence, resilience, and coping mechanisms to enhance their overall quality of life. This is why we recommend them for their mental health services.
The founder, a highly accomplished mental health practitioner with extensive educational background and personal triumphs, offers a variety of therapeutic services aimed at helping clients achieve mental wellness, productivity, and stress reduction.
The founder’s qualifications include degrees in Journalism and Psychology, along with certifications in CBT, DBT, and Hypnotherapy, ensuring a well-rounded approach to mental health.
What we like is how they emphasize not only mental health but also productivity and stress management, offering a comprehensive approach to overall well-being.
The approach ensures that clients feel safe, equal, and free from judgment, which we think is crucial for effective therapy. We’re glad that they possess this quality for their clients.
We highly recommend!
Pros
- Extensive Expertise
- Holistic Approach
- Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment
Cons
- Limited operating hours
2. Centre For Addiction And Mental Health (CAMH)
CAMH, a global center for mental health teaching and research, is known as the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada. It’s affiliated with the University of Toronto and holds the status of a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Center.
The institution boasts a dedicated team of over 5,000 professionals, including physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators, and support staff.
Annually, CAMH provides clinical care to more than 38,000 patients, offering a wide array of services to cater to diverse people, including LGBTQ+ individuals and women. Their services include individual therapy, group therapy, crisis support, and management of psychiatric medication.
Additionally, CAMH extends aftercare and concurrent mental health case management programs to ensure long-term follow-up and support.
For Ontario residents, accessing CAMH’s mental health services can be affordable and, in some cases, free via OHIP.
Pros
- Free or low-cost services for Ontario residents
- Won multiple awards in mental health and drug abuse research
- A team of 5,000 professionals
Cons
- Long waitlist
- Needs doctor referral
Customer Reviews
Very informative and supportive
“My son and I was part of the dinosaur program for ADHD children and families in 2013. It was a 4 1/2 month program and it gave me so much insite I didn’t have before. Very informative and supportive. My son was taught how to manage himself and situation around him. I would recommend this program to everyone in the same situation.”
Nella Lucchetto, Google Review
Pleasant, amazingly empathetic and truly caring
“I have been a patient at CAMH since Jan 2018. I am grateful for being referred by my family physician as some symptoms were deteriorating over a period of 1 year. The administrative staff, doctors, social workers, scientists, clinical laboratory specialists, janitors and security people are all pleasant, amazingly empathetic and truly caring. This has been my observation during every visit since I got registered as a client. My psychiatrist and the group therapy personnel are compassionate, always concerned and resourceful. I am blessed to be a patient at CAMH and receive treatments from amazing human beings. Thank You and God bless!”
Rohan R. Mehta, Google Review
3. The Giving Tree Centre
The Giving Tree Center was founded in 2022 in response to numerous stories from parents who were struggling to find high-quality support for their children’s anxiety and other mental health issues.
The center’s mission is to offer expert psychological care and support for individuals under 18 years of age.
The team’s multidisciplinary approach involves the collaboration of psychologists, psychotherapists, naturopaths, and educators. This results in comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatments that go beyond traditional therapy, addressing all aspects of a child’s well-being.
Their therapy sessions typically last an hour, but the frequency of appointments depends on what’s suitable for the patient.
Pros
- Minimal to no waiting time
- Offers both online and face-to-face arrangements
- Focus on children and youth
- Holistic approach
Cons
- High psychological assessment rates
- Not covered by OHIP
Customer Reviews
No waitlist & high quality service from the start
“I engaged a therapist for my preteen daughters anxiety issues & have seen a world of difference in just a few sessions. No waitlist & high quality service from the start. Highly recommend reaching out for a free, short consultation!”
Martin Ritchie, Google Review
Very quick response time
“I contacted the Giving Tree after noticing changes in my 8 year old son’s mood and behaviour (these past 2 years with lockdowns, school closures, etc. have really taken the hardest toll on kids…). Best decision I’ve ever made: so professional and caring, very quick response time and appointment bookings, and the therapist they assigned us was kind, caring, and connected so well with my son! I’ve seen such positive changes in his behaviour, including decreased anxiety (which has indirectly reduced mine and my husband’s to see him look so much happier). Highly recommend!!!”
