%20(1).png?width=200&height=80&name=Trillium%20Counselling%20Logo%20(999%20x%20398%20px)%20(1).png "Trillium Counselling Logo (999 x 398 px) (1)")
Online Counselling & Therapy
You don't have to carry it alone. Skip the commute, not the support.
Trillium Counselling offers online therapy and counselling anywhere in Ontario by secure video, with registered therapists for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships and more. Start with a free 20-minute consult and we'll match you with a therapist who fits. Evening sessions run until 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and we direct bill most major insurers where your plan allows.
Last updated: October 2026
How does online therapy work in Ontario?
All you need to start online therapy in Ontario is a phone, tablet or computer with a camera, a steady internet connection and a quiet, private spot. Sessions work much like they do in person. You and your therapist meet by live video at a set time, usually every two weeks, and you practise skills in between. Our therapists are registered to work with clients in Ontario, and getting started takes the three steps below.
Book a free consultation or request an appointment
Tell our intake team a little about what's going on and when you're free. We'll suggest a therapist who feels like a good fit and help book your first session. Or, if you're ready, feel free to book directly with our online portal.
Complete your intake forms online
Once your session is booked, you'll get an email with intake and consent forms to complete. This is your chance to share some background so your therapist can prepare.
Join from the secure link
Before each appointment, you'll receive a reminder email with a secure video link. At your session time, click it to meet your therapist. There's nothing to download.
Prefer a phone call to video? Our guide to video and phone therapy explains the trade-offs and how to get set up.
Why choose Trillium Counselling for online therapy?
Registered therapists, matched to you
Every therapist on our team is a Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist, and you can look each of them up on a public register. We also offer a free consultation to help match you with someone who feels like a good fit.
Support for what matters to you
From anxiety and trauma to depression, grief, OCD, relationship stress or many other life issues, our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness. Whatever you're facing, there's room here for your story.
Direct billing and evening hours
We are thrilled to offer direct billing to most major insurers for extended health benefit plans where your plan allows. Sessions run until 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday mornings. You can book online any time.
What can online therapy help with?
Virtual therapy can help with many of the concerns that lead people to seek support. Here are some of the key areas our therapists work with online—just a starting point, not a complete list.
Anxiety, mood, and stress
Trauma and grief
Relationships, intimacy, and body image
Life stages
Don't see what you're dealing with?
That doesn't mean we can't help; the areas above are only some of what we work with. Our therapists also support clients with a wide range of life challenges, including:
- Life transitions
- Family conflict
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Attachment patterns
- Boundaries and people-pleasing
- Work and life balance
- Parenting
- Identity questions
- Addictions
- Disordered eating
- ADHD
- Chronic pain and illness
You don't need a name for what's going on. If you're not sure whether we can help, ask us. In a free consultation, we'll listen and suggest a therapist who feels like a good fit.
Approaches offered online
You don't need to have it figured out before you book; your therapist will guide you through the process.
Who provides online therapy at Trillium?
Online therapy at Trillium Counselling is provided by Registered Social Workers (MSW, RSW) and Registered Psychotherapists (RP). All 21 of our therapists offer secure online sessions, and many also see clients in person at our Waterloo office.
We put real effort into matching you with the right therapist, because fit matters. Research involving more than 30,000 clients shows that the strength of the relationship between client and therapist is one of the most consistent predictors of how well therapy works, online and in person (Psychotherapy, 2018).
Browse our team and book with someone yourself, or book a free consultation and we'll help you find the right fit.
Show all 21 therapists
Right Therapist, Right Plan, Real Support
How do we match you with an online therapist?
You can reach out using the form above or start with a free 20-minute consultation with a member of our intake team. It's a short, friendly conversation about what's been going on and what you'd like to be different; it isn't therapy or an assessment. We'll ask about your preferences, such as therapist style, approach, schedule, and whether you'd like to meet online, in person, or a mix of both. Then we'll suggest a therapist who feels like a good fit for your circumstances and therapy goals.
A few sentences about what's going on are plenty. If after starting, it doesn't feel like the right fit after a few sessions, just say so. Our article on when it's time to change therapists explains how to bring it up.
What happens in your first online therapy session?
Your first session is mostly a conversation. Your therapist will explain how online sessions work (CRPO). They may discuss a backup plan if the video drops, such as switching to a phone call (OCSWSSW). After that, you can share what brought you to therapy and what you'd like to change. You’re also welcome to ask your therapist about their approach.
To get ready, find a spot where you won't be overheard, such as a closed room or a parked car, and use headphones if other people are home. Use a password-protected device, test your camera and connection a few minutes early, and close other apps so notifications don't interrupt you (CRPO). Our guide to video and phone therapy has more set-up tips.
Does online therapy work as well as in-person therapy?
For most people and most common concerns, yes. A large 2021 review found that therapy by live video led to about the same improvement as in-person therapy, with the clearest results when CBT was used for anxiety, depression, or PTSD (Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2021). Trials of specific treatments for trauma and depression, including prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, and behavioural activation, found that video delivery was no less effective than meeting in person (Psychology and Psychotherapy, 2021).
