Getting Started
How do I choose the right therapist?

You can browse therapist profiles and choose someone who feels like the right fit for you. Each profile includes information about their background, approach, and areas of focus so you can make an informed choice.If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help guide you based on your goals, preferences, and what you’re hoping to work on. Just connect with us via our webchat.

What is a Good Fit Call?

A Good Fit Call is a free 20-minute introductory call designed to help you find the right therapist. It’s a relaxed conversation where you can ask questions, talk about what you’re looking for, and decide if therapy feels like a good next step.

What’s the difference between a counsellor/therapist and a psychologist in Canada? What credentials might I see?

In Canada, the words “therapist” and “counsellor” can be used in different ways depending on training and province, so the most important thing is to look at a clinician’s regulated title and credentials. In general:

Counsellors / Therapists
  • Provide psychotherapy (talk therapy) and practical support for concerns like anxiety, stress, relationships, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
  • Training varies (often a Master’s degree in counselling, psychotherapy, social work, or a related field).
  • Some are regulated by a provincial college, while others may be certified through professional associations (which can still be reputable, but regulation differs).
Psychologists
  • Are regulated health professionals with advanced graduate training (typically Master’s + Doctoral-level training, depending on the province and title).
  • Can provide psychotherapy and may also provide formal psychological assessment/testing (for example, learning, ADHD, cognitive or diagnostic assessments), depending on their scope of practice.
  • Many insurance plans explicitly cover psychologist services (coverage varies by plan).
Common credential types you may see (Canada-wide, aggregated):
  • Psychologist (often listed as Registered Psychologist / Clinical Psychologist)
  • Psychological Associate (in some jurisdictions; psychologist-equivalent role with a defined scope)
  • Social Worker (often Registered Social Worker / Clinical Social Worker)
  • Clinical Counsellor (often Registered Clinical Counsellor)
  • Psychotherapist (often Registered Psychotherapist)
  • Marriage & Family Therapist (often Registered Marriage and Family Therapist)
  • Certified Counsellor (for example, credentials like Canadian Certified Counsellor)
Which should I choose?
  • If you want support for mood, anxiety, relationships, stress, trauma, or personal growth, many counsellors/therapists, social workers, and psychologists can all be a great fit.
  • If you specifically need formal assessment/testing or your insurance only covers a psychologist, a psychologist may be the best choice.
Do I need a referral?

No. You can book therapy directly, no physician referral is required.

How quickly can I start therapy?

We offer flexible membership options to fit your needs, including day passes, dedicated desks, private offices, and virtual services. Whether you need a spot for a day or a permanent base, Hummingbird has you covered.

Is therapy virtual or in-person?

Good Therapist offers virtual therapy only, allowing you to connect securely from home or wherever you feel comfortable.

What provinces & territories does Good Therapist serve?

Our therapists support clients across Western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

What ages do your therapists work with?

We offer therapy for youth and adults ages 12–65+. Youth ages 12–15 require parental or guardian consent, while teens 16+ can begin therapy independently based on provincial guidelines.

Finding the Right Fit
What if I don't connect with my therapist?

Finding the right match matters. If your therapist doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can switch easily, no awkward conversations or extra steps.

How do I switch therapists?

Simply contact our support team and we’ll help you transition smoothly. Your comfort and progress come first.

Can I try a different therapist alter?

Yes. Therapy needs change over time, and you can switch whenever needed.

Therapy Experience
What happens during the first session?

Your first session focuses on getting to know you: what brought you to therapy, what goals you have, and what support you’re looking for. Your therapist will help create a plan that feels manageable and collaborative.

How long are sessions?

Most therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes, unless otherwise arranged with your therapist.

How often will I meet with my therapist?

That depends on your goals. Some people meet weekly, others bi-weekly or monthly. You and your therapist will decide together what makes sense for you.

What types of therapy are offered?

Good Therapist therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches. Your therapist will recommend an approach based on your goals, what’s felt helpful (or unhelpful) in the past, and the type of concerns you’re dealing with. Many therapists also integrate multiple modalities.

Common therapy modalities clients seek (and you may see on therapist profiles):
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Practical, skills-based therapy for changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours (often used for anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia).
  • DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy): Helps with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship skills (often used for intense emotions, self-destructive patterns, or chronic stress).
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Builds psychological flexibility—learning to handle difficult thoughts/feelings while moving toward your values (often used for anxiety, burnout, chronic stress).
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps you understand emotions and patterns, often used for individuals and couples to build secure connection and repair conflict.
  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT): Short-term, goal-oriented therapy focused on what’s working and what you want more of.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores deeper patterns, attachment, and how past experiences may impact present relationships and self-understanding.
  • Attachment-Based Therapy: Focuses on relationship patterns, emotional safety, and how we connect with others (helpful for relationship concerns, trauma histories, or self-esteem).
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy: A lens many therapists use across approaches, prioritizing safety, choice, and pacing when trauma may be present.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A structured therapy specifically designed for trauma and distressing memories (availability depends on therapist training and licensing).
  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches (MBCT/MBSR-informed): Builds attention and emotional regulation skills; helpful for anxiety, rumination, stress, and relapse prevention.
  • Somatic / Body-Based Therapy (Somatic-informed): Works with nervous system regulation and body cues (helpful for trauma, anxiety, chronic stress).
  • Narrative Therapy: Helps you re-author unhelpful stories about yourself and your experiences, strengthening identity and agency.
  • Gottman Method (Couples): Research-based approach for couples focused on communication, conflict management, and rebuilding trust.
Note: Not every therapist offers every modality. Profiles will show each therapist’s training and approach.
What conditions or issues do Good Therapists treat?

