A practical guide to finding a therapist, what happens in a first consultation, how insurance works and how to support a colleague or employee who is struggling.
By Shien Victoria Zutshi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Founder, Equilibrium By Design
Approximately 6-minute read
“I Don’t Have Time for Therapy”
This is one of the most common reasons busy professionals delay getting help for burnout.
Lawyers, teachers, physicians, executives and business owners often tell themselves they will deal with it after the next deadline, the next trial, the end of term or the next quarter. But burnout rarely improves by waiting. It tends to build quietly until it affects sleep, health, relationships and work.
Starting therapy is simpler than many people expect. Here is how it works in Ontario.
Signs It May Be Time to Talk to Someone
You do not need to be in crisis to deserve support. It may be time to reach out if:
- Rest, weekends and holidays no longer restore you
- You feel anxious, irritable or on edge most days
- You have trouble sleeping or switching off
- You feel detached from work or people you care about
- Your relationships are under strain
- You rely more on alcohol, caffeine or other habits to cope
- You have been telling yourself “it will get better soon” for months
Step 1: Know Who You Can See in Ontario
Several regulated professionals provide psychotherapy in Ontario, including Registered Psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers and physicians.
Registered Psychotherapists, including those with Qualifying status, are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). You can confirm a therapist’s registration on the CRPO public register.
If you are unsure where to start, your family doctor can also be a helpful first point of contact.
Step 2: Check Your Insurance Coverage
Psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice is generally not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans include coverage for psychotherapy.
Before your first session, check:
- Whether your plan covers Registered Psychotherapists
- How much coverage you have per year
- Whether you need a doctor’s referral (some plans require one)
Your workplace may also offer an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Ontario lawyers, paralegals and law students can access the free, confidential Member Assistance Program at 1-855-403-8922.
Step 3: Book a Consultation
Many therapists offer a short, free consultation before you commit to sessions. It is a chance to:
- Briefly describe what you are experiencing
- Ask how the therapist works and what approaches they use
- Get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with them
- Ask practical questions about scheduling, fees and insurance
Questions you might ask include:
- Do you have experience working with burnout, anxiety or perfectionism?
- What approaches do you use, such as CBT, ACT or somatic therapy?
- Do you offer online sessions or evening appointments?
- What does a typical session look like?
The fit between you and your therapist matters. It is okay to speak with more than one person before deciding.
Step 4: Make It Fit Your Schedule
Therapy does not have to mean leaving the office in the middle of the day.
- Online sessions let you attend from home or a private office anywhere in Ontario.
- Evening and weekend appointments can work around court dates, teaching schedules and client meetings.
- Consistent timing, such as the same evening every other week, makes therapy easier to protect in a busy calendar.
How to Support a Colleague, Employee or Patient
If you are worried about someone else, you do not need to have all the answers.
- Check in privately. “I’ve noticed you seem stretched lately. How are you doing?”
- Listen without trying to fix it. Let them know it is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
- Share resources. Point them to your EFAP, the Member Assistance Program or a therapist.
- Respect their choice. Offer support without pressure.
If you are a physician, HR professional or leader who regularly refers people for support, a direct referral contact can make the process easier for everyone.
If someone is in immediate danger or talking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 or call 911.
Book a Consultation for Burnout Therapy in Toronto and Ontario
At Equilibrium By Design, I work with high-achieving professionals experiencing burnout, anxiety, perfectionism and relationship stress, including lawyers, educators, healthcare professionals and leaders.
- In person in Toronto and online across Ontario
- Sessions in English or French
- Evening and Sunday appointments available
- Covered by most extended health plans, with receipts after every session
Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation. You can also read more about insurance and fees or how I work.
Referring a client, patient or employee? Email hello@equilibriumbydesign.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is burnout?
The World Health Organization describes burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It shows up as exhaustion, cynicism or distance from work, and reduced effectiveness.
How do I know if I need therapy for burnout?
Consider support if rest no longer restores you, you feel detached from work or people you care about, or symptoms have lasted for weeks. You do not need to be in crisis to start.
Is burnout therapy covered by OHIP?
Psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice is generally not covered by OHIP. Most extended health plans do cover it, so check your plan for coverage of a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
What type of therapy helps burnout?
Research on burnout most consistently supports mindfulness, stress-management training and cognitive behavioural approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and somatic work can help with boundaries, values and nervous system recovery.
How long does burnout recovery take?
It varies with how long the stress has built up and whether the conditions causing it change. Many people notice early relief once they have a plan; deeper recovery usually takes longer and works best alongside changes at work.
Learn more on the Burnout Therapy in Toronto and Ontario page, or read Teacher Burnout in Ontario.
Last updated November 2, 2026
Related Reading
- Burnout Therapy in Toronto and Ontario
- Teacher Burnout in Ontario: Why Resilience Alone Isn’t Enough
- Burnout in High-Achieving Adults: Evidence-Based Solutions That Actually Work
About the Author
Shien Victoria Zutshi is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), International Baccalaureate educator, author and founder of Equilibrium by Design. With over 19 years of international education experience across five countries and a background in journalism interviewing CEOs, founders and high-profile leaders in business, technology and culture, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to human behaviour, achievement and well-being. She writes about anxiety, burnout, leadership, social cohesion, culture and the expectations we place on ourselves and others.
She is the author of Anxious & Ambitious: A 90-Day Confidence Reframe for the High Achiever, available through Equilibrium by Design.
Connect with Shien: Equilibrium by Design | Psychology Today
Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation.
This article is educational and does not replace individualized mental health assessment or treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 across Canada) or call 911.
Resources
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Public Register. crpo.ca
Law Society of Ontario. Member Assistance Program, provided by Homewood Health. homeweb.ca/map
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. 988.ca
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