The relationship between you and your therapist matters a great deal, and it holds up well on screen. A review of 18 studies found that clients and therapists rated their working bond about the same in video and in-person therapy (Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2024). It can take a session or two to feel natural on camera, and therapists can at times find body language harder to read over video, so let your therapist know if something feels off.
Is online therapy secure?
Your health information is protected by Ontario's health privacy law, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which covers regulated health professionals and social workers who provide health care (Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario). Here's how we set up our online sessions.
Secure, encrypted video
Sessions run on Jane, the practice-management platform we use for booking and client records. The video connection is encrypted, and your therapist joins from a quiet, professional space.
One-click session start
Before each appointment, you'll receive a reminder email with a secure link. Click it at your session time to join your therapist. No downloads are needed.
Any device, anywhere in Ontario
Join from a computer, tablet, or phone, at home, at work, or anywhere you have privacy and a steady connection, as long as you're in Ontario.
Steady care through life changes
If you move within Ontario, travel for work inside the province, or can't make it to the office, you can keep seeing the same therapist online.
You play a part in your privacy, too. Your therapist will explain the privacy limits of online sessions at the start (OCSWSSW), and joining from a private space on a password-protected device helps keep what you share between you and your therapist.
Online or in person: which is right for you?
Both formats offer the same therapists, approaches, and fees. The difference comes down to your space, your schedule, and what helps you settle in.
| Compare | Online by video | In person in Waterloo |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Anywhere in Ontario | 55 Erb Street East, Suite 303, Waterloo |
| Travel | None, so sessions fit around work, school, or kids | A short drive from Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph |
| Often suits | Busy schedules, rural or remote areas, health or mobility limits, and anyone who feels more at ease at home | People without a private space at home, or who prefer a separate place to talk |
| Fees | $175 per 50-minute individual session; $185 per hour for couples | $175 per 50-minute individual session; $185 per hour for couples |
| Insurance | Same rules as in-person sessions on most plans | Same rules as online sessions on most plans |
In-person sessions may suit you better if you can't find a private, safe space to talk, if screens make it hard to focus, or if you're in crisis. If you're at risk of harming yourself or someone else, online therapy will likely not be the right setting (CRPO). Trillium Counselling does not provide crisis services; you'll find crisis lines at the bottom of this page. Many of our therapists see clients both ways, so you can switch formats if your needs change.
Online counselling anywhere in Ontario
Trillium Counselling is based at 55 Erb Street East, Suite 303, in uptown Waterloo, and our therapists can see you online wherever you live in the province, whether that's the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Niagara, Ottawa, London, Windsor, Barrie, Sudbury, or Thunder Bay. Online sessions can also help if you live in a smaller or rural community where it's hard to find a therapist nearby—or where you'd rather not run into your therapist around town.
Our hours are in Eastern Time. If you live in northwestern Ontario on Central Time, such as Kenora, keep the one-hour difference in mind when you book. Crisis supports are local, too, so your therapist may note the emergency services in your area as part of your safety plan (CRPO).
How much does online therapy cost, and does insurance cover it?
Online sessions cost the same as in-person sessions at Trillium Counselling: $175 per 50-minute session for individual therapy and $185 per hour for couples therapy, depending on the therapist. You'll find current fees, hours, and our cancellation policy on our hours and rates page.
In our experience, most extended health plans that cover counselling in person cover online sessions the same way, as long as your therapist's designation, such as RSW or RP, is eligible under your plan. Sessions with RSWs and RPs are not covered directly by OHIP. We direct bill most major insurers where your plan allows, including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, NIHB, and TELUS eClaims. Before your first session, check your annual coverage amount and which designations your plan includes. If you're a University of Waterloo or Wilfrid Laurier University student, our student counselling page covers student health plans.
Online therapy FAQs
+Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For most common concerns, yes. A large 2021 review found that therapy by live video led to about the same improvement as in-person therapy, with the clearest results for anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2021). Clients also rate their bond with their therapist about the same on video as in person (Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2024). Online therapy isn't the right fit for everyone, so your therapist will check in with you about how it's going.
+Is online therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Is online therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Usually, yes, if your plan covers counselling or psychotherapy. In our experience, most extended health plans that cover in-person sessions cover online sessions the same way, as long as your therapist's designation, such as Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Psychotherapist (RP), is eligible under your plan. Sessions with RSWs and RPs are not covered directly by OHIP. Trillium Counselling direct bills most major insurers where your plan allows, so check your annual amount and eligible designations before your first session.
+How much does online therapy cost in Ontario?
How much does online therapy cost in Ontario?
Fees vary between providers and credentials. At Trillium Counselling, online sessions cost the same as in-person sessions: $175 per 50-minute session for individual therapy and $185 per hour for couples therapy. Many extended health plans cover part or all of the fee, and we direct bill most major insurers where your plan allows. The 20-minute consultation is free, and there's no commitment to book.
+Can I do online therapy if I'm travelling or living outside Ontario?
Can I do online therapy if I'm travelling or living outside Ontario?
