Services Available across Canada
Online & In-Person Sessions, Guaranteed No Waitlist
Accepted by most major insurance providers
Suivis/services thérapeutiques offerts en français
Simplifying Insurance Claims & Payments
We're here to help you make this easy and accesible!
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At First Step Men’s Therapy, we understand that navigating insurance claims and payments can be a hassle. That’s why we offer direct billing for eligible services to help streamline your experience.
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Whether you’re using Telus E-Claims, Greenshield, Veterans Affairs (Medavie Blue Cross), or NIHB (Express Scripts), our direct billing process makes it easier to access the care you need without worrying about the upfront payment.
How the Direct Billing Program Works
Our direct billing program allows us to submit your claims directly to your insurance provider on your behalf. This means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for eligible services upfront. All you need to do is provide us with your insurance details, and we’ll handle the rest.
We can directly bill for services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW), but please note that we are unable to direct bill for RP Qualifying members at this time.
Benefits of Direct Billing for Clients
✓ No Upfront Payment Required
You don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement.
✓ Saves Time and Effort
No need to fill out claim forms or deal with insurance paperwork.
✓ Faster Access to Care
Removes financial stress, so you can focus on getting the support you need right away.
✓ More Affordable
Eliminates large upfront costs, making regular care more manageable.
✓ Reduces Financial Stress
Especially helpful for clients on fixed incomes or with ongoing health needs.
✓ Transparent Coverage
Know in advance what services are covered and how much is paid.
✓ Convenient and Hassle-Free
We handle the billing process so you don’t have to.
✓ Supports Mental and Physical Wellness
Makes it easier to maintain regular appointments without worrying about costs.​
How to Get Started
Check Eligibility
Reach out to our admin team that you would like to use the direct billing option. Our admin team will ask you some questions and assess whether you are eligible for direct billing through one of our supported insurers and our clinicians (Telus E-Claims, Greenshield, Veterans Affairs (Medavie Blue Cross), or NIHB (Express Scripts)).
Provide Insurance Details
Prior to booking your first session, provide us with your insurance details, including your policy number, and any other required information.
Sign Consent Form
We’ll ask you to sign a consent form that allows us to submit the claim directly to your insurance provider.
Receive Services
After we have verified your eligibility, you can receive your therapy services as planned.
Claim Submission
Once your session is complete, we’ll submit the claim directly to your insurance provider for payment.
Payment Confirmation
Your insurance provider will process the claim, and you will be notified of any remaining balance, if applicable. If there is any outstanding amount, we will provide you with a receipt for the difference.
Still Have Questions About Direct Billing?
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What is psychotherapy?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.
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Is a therapist covered by OHIP? How about my company's health insurance plan?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.
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How long does each session last?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.
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I have insurance. Can you direct bill to my provider?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).
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Do you have a physical location?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!
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I have never done therapy online. Is is safe? What can I expect?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.
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Do you provide receipts?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).
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My partner isn't convinced he needs therapy. Can I book an appointment for him?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.
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How many sessions will it take to feel better?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.
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Is therapy confidential?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.
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How is my personal health information stored?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
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I have some things I am not ready to talk about. Will I have to speak about them early on in therapy?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.
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What will a 20-minute consultation help me with?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.
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I am ready to get started. What's the process look like?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.
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