We get asked about our rates fairly often, and we think it is a fair question. People making decisions about therapy deserve a straightforward answer. At Your Counselling Nova Scotia, we have made deliberate choices about how we price our services, and we are happy to explain them.
What Therapy Costs in Nova Scotia
Private therapy in Nova Scotia is not covered by MSI, which means the full cost comes out of pocket for most people unless they have employer benefits or a private insurance plan. The going rates in the Halifax and Dartmouth market as of 2025 look roughly like this:
- Registered Social Workers (RSW) and Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT): typically $165 to $200 per session
- Registered Psychologists: $200 to $250 per session, with the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia recommending $225 per clinical hour [1]
- Couples and family sessions: generally $230 to $260 at most practices
These are the real market rates across Halifax, Dartmouth, and the surrounding area. They reflect the genuine cost of running a regulated clinical practice. They are also out of reach for a significant number of people who would benefit from consistent, ongoing support.
What We Charge and Why
Our rates are set with intention. Our therapists are Registered Social Workers with graduate-level training and real clinical experience. The quality of care is what you would expect from that designation. The difference is the philosophy behind the pricing.
We made a deliberate decision to price below the maximum recommended by the professional college. The maximum recommended rate is not automatically the right rate for every practice in every context. Meaningful therapy typically requires more than one or two sessions. We wanted our rates to make that kind of sustained engagement possible for more people in Nova Scotia.
What Your Investment Covers
A session with our team is a session focused entirely on the work. Our therapists bring evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care, tailored to each person’s goals and pace. There are no add-ons, no pressure toward longer packages, and no hidden costs.
Our therapists are Registered Social Workers, which means sessions are eligible for reimbursement through most extended health benefit plans [2]. If your employer plan covers social work services, and many do, you may be able to access therapy with us at significantly reduced cost, or covered entirely. It is worth checking your benefits before assuming therapy is out of reach. We provide receipts in the format required for insurance reimbursement.
A Straightforward Commitment
There are practices in Halifax and Dartmouth that charge more than we do and deliver excellent care. Specialization, experience, and therapeutic approach all factor into what a session is worth to a particular person, and we respect that. What we can say is that our rates reflect a genuine commitment to making quality therapy accessible in Nova Scotia, and that commitment shapes every decision we make as a practice.
If cost has been a barrier to starting or continuing therapy, we are worth a conversation. You can also learn more about our team and our approach by meeting our therapists here before deciding.
Ready to Get Started?
We believe that people who need support should be able to access it consistently. If you have questions about our rates, coverage, or how to get started, reach out directly and we will walk you through it. We serve clients in person in Dartmouth, with Halifax-area clients welcome in person or virtually, and offer virtual sessions across all of Nova Scotia.
Book a consultation: https://yourcounsellingnovascotia.ca/book/
Links
[1] Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia. (2025). Recommended fees for psychological services. APNS. https://www.apns.ca/
[2] Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. (2024). Private practice resources. NSCSW. https://nscsw.org/private-practice/private-practice-resources/
[3] First Session. (2025). How to find a therapist or psychologist in Halifax. https://www.firstsession.com/resources/how-to-find-a-therapist-or-psychologist-in-halifax