Counselling for Men in Windsor: Our
dedicated space for men's mental health and healing

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.

While we offer anxiety therapy and depression therapy to men from Windsor, at the moment all our services for men in the Greater Windsor Area are conducted online through our secure telehealth platform.

In Ontario, the main difference between a therapist and a psychologist comes down to education, regulation, and the services they provide. A psychologist has advanced training, usually holding a PhD or PsyD in psychology, and is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Psychologists are qualified to perform diagnostic assessments and can officially diagnose mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD. They also provide therapy and are often covered under extended health benefits, making them a good option if you're looking for both a diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, therapists in Ontario is a broader term that can include Registered Psychotherapists (RP), social workers (MSW), and other mental health professionals. These therapists are regulated by different colleges depending on their designation, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Generally, therapists focus on talk therapy and emotional support but do not diagnose mental health disorders. If you're looking for someone to support you through difficult emotions, life transitions, or relationship challenges, a therapist might be the right fit. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, whether you're seeking a diagnosis or simply someone to help you work through what's on your mind.

Men don’t have to choose male therapists, but some men find it really helpful. Working with another man can create a sense of shared understanding, especially when talking about topics like masculinity, relationships, sex, or emotional struggles that might feel harder to open up about. A male therapist might “get” certain social pressures men face without needing as much explanation. That said, the most important thing is feeling safe, heard, and supported—regardless of gender. Some men actually prefer working with female therapists because they feel less judged or more emotionally attuned. In the end, it comes down to personal comfort and who helps you show up honestly. It’s okay to try different therapists until you find the right fit.

Rates between therapists vary based on years of experience, education, and in some cases specialities. At First Step Men's Therapy, our rates vary from $150-200 per hour for individual therapy and $200+ per hour for couples work. We also offer an affordable therapy program offering low cost therapy for Windsor that does not require proof or confirmation. The Affordable Therapy Program is run by masters level students completing their final stage of their degree.

No, in most cases, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover counselling or therapy with professionals like Registered Psychotherapists (RP), social workers (MSW), or counsellors in private practice. If you want to see a therapist privately, you usually have to pay out of pocket, although many people have coverage through work benefits (extended health insurance) that can reimburse part or all of the cost. However, OHIP does cover mental health services if they’re provided by a physician, such as a psychiatrist (who requires a referral from your family doctor) or therapy within public hospitals, community health centres, or family health teams. The downside is that these services often have long wait times, and access can depend on where you live. Many people choose to pay privately for quicker access to therapy, using their benefits if available.