Find a Therapist in Vancouver, BC
Browse therapists and counsellors based in Vancouver. Compare specialties, therapeutic approaches, credentials and fees, see who is accepting new clients, and choose between online and in-person sessions before you reach out.
24 therapists in Vancouver
Browse 24 therapists in Vancouver, British Columbia. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist by specialty, language, and approach. Want to filter by language, identity, insurance or availability? Filter all therapists serving British Columbia.
Popular therapy specialties in Vancouver
Find Vancouver therapists who focus on what you want help with. Numbers show how many therapists on Purple Lotus list each specialty.
- Anxiety15
- ADHD2
- Depression6
- Trauma & PTSD10
- Burnout4
- Relationship issues4
- LGBTQ+ affirming therapy9
- Couples counselling2
- Grief & loss2
- Self-esteem6
Looking for something else? Browse all specialties.
Therapy approaches offered in Vancouver
Different approaches suit different people and goals. These are offered by therapists in Vancouver.
How much does therapy cost in Vancouver?
Most counselling in Vancouver is paid for privately. Therapists set their own fees, so the cost of a session depends on the therapist’s credentials and experience, the length of the session, and whether you are booking individual or couples therapy. Registered psychologists generally charge more than counsellors.
Private therapy is mostly not covered by public healthcare, but many extended health plans reimburse part of the cost. If budget is a concern, look for therapists who offer sliding-scale fees, or ask about meeting every two weeks instead of weekly.
What Vancouver therapists on Purple Lotus charge
Among the 12 therapists in Vancouver who list a fee for a standard 45–60 minute individual session, fees range from $60 to $200, with a median of $150. These figures are calculated from current therapist profiles on Purple Lotus. They are not a city-wide average.
14 of 24 therapists in Vancouver offer sliding-scale fees.
For typical price ranges and ways to pay less, read our guides on how much therapy costs in Canada and whether therapy is covered by insurance.
Online and in-person therapy in Vancouver
In-person therapy
In-person sessions happen at a therapist’s office in Vancouver. Some people find it easier to focus and open up in a dedicated space away from home and work.
17 of 24 therapists in Vancouver offer in-person sessions.
See therapists in VancouverOnline therapy
Online sessions happen by video or phone. There is no commute across the city, and your options widen: you can work with any therapist who serves British Columbia, not only those with a Vancouver office.
24 of 24 therapists in Vancouver offer online sessions.
Browse online therapists serving British ColumbiaHow to choose a therapist in Vancouver
Credentials
In BC you will mostly see Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), Registered Social Workers (RSW) and psychologists. All of them reflect formal training. If you need a diagnosis or a formal assessment, look for a psychologist.
What therapist credentials meanSpecialties
Shortlist therapists who regularly work with what you are dealing with, whether that is anxiety, ADHD, trauma or a relationship under strain. Experience with your specific concern matters more than a long list of issues.
Therapeutic approach
Approaches such as CBT, EMDR and somatic therapy feel very different in the room. Some are structured and skills-based, others more exploratory. Read how a therapist describes their sessions, not only the acronyms.
Therapy types explained without the jargonCost
Check the session fee and length on each profile before you reach out, and ask about sliding-scale rates if cost is a barrier. A fee you can sustain for several months is more useful than the lowest price for two sessions.
Insurance
If you have extended health benefits, confirm which designations your plan reimburses before you book. Many BC plans cover RCCs, but not every plan covers every credential.
How insurance coverage for therapy worksAvailability
A great match with no openings for months will not help you now. Profiles show who is accepting new clients. Ask about evening or weekend appointments if you need them.
Online or in-person
In-person suits you if you want a dedicated space and the office is easy to get to. Online gives you more therapists to choose from and fits more easily around work.
Personal fit
How comfortable you feel with the person matters more than the letters after their name. If a therapist offers an introductory call, use it to notice whether you feel heard, and know that it is fine to try someone else if it does not click.
Frequently asked questions
How much does therapy cost in Vancouver?
Fees are set by each therapist and vary with credentials, experience and session length. Psychologists generally charge more than counsellors. Each Purple Lotus profile lists session fees so you can compare before reaching out, and some Vancouver therapists offer sliding-scale rates.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist in BC?
In most cases, no. You can contact a counsellor or therapist in BC directly. Some extended health plans ask for a referral before they will reimburse sessions, so check your plan first. Seeing a psychiatrist is different and requires a referral from a doctor.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor in BC?
Psychologists typically have doctoral-level training, are regulated by a provincial college, and can diagnose mental health conditions and provide formal assessments, such as ADHD assessments. Counsellors, including Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), usually hold a master’s degree and focus on talk therapy. Both provide therapy.
Does insurance cover therapy in Vancouver?
Often, in part. Many extended health plans reimburse sessions with specific designations, and many BC plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Check which credentials your plan covers, your annual maximum and any per-session limit. Private therapy is mostly not covered by public healthcare.
Can I see a Vancouver therapist online?
Yes. Many Vancouver therapists offer online sessions by video or phone, and you can also work online with therapists based elsewhere who serve British Columbia. Check each profile for the session formats a therapist offers.
How do I choose the right therapist?
Start with what you want help with and shortlist therapists who specialize in it. Confirm their credentials and whether your insurance covers them, compare fees and availability, then pay attention to fit. Feeling comfortable and understood matters most.
Guides to help you get started
- How to find a therapist in CanadaA step-by-step guide to narrowing down your options.
- How much does therapy cost?Typical price ranges in Canada and ways to make therapy more affordable.
- Is therapy covered by insurance?What extended health plans cover and how reimbursement works.
- Therapist credentials explainedRCC, CCC, RSW and psychologist: what the titles mean.
- Therapy types without the jargonHow CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy and other approaches differ.
- What happens in your first sessionWhat to expect and how to prepare.
- Psychotherapy regulation in BCHow regulation of the profession in BC is changing.
More therapists in British Columbia
Many therapists work with clients anywhere in British Columbia online. Browse and filter all therapists serving British Columbia, or browse another city in British Columbia: