Frequently Asked Questions

Paige Rice Psychotherapy provides individual psychotherapy, art therapy, and counselling services tailored to clients in Ontario.

Art therapy combines creative art-making with psychotherapy to support emotional expression, self-understanding, and well-being. Through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, or other creative processes, clients can explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences that can be difficult to express through words alone.  

Art therapy can support people of different ages who are experiencing challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, the effects of trauma, depression, grief and loss, relational issues or life transitions. It provides a creative and flexible way to explore emotional well-being, and no prior artistic experience or skill is required. It emphasizes the creative process rather than the finished artwork, encouraging playfulness, sensory engagement, reflection, and therapeutic exploration within the psychotherapy process.

Art therapy can help people of different ages communicate, develop insight, and work toward meaningful change through creativity. No artistic experience is required.

The number of sessions depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. My approach is to offer no more therapy than is necessary or helpful to you.

Some people find a few sessions helpful for gaining insight or addressing a specific concern. Others choose to continue longer to explore recurring patterns, process difficult experiences, or practise new ways of responding to emotions and relationships. Progress varies, and there is no fixed timeline or guaranteed outcome.

Together we will regularly review your goals and discuss whether to continue, adjust the frequency of sessions, or bring therapy to a close. You can ask questions, take a break, or end therapy at any time.

Appointments can be scheduled through an external online booking system by contacting Paige directly via email.

Fees are competitive and vary depending on the type of service. Please email Paige Rice Psychotherapy for detailed pricing information.

Yes, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for professional mental health counselling. This coverage complements other mental wellness services that may be available.

If you are interested in using NIHB benefits, please contact Paige before booking for an update on provider enrolment and the steps needed to confirm your eligibility and coverage.

These professionals differ in their training, regulation, and the services they provide. Some roles overlap, so it is helpful to ask about a provider’s qualifications and experience.

Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
A Registered Psychotherapist provides psychotherapy to support people with emotional, mental health, and relationship concerns. Sessions may involve conversation, art, or other therapeutic approaches. RPs meet education, clinical experience, and examination requirements and are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Registration as an RP does not authorize someone to prescribe medication or communicate a medical or psychological diagnosis.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
An RP (Qualifying) is registered with CRPO and authorized to provide psychotherapy with clinical supervision while completing the remaining requirements for the Registered Psychotherapist registration status. They are accountable to CRPO’s professional standards.

Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) regulates them. A referral is usually required, and medically necessary psychiatric services may be covered by OHIP for eligible patients.

Psychologist
A psychologist provides psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which may include psychotherapy. Psychologists generally hold a doctoral degree in psychology. In Ontario, psychologists and psychological associates are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). Psychological associates generally hold a master’s degree and meet additional experience requirements. Neither designation authorizes prescribing medication.

Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Social workers support individuals, families, and communities with emotional, social, and practical concerns. They typically hold a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Social Work, or both. Those with appropriate training and competence may provide psychotherapy. They may also help clients access resources and navigate systems. Registered Social Workers (RSW) are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). The RSW designation identifies registration, rather than a specific clinical specialization.

Art therapist

An art therapist is a mental health professional who integrates creative expression with psychotherapy to help individuals explore emotions, manage stress, process difficult experiences, and support emotional well-being. Art therapists typically hold a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field with specialized training. In Ontario, the title “Art Therapist” is not legally protected. However, practitioners providing psychotherapy must be appropriately authorized under provincial legislation. Art therapists may be regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), or another authorized regulatory college, the Ontario Art Therapy Association (OATA), or the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)

Counsellor
“Counsellor” is a general title that does not, by itself, identify membership in an Ontario regulatory college. Some counsellors are also regulated psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, or other professionals. Others hold voluntary certifications, such as Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Ask about their education, professional registration or certification, and experience.

Coach
Coaches generally help people work toward personal or professional goals, such as career development, habits, or accountability. Coaching is not a regulated health profession in Ontario, and training varies. A coaching credential alone does not authorize someone to diagnose mental health conditions or perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.

When choosing a provider, consider their qualifications, relevant experience, approach, and whether you feel comfortable working with them. 

For regulated professionals, you can verify their registration through their College’s public register.