Our York Region office is located at 125 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill, Ontario, in the heart of York Region. We are situated near the intersection of Highway 7 and Leslie Street, just minutes from Highway 404 and Highway 407, making it easily accessible from across Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, and North York.

Free parking is available on-site, and detailed directions are provided upon booking.

If you are under one of the plans listed above, you may be able to have us direct bill to your insurance company. We currently are set up with Telus E-Claims, Medavie Blue Cross, Non-Insured Health Benefits, and Greenshield. Please note: Direct billing is available for services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW). Unfortunately, we cannot provide direct billing for RP Qualifying members at this time. If the therapist you wish to work for is still listed as RP Qualifying, you may be able to submit on your own however we will not be able to direct bill on your behalf due to the policies of these insurers.

Our program is designed for anyone in Ontario, including residents of Ottawa and Toronto, who are looking for affordable, quality mental health support. We offer lower-cost services to ensure everyone can access the help they need.

Yes, we offer in-person therapy sessions at our York Region office, as well as secure virtual therapy options for those located anywhere in Ontario or across Canada.

We offer direct billing for the following insurance providers: Telus E-Claims, Greenshield, Veterans Affairs (Medavie Blue Cross), NIHB (Express Scripts)

Our York Region therapists specialize in working with men on a variety of issues, including:

• Anxiety & depression

• Pornography & sex addiction

• Relationship and marriage issues

• Anger management

• Trauma and PTSD

• Self-esteem and identity

• Infidelity and trust repair

• Stress and burnout

We also work with partners of men and couples.

Individual therapy sessions vary from $25 to $85 per session. Most clients pay between $25-50 per session.

Through Telus E-Claims, we can directly bill a variety of insurers through their submission portal.

Absolutely. First Step Men’s Therapy was founded to help men build better relationships with themselves and others. Our team in York Region is trained and experienced in male-focused therapy, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges men face today.

In most cases, no. If you are eligible for direct billing, we will submit your claim directly to your insurance provider, and you will only need to pay any remaining balance (such as a deductible or co-payment).

Our therapy sessions may be covered under extended health benefits plans in Ontario. Be sure to check with your provider for coverage options.

Discuss with our admin team to ensure your insurer is one that we can direct bill on your behalf. Simply provide your insurance details, which therapist you would like to work with, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Our sessions are led by master's-level interns who are supervised by experienced psychotherapists registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

You can book a free 20-minute consultation directly on our website, completing the form on this page, or by calling/emailing us.

Our intake team will help match you with the best therapist for your needs and schedule.

Yes, we provide couples counselling and individual therapy for partners of men as well. While our name emphasizes men’s therapy, we recognize the importance of healing relationships and supporting those connected to the men we serve.

We offer a free 20-minute consultation and provide an 80-minute initial assessment to determine if our services are a good fit for your needs. This allows you to explore therapy without financial commitment.

If your insurance provider doesn’t cover the full cost, you’ll be responsible for the remaining balance. We’ll provide you with an invoice for the difference.

Claims are typically processed within 1-2 days, depending on your insurance provider. If there are any issues with the claim, we will notify you promptly.

No, you do not need to show proof of financial need. Our affordable therapy program is open to anyone seeking mental health support, regardless of financial circumstances.

Fees vary based on the therapist and session length. Many clients have extended health insurance that covers therapy with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Social Worker (RSW). We provide receipts for insurance reimbursement and offer direct billing to some providers when possible.

In order for us to submit claims to Veterans Affairs Canada through Medavie Blue Cross, we will your need your “K” number. Veterans receive 25 sessions per calendar year covered through Veterans Affairs.

Yes, all therapy sessions are confidential. Our therapists follow strict professional and ethical guidelines under the CRPO and OCSWSSW. Your privacy is our priority. When you enter our office, we protect your confidentiality and have a safe, warm, secure space for you to share your issues and challenges.

Interns work with clients for up to 8 months in our program. After that, you can choose to continue with the intern as an associate, work with another intern, or stop participating in the program.

For NIHB, we require your Band ID number or “N” number and a signed consent form in order to complete a “prior approval” for your sessions. Clients registered with NIHB receive 22 sessions per year, 2 initial assessment sessions and 20 counselling sessions per year.

Unlike many generalist therapy practices, we are dedicated to supporting men and their partners with a focus on emotional intelligence, healthy masculinity, relational repair, and personal growth. Our therapists are hand-picked for their clinical expertise, real-world experience, and passion for working with men.

While most student interns can work with a variety of mental health challenges and are supervised weekly by a clinical supervisor, this program is not suited for those with complex mental health issues such as active addiction, complex trauma, and those navigating the legal system (i.e. pending court charges).

Therapy for anxiety involves working with a trained therapist to identify, understand, and manage anxiety triggers. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help reframe negative thought patterns, while exposure therapy gradually reduces anxiety responses to specific situations or triggers.

If anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, relationships, work, or personal well-being, therapy can be beneficial. Some signs include constant worry, physical symptoms (like restlessness, tension, or fatigue), or avoidance behaviors that interfere with normal activities.

