What Is a Registered Psychotherapist? What You Need to Know in Ontario

The title Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is a protected designation in Ontario, regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) since 2015. RPs provide talk therapy for a wide range of emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns. Understanding this credential helps you make a confident choice when seeking therapy in Ontario.

What Qualifies Someone to Be an RP in Ontario?

To become a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, a practitioner must complete a graduate-level program in psychotherapy (typically a master degree), accumulate supervised clinical hours (around 450 hours of supervised practice), pass the jurisprudence examination, and maintain registration with the CRPO. The CRPO public register allows anyone to verify a practitioner license and standing. RPs are bound by a code of ethics and standards of practice similar to other regulated health professions.

What Do Registered Psychotherapists Treat?

RPs provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, anger, addiction, OCD, and more. Their scope of practice is governed by Ontario Regulation 386/12 and includes performing Psychotherapy as a Controlled Act — meaning they can provide treatment to individuals whose ability to relate to others may be seriously impaired. This distinguishes them from unregulated counsellors and life coaches who cannot practice within this scope.

RP Fees and Insurance in Ontario

Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario typically charge $120 to $200 per 50-minute session. Most extended health benefit plans in Ontario now list RPs as covered providers — often under a combined Mental Health or Psychotherapy category. Check your plan documents and confirm the RP is registered with the CRPO before submitting a claim. Some RPs offer direct billing to Sun Life, Manulife, or Canada Life, eliminating upfront out-of-pocket costs.

Find a Registered Psychotherapist on HealIn

HealIn lists verified Registered Psychotherapists across Ontario. Filter by specialty, city, virtual availability, and insurance type. Each profile includes the practitioner registration number so you can cross-check with the CRPO register before booking.