Start therapy in three
simple steps.
Complete our short intake form and tell us what you're experiencing. We'll use your answers to better understand your needs and preferences.
A member of our team will contact you to answer your questions, confirm your coverage, and schedule your free consultation.
Begin virtual therapy from anywhere in Canada with the therapist who best fits your needs. Most students use their health benefits — we help make the process simple.
No waitlists. No complicated referrals. Just real support, fast.
Start Your JourneyAt The Lighthouse, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to mental health care. Our mission is to make therapy accessible and affordable for every post-secondary student.
Frequently Asked Questions
TLDR: Students pay between 0-25$ out-of-pocket per session, based on their insurance plans.
We understand that finances are incredibly stressful for students; and this reality is a core consideration of our practice.
Our student rate is $125 per session. Your insurance will generally coverage 80-100% of the cost. This varies based on individual plans, and your school's insurance brochure for the latest information.
If you are still unable to afford therapy or require more sessions beyond your insurance cap, please reach out to welcome@thelighthouseinstitute.ca; and a member of our team will work with you to facilitate access to care.
TLDR: If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or simply want a dedicated space to process life, therapy can help.
We believe you don't need to be in a active crisis to benefit from therapy.
Whether you're navigating academic burnout, dynamic relationship shifts, or just feeling chronically off, therapy provides a grounded, empirical, and non-judgmental space to build tools and gain clarity.
We offer free 20-minute consultations to help you decide if our approach aligns with your needs before committing.
TLDR: Individual sessions are 50 minutes long, typically held weekly or bi-weekly depending on your goals.
Standard individual therapy sessions run for 50 minutes. Most clients find meeting weekly or bi-weekly provides the best momentum early on, but your pace is entirely up to you.
You and your therapist will collaboratively decide on a frequency that fits your routine, finances, and goals.
TLDR: The initial session is an intake focused on understanding your background, current concerns, and goals.
Think of the first session as a collaborative conversation rather than an interrogation. We'll review privacy policies, discuss what brought you in, and explore what success looks like for you. There is zero pressure to dive into deep trauma right away; you control the pace of what you share.
TLDR: We provide official receipts for reimbursement and offer direct billing with most insurance providers.
After each session, you'll receive an itemized receipt with your practitioner's registration details to submit directly to your insurer. For eligible insurance plans, we can bill directly on your behalf to minimize upfront out-of-pocket costs. If you need help navigating your policy, reach out to welcome@thelighthouseinstitute.ca.
TLDR: You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your session.
We recognize that student and work schedules change fast. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to modify your appointment so we can offer the time slot to someone else. Cancellations or missed appointments within that 24-hour window are subject to a 50$ cancellation fee.
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