Our therapists are registered to work with clients in Ontario. If you're travelling within Ontario, you can keep your sessions as usual. If you'll be outside Ontario for a while, talk with your therapist ahead of time about your options.
+Are online therapists in Ontario regulated?
Are online therapists in Ontario regulated?
They should be. Psychotherapy is a controlled act in Ontario, open only to members of certain regulatory colleges (OCSWSSW, 2024), and online sessions are held to the same standards as in-person work, including informed consent and secure technology (CRPO). At Trillium Counselling, every therapist is a Registered Social Worker or a Registered Psychotherapist, and you can look each of them up on their college's public register before you book.
+How do I prepare for an online therapy session?
How do I prepare for an online therapy session?
Find a spot where you won't be overheard, such as a closed room or a parked car, and use headphones if other people are home. Use a password-protected device, test your camera and connection a few minutes early, and close other apps so notifications don't interrupt you (CRPO). Have water and tissues nearby. At your first session, you and your therapist will also agree on what to do if the video drops, such as switching to a phone call.
+How long is an online therapy session?
How long is an online therapy session?
Individual online sessions at Trillium Counselling are 50 minutes, the same as in person. Couples sessions are usually 80 minutes, depending on the therapist. Most people start with weekly or every-other-week sessions and adjust the pace with their therapist over time. You'll get a reminder email with your secure video link before each appointment.
+Can EMDR therapy and couples counselling be done online?
Can EMDR therapy and couples counselling be done online?
Yes, both can be done online. For EMDR, there are several ways to do the eye movements, tapping, or sounds over video, such as following your therapist's fingers on screen; our guide to EMDR therapy online explains how it works. For couples, very little about the therapy itself needs to change, and our guide to couples counselling online covers what to expect. Your therapist will talk with you about whether online sessions suit your goals.
+When is in-person therapy a better choice than online?
When is in-person therapy a better choice than online?
In-person sessions may suit you better if you can't find a private, safe space to talk, if screens make it hard to focus, or if you're in crisis. If you're at risk of harming yourself or someone else, online therapy will likely not be the right setting (CRPO). Trillium Counselling also offers in-person sessions at our Waterloo office, and many of our therapists see clients both ways, so you can switch if your needs change.
+How is my health information protected in online therapy?
How is my health information protected in online therapy?
Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) covers regulated health professionals and social workers who provide health care, and it sets rules for how your information is collected, used, and shared (Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario). Our sessions run on Jane, a secure practice-management platform with an encrypted video connection. Your therapist will explain the privacy limits of online sessions at the start (OCSWSSW), and you can help by joining from a private space on a password-protected device.
+How do I start online therapy with Trillium Counselling?
How do I start online therapy with Trillium Counselling?
Book a free 20-minute consultation online or call 226-752-8857. You'll share a little about what's going on and when you're free, and we'll suggest a therapist who feels like a good fit. Once your first session is booked, you'll receive intake and consent forms by email, then a reminder with your secure video link before each appointment. You don't need a referral or a diagnosis to start.
+Who offers online counselling anywhere in Ontario?
Who offers online counselling anywhere in Ontario?
Trillium Counselling offers online counselling by secure video to clients anywhere in Ontario, with in-person sessions at 55 Erb Street East, Suite 303, in Waterloo. Our team of more than 20 Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) works with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, relationship concerns, and many other life challenges, and every therapist offers online sessions. Sessions run until 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday. You can book a free 20-minute consultation online or by calling 226-752-8857.
About the reviewer
Devon Jorge, MSW, RSW, is the Clinical Director at Trillium Counselling and a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to clients online and in person, with specialized training in EMDR, the Gottman Method, and emotionally focused therapy. This page was reviewed by Devon for accuracy. Last reviewed October 2026.
Keep reading about online therapy
Plain-language answers to the questions people ask before they reach out.
Online therapy by video or phone: which suits you?
How each format feels, what you need at home, and simple ways to get ready for your first online session.
EMDR onlineOnline EMDR therapy: what you need to know
How eye movements, tapping, and sounds work over video, and how you and your therapist plan for interruptions.
StudentsOnline therapy for students: what to expect
Fitting sessions around classes, finding a quiet spot in residence, and using your student health plan.
ChoosingHow to find the right therapist for you
What to look for, what to ask, and how matching works when you are starting therapy for the first time.
ServicePsychotherapy at Trillium Counselling
How therapy works at Trillium, who provides it, and what to expect from your first sessions, online or in person.
ServiceAnxiety counselling in Kitchener-Waterloo and online
The most common reason people start online therapy: how our therapists help with worry, panic, and stress.
Not sure yet? Let’s talk it through.
If you’d like to ask questions or explore your options first, book a free 20-minute matching consult or give us a call (226-752-8857) . One of our team members will help you find the right therapist and next steps that feel comfortable for you.
If you need help right now
Call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. It is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day. In Waterloo Wellington, Here 24/7 answers around the clock at 1-844-437-3247. If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 9-1-1.
Trillium Counselling does not provide crisis services. For non-urgent support, book a free consultation or call 226-752-8857.