A K, Google Review
4. Toronto Psychotherapy Group
Whether one is dealing with intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ-related issues, loss and grief, or obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors, the therapists at Toronto Psychotherapy Group (TPG) are equipped to provide personalized mental health services.
Founded by a group of psychotherapists, TPG’s therapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), meeting the highest standards of regulation and practice. They are trained in multiple psychotherapy approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, couples and relationship therapy, family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
TPG offers in-person, phone, and online therapy options. They even offer a free initial consultation.
Clients can visit TPG’s website to see their list of trained professionals and view the various session formats, therapy approaches, rates, and other relevant treatment details.
Pros
- Free initial consultation
- Flexible scheduling
- Sliding scale fees
Cons
- Waitlist for popular/preferred therapists
- Limited walk-in services
Customer Reviews
My go-to referral site
“If I cannot give someone a name and number directly, TPG is my go-to referral site for friends and family looking for a therapist. They are all fellows of the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy – a fantastic training institution!”
Tommy D, Google Review
Great resource for information about psychotherapy
“Toronto Psychotherapy Group is an excellent resource if you need to find well-trained, experienced, and personable therapists in Toronto. It’s also a great resource for information about psychotherapy. I highly recommend this service.”
Amy Gerling, Google Review
5. KMA Therapy
Kimberly Moffit, a registered psychotherapist and an expert in the field of relationships, established KMA Therapy in 2008. She holds a degree in psychology, a master’s in music therapy, and a doctoral degree in counseling psychology.
Through her active social media presence, Kimberly consistently engages with her audience, addressing a wide range of topics pertaining to relationships and mental health. Additionally, she has been featured in prestigious media outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
KMA Therapy comprises a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who possess insight into issues encompassing anxiety, divorce, fertility, marriage, PTSD, sex and intimacy, OCD, adoption, phobias, anger and stress management, eating disorders, and self-esteem.
What distinguishes KMA Therapy from other mental health service providers in Toronto is its provision of distinctive therapy approaches, including Adlerian psychology, existential psychotherapy, and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Pros
- Offers evening and weekend appointments
- Easy online booking
- Unlimited messaging with your Care Team
Cons
- Can be expensive for those with no private insurance coverage
Customer Reviews
They genuinely are interested in your well-being
“The staff and environment here are absolutely amazing. I highly recommend considering the KMA team when searching for therapy services. They genuinely are interested in your well-being and make you feel at home from the moment you walk in.”
Scott Emberley, Google Review
Friendly staff and helpful therapists
“Friendly staff and helpful therapists. The intake meeting was quick and I started working with a therapist quickly, unlike other therapy offices that had wait times of six months. No complaints about the company, only that the building doors lock at 7:30, I feel bad making whoever is at the desk come down to let me in.”
Christopher Gyorffy, Google Review
6. Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) is a non-profit organization committed to delivering crucial support and education to individuals coping with mood disorders, along with their families and caregivers.
MDAO offers drop-in peer support groups, recovery programs, clinical support for families and youth, early intervention for mood disorders and psychosis, and online tools focused on wellness and recovery. These services are free, confidential, and suitable for all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
In addition, they have educational programs that cover topics like diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies. Their goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage their mood disorders.
To sustain their vital work, MDAO relies on various funding sources, including government grants, corporate donations, and individual contributions.
Pros
- Free support and recovery programs across Ontario
- Organizes virtual peer support groups
- Special focus on patients affected with mood disorders
Cons
- Limited services
Customer Reviews
They are empathetic, kind, supportive
“I have been going to MDAO for a long time. I’ve done the WRAP program. Attend dropin groups. Have used the warm lines, and social worker. I can’t say enough positive things about this organization. This organization is run by volunteers and peer support services, along with paid staff. They are empathetic, kind, supportive. They have walked in our shoes. In WRAP, I learned I have agency, can ask for help, but can do something to help myself. In dropin group I realized I’m not alone. I listen. Offer validation and support. I don’t know where I’d be today. I can’t thank them enough.”
Sue Robinson, Google Review
Supportive environment
“Empathetic and caring staff, helpful peer-to-peer and drop-in programs, and a supportive environment; all of which have helped me in healing the mind one day at a time. Thank YOU Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. God Bless!”
Rohan R. Mehta, Google Review