Common therapies for anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Each therapy uses specific methods tailored to different forms and severities of anxiety.

Therapy duration varies by individual, the type of anxiety, and the therapy approach. Some people see improvement in a few weeks, while others may need several months. Therapists usually personalize treatment plans to achieve lasting results.

During the first session, a therapist typically asks questions to understand your anxiety's history, triggers, and impact on daily life. This helps them develop a tailored treatment plan. The session is also a time to discuss goals and ask questions.

Not necessarily. While therapists can’t prescribe medication, some people find a combination of therapy and medication beneficial. A psychiatrist or primary care physician can evaluate if medication may complement therapy based on your needs.

Therapy, particularly CBT, is highly effective for many people managing anxiety. Studies show that therapy can reduce symptoms and help people develop long-term coping skills. Individual results vary, and consistency in therapy sessions is often key.

Yes, online therapy has been shown to be effective for anxiety treatment. It offers a convenient option that can be as successful as in-person therapy, especially for those who prefer flexibility or feel more comfortable in a home setting.

Therapy is offered online to men across Canada, making it accessible no matter where you are. For those interested in in-person sessions, our offices in Toronto and Ottawa provide a comfortable setting to work through anxiety with a licensed therapist.

Indicators of progress include reduced anxiety symptoms, improved coping skills, greater emotional awareness, and an enhanced ability to manage anxiety-inducing situations. Consistent sessions and honest communication with your therapist contribute to success.

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help improve and maintain one's mental health and face challenges both in the present and going forward.

Unfortunately, OHIP does not currently cover the cost of psychotherapy services. Some insurance providers may cover the cost, however, you will have to check whether your insurance provider covers the designation (i.e. Registered Psychotherapist or Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker) prior to starting therapy to ensure coverage.

Each individual session lasts 50 minutes. We use the final 10 minutes to finish up our documentation such as case notes that are required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and when developing a tailored treatment plan to help guide us in our work.

To keep things simple, we ask that you pay for our services first, then submit any claims directly to your own insurance provider. Check with your insurance providers to learn more about whether you are covered for services offered by your individual therapist's designation (i.e. Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, & Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist).

Yes, we have an office in Ottawa, Ontario located at Bank & Cooper in the heart of Centretown.

Don't live in Ottawa? We offer online therapy options for individuals residing across Ontario. We have clients in Windsor, Kingston, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Niagara Falls - and everywhere in between!

Working with a therapist requires an environment that is safe, private, and secure. We use a telehealth platform that enables us to work together in such an environment. There is also an added layer of comfort for many clients, as you can meet us in the safety and privacy of your own space. We ask that you minimize any distractions prior to our session, such as silencing all cell phones and ensuring you have water or a pen/paper prior to joining the session.

Yes, we provide you with a .pdf receipt after each session to allow you to keep for your own records and, if needed, submit it for your insurance coverage or tax records (if applicable).

While understandable, we ask that the individual who requires our services make the first step and reach out to us directly. We are unable to book appointments from partners, friends, or family.

The answer depends on many factors/variables. Some individuals start to feel better quickly as a result of simply talking open and honestly about their concerns for the first time. However, deeper level change does take time. The longer you have been struggling with your concern the more therapy sessions you will most likely need. On average many clients do notice some progress within the first 2-3 months of therapy.

Your privacy and confidentiality are crucial. The information that you share will not be disclosed without your consent.

There are some exceptions to this (required by Ontario law):

• You disclose information that indicates you or someone else is in imminent danger

• You disclose information about abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16

• You disclose information about abuse by a health care professional

• You disclose information about the abuse or neglect of a senior

• The court subpoenas your records

• The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requests your records as part of an audit

Before and throughout therapy, we will discuss these circumstances in detail and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Your personal health information is stored on a secure and private PIPEDA and PHIPA compliant electronic record management software, Jane Practice.

• PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

• PHIPA: Personal Health Information Protection Act

The short answer is no. You will never be forced to discuss something that you don’t feel comfortable disclosing. It can help to think of therapy like driving a car – you’re in the driver’s seat, the therapist is the passenger. A therapist can work with you to determine a better roadmap, but ultimately the decision to turn is yours. You can always discuss the pros and cons of discussing a certain topic with your therapist.

An important predictor of success in therapy is fit between client and therapist. While it will take you some time to develop trust, after this call you should have an idea of whether this is someone you’d like to work with.

We will review basic questions that you have and determine if fees and appointment availability work for you. You do not have to make a decision during this call about proceeding with therapy. You can take your time, think about it, and reach out at a later time to schedule your appointment.

Once ready to book a first session, we will send you an intake form and informed consent form that outlines all the policies and procedures within the course of your therapeutic relationship (confidentiality, cancellation, fees etc). Once your form has been completed and signed, you will be ready to start your session.

** A valid credit card is required prior to starting your first session and throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help improve and maintain one's mental health and face challenges both in the present and going forward. Our fees range from $50 to $170 (plus HST) per session.