Good Therapist therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches. Your therapist will recommend an approach based on your goals, what’s felt helpful (or unhelpful) in the past, and the type of concerns you’re dealing with. Many therapists also integrate multiple modalities.

Anxiety & stress
  • Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, phobias
  • Health anxiety, perfectionism, overthinking/rumination
  • Stress management, life transitions, performance anxiety

Mood

  • Depression, low mood, loss of motivation
  • Persistent depressive symptoms, grief-related depression
  • Emotional numbness, irritability

Trauma & recovery

  • Trauma and PTSD symptoms
  • Childhood trauma, complex trauma patterns
  • Boundary-setting, safety, stabilization, triggers and flashbacks

Relationships & family

  • Communication issues, conflict cycles
  • Attachment concerns, trust rebuilding
  • Separation/divorce support, co-parenting support
  • Family-of-origin issues

Couples therapy

  • Reconnection, intimacy, and emotional closeness
  • Conflict and repair, recurring arguments
  • Infidelity recovery (where clinically appropriate)
  • Pre-marital / relationship strengthening

Self-esteem & identity

  • Self-worth, confidence, people-pleasing
  • Identity exploration (values, purpose, direction)
  • Assertiveness and boundary-setting

Burnout & work-related concerns

  • Burnout, caregiver fatigue, compassion fatigue
  • Workplace stress, leadership pressure
  • Professional boundaries, perfectionism, imposter feelings

ADHD-related support (therapy / coaching-style support)

  • Organization, planning, procrastination
  • Emotional regulation, overwhelm, routines
  • Self-advocacy and coping strategies
    (Therapy can help with ADHD-related challenges; formal diagnosis/prescribing is separate and depends on local resources.)

Sleep

  • Insomnia strategies, anxiety-related sleep disruption
  • Nighttime rumination, sleep routines and habits

Grief & loss

  • Bereavement, anticipatory grief
  • Complicated grief support
  • Major life changes and transitions

Life transitions

  • Moving, career changes, new parenthood
  • Relationship transitions, aging parents
  • Identity shifts and “stuckness”

Anger & emotional regulation

  • Irritability, anger patterns
  • Emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance
  • Relationship repair after conflict

Youth & teen concerns (12+)

  • School stress, friendship issues, confidence
  • Anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation
  • Family stress, adjustment challenges
Are there any conditions or issues Good Therapists don’t treat?

Good Therapist is best for outpatient therapy concerns. If you need a higher level of care (for example, immediate safety concerns, severe crisis, or intensive psychiatric care), we’ll guide you toward the right local resource.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to us. Sessions and records are handled securely and confidentially, with limited exceptions required by law (such as immediate safety concerns).

Booking & Scheduling
How do I book appointments?

Once you choose a therapist, you can book directly through their online schedule using your secure client portal.

Can I reschedule or cancel?

Yes. You can manage appointments through your client account. Late cancellation within 24 hours of the appointment time will be charged a $100 fee. Missed appointments (no-shows) incur a $150 fee.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

Clients are charged a fee of $150 for missed sessions in accordance with our no-show policy. These fees are not covered by insurance benefits.

How do we join a couples therapy session?

For couples therapy, the partner who booked the appointment and created the Good Therapist account will join the session using the secure video link in their client portal. Both partners must be together in the same location and join the session from the same device. Your partner should be physically present with you for the appointment.

How does account setup and privacy owrk for child and youth clients?

When booking therapy for a child or youth, the intake information and account must reflect the youth client, as this becomes their secure and private therapy account.
For clients ages 12–15, a parent or guardian will be asked to provide consent during the intake process and must be present when the account is initially set up. After setup, the account remains the youth client’s private and secure account, in line with privacy guidelines and clinical best practices.

How do parents or guardians join sessions with their children, if requested by the therapist?

If a parent or guardian is invited to join a session, they must be physically present with the youth and join together using the same device and secure video link; parents do not join from a separate account or link. If a parent or guardian needs their own 1:1 session with the therapist, they must create their own account and book an individual appointment. Your therapist or our support team can help guide you through this process if needed.

Communication & Support
How do I communicate with my therapist?

