Can I claim therapy costs on my taxes in Canada?
Last reviewed: May 2026
Canada's Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) allows you to claim eligible health-related costs on your federal tax return. Psychotherapy may be eligible — but the rules depend on your province, the type of provider, and current CRA guidance.
How the Medical Expense Tax Credit works
The METC is a non-refundable federal tax credit that allows you to claim medical expenses that exceed 3% of your net income (or $2,635 in 2026 — whichever is less). The credit is worth approximately 15 cents on every eligible dollar claimed federally, plus a provincial component that varies by province.
To claim it, you add up all eligible medical expenses paid in any 12-month period ending in the tax year. Only the amount above the threshold is eligible for the credit. This means smaller out-of-pocket therapy costs may not generate a meaningful tax saving — but higher annual therapy costs can.
Is therapy with an RP or RSW eligible?
In Ontario, sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Social Workers (RSW) providing psychotherapy are likely eligible under the METC as services provided by a regulated health professional. The CRA's guidance in this area has evolved as the RP designation has matured; recent CRA publications and rulings have generally supported RP and RSW services as eligible medical expenses.
However, CRA interpretations and guidance can change, and individual situations vary. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional or the CRA directly to confirm what is eligible for your specific circumstances in the current tax year.
Receipts from Valisen
We provide itemized receipts after every session that include your therapist's full name, professional registration number, credential designation, and the session date and amount — the documentation typically required to support a medical expense claim. Retain these receipts for your tax filing.