Our fees range from $150 to $180 per session depending on the therapist and their experience/designation. Some therapists are required to charge HST, which will be added to the session rate

Fees that are lower ($50-85) are offered by our student intern therapists that are completing their masters program in counselling psychology and are clinically supervised by a senior therapist in the field. We have limited pro-bono and student rate sessions available to individuals who meet this need for affordable therapy.

Once ready to book a first session, we will send you an intake form and informed consent form that outlines all the policies and procedures within the course of your therapeutic relationship (confidentiality, cancellation, fees etc). Once your form has been completed and signed, you will be ready to start your session. ** A valid credit card is required prior to starting your first session and throughout the therapeutic relationship.

If you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, struggling with relationships, facing life transitions, or feeling overwhelmed, therapy can provide valuable support. It's a proactive step to enhance your well-being and address specific concerns.

Progress in therapy is subjective and individualized. We regularly review your goals and assess your progress together. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the direction of our work.

It is common to feel apprehensive about therapy, but it is important to remember that the goal of couples therapy is to improve your relationship, not make it worse.

A skilled therapist will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you and your partner to work through your issues together. Through therapy, you can learn new communication skills and gain insight into your own and your partner’s perspectives, which can help you resolve conflicts and strengthen your relationship.

It's understandable to have reservations about attending couples therapy, but it's important to communicate your concerns with your partner. You can let them know that you're interested in improving your relationship and that couples therapy could help you both achieve that goal. It may also be helpful to explain the benefits of couples therapy and how it can help you both work through your issues in a supportive and constructive way. We find many men feel more comfortable in therapy with First Step Men's Therapy as a place for safety, comfort, and compassion for both partners in the coupleship.

This is a common misconception. Couples counselling can be beneficial for a variety of relationship issues and can help couples improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and build a stronger relationship. It can also help couples to understand each other's needs and perspectives better. It can be used as a preventative measure for couples who are having some difficulties but still want to work on their relationship and keep it healthy.

Couples counselling is not a guarantee of success, and in some cases, couples may decide to separate or divorce after counselling. However, many couples find that counselling helps them to better understand and address their issues, and can lead to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. It's important to keep in mind that couples counselling is a process and it takes time and effort to see the results.

It's important to remember that seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness or failure, it's actually a sign of strength and willingness to work on your relationship. It takes courage to be vulnerable and open to change and it's a sign of maturity and commitment to the relationship.

The duration of couples counselling varies depending on the specific issues being addressed and the progress made by the couple. Some couples may only need a few sessions to resolve their issues, while others may require more ongoing counselling to address deeper underlying problems.

The time it takes for couples to feel better also varies. Some couples may notice improvements in their relationship after just a few sessions, while others may take longer to see changes. It's important to keep in mind that couples counselling is a process and it takes time and effort to see the results. It's also important to understand that the goal of counselling is not just to feel better but to improve the relationship and to learn skills and tools to maintain a healthy relationship.

It's also worth noting that couples counselling can be an ongoing process. Even after the main issues have been resolved, many couples continue to attend counselling sessions on a regular basis to maintain the progress they've made and address any new issues that may arise. It's not uncommon for couples to continue counselling on a regular basis even after the main issues have been resolved, as it can help them to maintain the progress they've made and address any new issues that may arise.

Couples therapy is a great option for couples who are struggling to connect and communicate effectively with each other. It can help you identify and address the root causes of your problems, and provide you with tools and strategies to improve your relationship. If you are unsure if couples therapy is right for you, you can schedule an initial consultation with a therapist to discuss your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you and your partner.

If you are feeling disconnected from your partner or experiencing communication difficulties in your relationship, couples therapy can be a helpful way to address these issues and improve your connection with your partner. With the help of a skilled therapist, you can learn new communication skills, gain insight into your own and your partner’s perspectives, and develop strategies to improve your relationship.

Our therapists are committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can openly and honestly discuss your concerns.

There are several different approaches to couples counselling, each with its own focus and techniques. Some of the most common approaches include:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This approach focuses on helping couples identify and express their emotions in a healthy way, and to create a deeper sense of connection and intimacy.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to relationship problems.

The Gottman Method: This approach focuses on building a strong and healthy relationship by improving communication, managing conflicts, and creating intimacy.

Imago Relationship Therapy: This approach is based on the idea that people are attracted to partners who have qualities that they lack, and that conflicts can be resolved by understanding and addressing these underlying needs.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): This approach focuses on identifying solutions and strengths rather than dwelling on problems. It encourages the couples to work on their goals and aims for the relationship.

Family Systems Therapy: This approach focuses on understanding the dynamics of the relationship within the context of the larger family system.

These are some of the most common approaches but there are many other ways couples counselling can be approached. It's important to find a therapist that's a good fit for you and your partner.

In general, it's important to have realistic expectations about the time it takes for couples counselling to be effective, and to be open to the idea that it may take some time to see progress. It's also important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your partner, as this can greatly impact the effectiveness of the counselling.

It will be dependent on the needs of the group, however common topics may include overcoming sexual addiction, healthy intimacy, and a betrayed partners group for those dealing with betrayal trauma.

The most effective group size is 6-8 clients per therapist.

In order to build trust amongst the group, members are expected to share their first names. Other identifying factors can remain private.