Clients communicate with their therapist through secure messaging and scheduled sessions within the client portal. This helps keep communication private and organized.

How do I contact the Good Therapist support team?

Our support team helps with scheduling, billing questions, account issues, and general guidance. You can reach us through the support contact options available in your portal (via chat) or on our website.

Can I text or email my therapist directly?

To protect privacy and maintain clear boundaries, communication happens through secure platform tools rather than personal phone numbers or email.

Is therapy available in a crisis?

Good Therapist is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing an emergency or need immediate support, please contact local emergency services or a crisis line.

Billing, Fees & Insurance
How does billing and payment work?

We offer secure online payment and direct billing with many insurance plans. If direct billing isn’t available, you’ll receive a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.

How much does therapy cost?

Session fees vary depending on the therapist’s credentials and experience. Fees are shown clearly before you book.

When am I charged?

Payment is typically processed securely at the time of your appointment.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Many extended health insurance plans cover therapy services. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer.

What if direct billing isn't available?

No problem, you’ll receive a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Do therapists complete letters or forms (school, work, disability, or other requests)?

In some cases, your therapist may be able to complete letters or documentation for things such as work or school accommodations, housing requests, emotional support animals, gender-affirming care, short-term, long-term disability, or workers’ compensation.

Please note that completion of forms or letters is based on your therapist’s clinical judgment and scope of practice. Requests may require sufficient treatment history and cannot be guaranteed. Your therapist will discuss expectations, timelines, and any applicable fees with you before beginning the work.

Because these requests involve professional time outside of scheduled sessions, they are billed separately and are not covered by insurance:

  • Therapists: $25 per 15-minute increment
  • Psychologists: $35 per 15-minute increment
Client Accounts & Privacy
Do I need an account?

Yes. You’ll create a secure client account where you can manage appointments, forms, payments, and communication.

How is my information protected?

We use secure, encrypted systems designed for healthcare to protect your personal and health information.

Can I access my receipts or session history?

Yes. Receipts and appointment information are available in your client portal.

Progress & Ongoing Care
How long will I need therapy?

There’s no set timeline. Some clients come for short-term support, while others continue longer depending on their goals.

Can I take a break from therapy?

Absolutely. You can pause and return when you feel ready.

Can I work with my therapist long term?

Yes, as long as it continues to feel helpful and appropriate for your goals.

Do you recongnize client milestones in therapy?

Yes. At Good Therapist, we believe progress deserves to be acknowledged. Throughout your therapy journey, we may check in at key milestones to encourage reflection, celebrate consistency, and support your growth. These moments are simply part of how we help clients stay motivated and feel supported over time. Everyone’s journey is different, milestones are meant to feel encouraging, never pressured or performance-based.

Referrals & Community
Can I refer a friend or family member?

Yes, we welcome referrals. Go to the ‘Refer a Friend’ page on our website to refer your friends and family, and be rewarded with a $50 visa gift card for each successful referral as a thank you.

Do therapists at Good Therapist work independently?

Yes. Therapists run their own practices while using the Good Therapist platform for scheduling, documentation, billing, and client support, which means you get personalized care with seamless administrative support.

Can I work with my therapist long term?

Yes, as long as it continues to feel helpful and appropriate for your goals.

Do you recongnize client milestones in therapy?

Yes. At Good Therapist, we believe progress deserves to be acknowledged. Throughout your therapy journey, we may check in at key milestones to encourage reflection, celebrate consistency, and support your growth. These moments are simply part of how we help clients stay motivated and feel supported over time. Everyone’s journey is different, milestones are meant to feel encouraging, never pressured or performance-based.

Technical & Support Questions
What do I need for virtual therapy?

A stable internet connection, a quiet private space, and a phone, tablet, or computer with video capability.

What if I have technical issues during a session?

Your therapist will work with you to reconnect if needed. Often, closing and re-opening your browser or client portal will resolve the issue. If the problem continues, you may switch to a telephone session with your therapist. Please note your therapist will call from a masked number. If you experience ongoing issues accessing video appointments, please contact our support team and we’ll help troubleshoot.

What if I'm not happy with the care or support I receive?

Your experience matters to us. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s related to your therapy experience or administrative support, we encourage you to contact our support team directly. We’re here to listen, work with you, and do our best to make things right. This may include helping resolve concerns, improving communication, or supporting you in finding a better therapist fit. Our goal is always to make sure you feel supported, respected, and well cared for throughout your experience with Good Therapist.

Do I need to download an app to access the portal or join appointments?

No, you do not need to download an app. You can access the client portal directly through your web browser. The portal is where you will join video sessions, message your therapist or our support team, view and pay invoices, update billing or insurance information, and complete forms or journal entries. If you prefer using an app, you may download the Practice Better app from your preferred app store and log in using your portal username and password.

Get started with GoodTherapist

Find a good therapist. Choose a good time. Book online.
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