Help & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
VettedCare helps people across Canada find regulated mental health practitioners they can trust. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you do not see what you are looking for, reach out and we will be glad to help.
Is VettedCare free for clients?
Yes. Browsing the directory, searching by location or specialty, and viewing practitioner profiles are completely free for clients. We do not charge you a fee to find a therapist or to reach out to one. You pay only for the sessions you book directly with the practitioner, at their stated rate.
How are credentials verified?
Before a practitioner is listed, we match their name and registration number against the public registers maintained by their provincial regulatory college, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO), or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), along with the equivalent colleges in other provinces. We confirm the registration is active and in good standing, and we re-check periodically. If a registration lapses or is restricted, the listing is updated or removed.
Are sessions covered by insurance or workplace benefits?
Often, yes, but it depends on your plan and the practitioner’s profession. Many extended health and employee assistance plans cover services from registered psychologists, psychotherapists, or social workers, sometimes only for specific designations. Coverage and annual limits vary widely, so check your plan details and ask the practitioner what receipts they provide. Note that registered psychotherapy is not subject to GST/HST in Canada, but it is generally not covered by provincial health plans (OHIP and the like).
How do I book an appointment?
Each profile shows how that practitioner prefers to be contacted, whether that is a booking link, an email address, or a phone number. Most offer a free introductory call so you can get a feel for whether they are a good fit before committing. You book and pay directly with the practitioner; VettedCare does not sit in the middle of scheduling or payment.
What is the difference between a psychotherapist, a psychologist, and a social worker?
All three can provide talk therapy, but their training and scope differ. Psychologists hold a doctoral or master’s degree and can formally assess and diagnose mental health conditions. Psychotherapists specialize in delivering psychotherapy and are regulated for that practice in several provinces. Registered social workers bring a social work lens and frequently provide counselling and therapy as well. The right choice depends on your needs, your budget, and what your benefits plan covers, more than on the title alone.
How do practitioners join or get listed?
Practitioners apply through VettedCare and provide their college, registration number, and practice details. We verify that registration against the relevant provincial register before the profile goes live. Listings are intended for practitioners who are registered and in good standing with a recognized Canadian regulatory body.
Is my information private?
Yes. You can browse and search the directory without creating an account, and we do not require you to disclose why you are looking for care. We handle any information you do share in line with Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA and applicable provincial legislation). VettedCare is a directory, not your care provider, so the clinical record of your sessions stays between you and the practitioner you choose.
Do you offer online or in-person therapy?
Both. Many practitioners in the directory offer secure video sessions, in-person appointments, or a mix of the two. You can filter and read each profile to see what a given practitioner provides and which provinces they are licensed to work in, since therapists generally serve clients located in the province where they are registered.
What if I am in crisis right now?
VettedCare is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in distress, you can call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, free and available 24/7 across Canada. For more options, see our crisis support page.
Still have a question?
If your question is not answered here, we are happy to help you navigate the directory or understand how verification works. In an emergency, always start with our crisis resources.