Finding the Right Therapist: Sorting Through the Options
If you’ve ever found yourself late at night scrolling through endless lists of therapists—wondering how to choose, how much it will cost, and whether that first call will lead anywhere—you’re not alone. Many Quebecers describe that same hesitation.
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, nearly half of Canadians will experience a mental-health difficulty by age 40. Yet finding help can still feel confusing. Between public wait lists, private clinics, different professional titles, and varying approaches, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.
Our clinicians often meet individuals who have delayed reaching out simply because they weren’t sure where to turn or who to trust.
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Understanding Who Does What
In Quebec, several types of professionals provide mental-health care, each with specific training and credentials:
• Psychologists are licensed professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental-health conditions using evidence-based methods and psychological testing.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose, prescribe medication, and are covered under RAMQ, though wait times can be long.
• Psychotherapists in Quebec hold a psychotherapy permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). They provide therapy using recognized methods but cannot diagnose or prescribe medication.
• Social workers and counsellors may also offer psychotherapy if they have additional training and meet licensing requirements.
Training and Qualifications: Why It Matters
Quebec has one of the highest numbers of psychologists and psychotherapists per capita in Canada—a reflection of our province’s history, where psychologists have long been permitted to practise independently with a master’s degree. This has made psychological services more accessible, but it also means that training backgrounds can vary widely.
When choosing a clinician, it’s worth considering not only their credentials but also the depth and nature of their training. A master’s degree typically emphasizes counselling skills and therapeutic technique, whereas doctoral-level training (PhD or PsyD) integrates those skills with extensive education in research, statistics, and the scientific foundations of human behaviour.
This approach—known as the Boulder Model or scientist-practitioner model—teaches psychologists to think critically, evaluate evidence, and apply research findings directly to clinical practice. In other words, it’s not just about “knowing the methods,” but about understanding why and when they work, and adapting them thoughtfully to each individual.
My own training followed this model: a Bachelor of Science, a two-year Master of Science, and a seven-year PhD in Clinical Psychology (five years of doctoral coursework and research, plus a two-year accredited clinical internship). This background provides a foundation for evidence-based assessment, nuanced formulation, and treatment that’s informed by both science and clinical judgment.
In a field where new research continually reshapes best practices, having a clinician trained to analyze data, question assumptions, and integrate evidence can make a real difference in outcomes.
Regardless of professional title, it’s essential to ensure that your clinician is a member of a provincial professional order, such as the OPQ. This ensures accountability, ethical standards, and protection for clients.
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Understanding Fees and Access
In Quebec, psychiatric services are covered by the public health system, but access typically requires a medical referral. Psychological and psychotherapy services in private practice are usually paid out of pocket or reimbursed through private insurance or employee assistance plans.
Rates in Quebec generally range from $120 to $300 per session, depending on the clinician’s training and experience. At our clinic, fees currently range from $175 to $225 per session. We provide receipts that can be submitted to most insurance plans for reimbursement.
Some psychologists and therapists offer sliding-scale fees, and certain community organizations or university training clinics offer lower-cost options, though these often come with longer wait lists.
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Common Evidence-Based Approaches
Modern psychotherapy is both art and science—grounded in decades of research showing that psychological treatments can be as effective as (and sometimes more effective than) medication for many conditions.
Some of the most established and effective approaches include:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented method that helps people identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Originally developed for individuals with intense emotional responses, DBT combines CBT with mindfulness and acceptance skills.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while staying aligned with their values.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradually helps individuals face fears (such as driving, heights, or public speaking) to reduce avoidance and anxiety.
• Psychodynamic and Emotion-Focused Therapies: Explore how early experiences and emotional patterns influence current relationships and coping.
The “best” therapy depends on your goals, personality, and comfort level with your therapist. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship—feeling understood, safe, and supported—is the single strongest predictor of positive outcomes.
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The Quebec Advantage
One advantage in Quebec is our strong pool of regulated mental-health professionals. The Ordre des psychologues du Québec maintains clear professional standards and public protection mechanisms, ensuring that clients receive competent, evidence-based care.
The diversity of training backgrounds—psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers—means that individuals can find a good fit in terms of approach, personality, language (English or French), and cultural context.
Websites such as https://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/web/english or Psychology Today’s Quebec directory allow you to search by location, specialty, or theoretical orientation.
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Taking the First Step
Starting therapy is a courageous act of self-reflection and growth. It requires openness, effort, and trust. The first session can feel uncertain, but that step often marks the beginning of meaningful change.
After a few sessions, you’ll usually know whether you’ve found the right fit. And if not—it’s entirely appropriate to keep looking. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable, respected, and understood.
Choosing to seek help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and commitment to your own well-being.
Adapted from “Finding the Right Therapist,” The Globe and Mail (2024).