You're not in an emergency, but realize you're having a hard time and would like to talk to a mental health professional. This can be scary if you don't know what to expect. You've taken a great step by coming here to gather information.

Keep in mind that phone or website information will be general, and not tailored to your specific situation. Still, there are many good phone or internet resources. Get started by calling Kids Help Phone or ConnexOntario. 

Some services are free, some aren't.

• If you're a university or college student, most student health centres offer counselling for free. Most community health centres also have counsellors you can see for free. Go on their websites, stop in, or phone to check.
• If you see a general practitioner (GP) psychotherapist, the service is covered by most provincial health plans (such as OHIP). If you go to a hospital, it's also covered.
• In Canada, psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs), so you don't pay because they are covered by provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP).
• Clinical psychologists are typically covered by extended health insurance plans through workplaces but not by provincial health plans.
• Social workers are often covered in group benefits plans across Canada and the majority of EAP providers in Ontario.
• Some employers — either your own or your parents' — provide Employee Assistance Plans (EAP) that offer short-term counselling at no cost to you. Ask someone in your family to see if they have access to an EAP.

 Usually psychologists have shorter waiting lists, and you can often just call and get an appointment. You usually don't need a referral from a family doctor, unless you want to submit your receipt to an extended health insurance plan (through your work or your parents' work).

Social workers are often covered in group benefits plans across Canada and the majority of EAP providers in Ontario. They are considered "authorized medical practitioners" for the purpose of claiming medical expenses. Social workers are often employed in hospital and community-based mental health services for youth, as well as in private practice work as psychotherapists.

When you submit your receipt to your extended health insurance plan, it's all confidential. Your employer can't get your file without your permission. If you see a psychologist in private practice, you may need to pay at the time of the visit (approx. $140 to $160) and then send in your receipt to be repaid.