Accessible Care
Affordable, High-Quality Mental Health Care with Supervised Therapists
Access Mental Health Care That Fits Your Budget
Many Ontario students don’t realize that they automatically pay for extended health benefits as part of their tuition fees. Most students have $750 to $1000+ annually for mental health care, and you deserve to make the most of it. At Transforming Emotions, we offer therapy sessions with highly skilled therapists and Qualifying Therapists at a student-friendly rate as low as $100 per hour (rates may vary depending on the amount of insurance accessible to you through your school, your parents, and/or your work). Whether you’re dealing with academic stress, anxiety, relationships, or personal growth, our team is here to help.
Our Qualifying Therapists are rigorously trained and supervised by senior clinicians, so you can be sure you’re receiving high quality care while staying within your budget.
How It Works for Students
Make the Most of Your School’s Mental Health Budget. Most students in Ontario have access to annual health benefits for mental health services through their school health insurance, and many school health insurance plans allow therapists to bill the insurance company directly for your care so your money stays in your pocket. At Transforming Emotions, we make it easy for you to access this care with our affordable rates for therapy. Our team can help guide you through using your coverage so you can focus on what really matters—your well-being.
Affordable Care:
At rates as low as $100 per hour, our therapy services are within reach for students and Ontarians who may be working hard to balance finances. Plus, many students can tap into the extended health benefits that are part of school tuition to cover a portion of their mental health needs. Many plans cover up to or over $1000 of services per year.
Meet Your Qualifying Therapists
Discover the seasoned professionals behind our training programs, each bringing a unique blend of knowledge and experience to foster your learning.
Dina Helale (Dena Marcos), MACP
(she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Are you avoiding change in your life or struggling to navigate a major life transition? I can help you process the experiences that have led you to this point, along with the accompanying emotions and thoughts that are holding you back. Together, we will work towards changing these patterns so that you can move forward with peace and confidence. Dina’s full bio.
Mara Dempsey, B.A.H.
(she/her)
Clinical Therapist
Currently accepting new clients.
Hi I’m Mara. I help those who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma wounds, challenges or worries related to sexuality, and with figuring out identity and meaning in life! I use a balanced approach that fosters compassionate self-acceptance while facilitating meaningful change. Mara’s full bio.
Jake Gellman
(he/him)
Clinical Associate
Currently accepting waitlist clients.
It’s not easy to reach out for help, especially when feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way and move toward self-understanding and connection. I work with adults navigating anxiety, low mood, sexuality, identity, relationship issues, and life transitions, with a neurodivergent-affirming lens. Jake’s full bio.
Meet Your Therapist’s Supervisors
Discover the seasoned professionals behind our training programs, each bringing a unique blend of knowledge and experience to foster your learning.
Dr. Sarah Thompson
(she/her)
Clinical Psychologist
Currently not accepting new clients.
I’m Sarah, the Founder and Clinic Director of Transforming Emotions. I am a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of extensive experience in providing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy as well as clinician training in Emotion Focused Therapy.
Norette René-Gougeon, MSW
(she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Currently not accepting new clients. Ontario residents only.
Are you having difficulty understanding your emotions? Is this negatively impacting your wellbeing and relationships with others? I can support you in exploring the origin of your struggles to be able to heal, have greater compassion for yourself, and navigate the world with more confidence.
Angela Cole, M.A.
(she/her)
Clinical Psychological Associate
Currently accepting new clients.
I’m Angela, a Clinical Psychological Associate. I work collaboratively to transform emotion patterns underlying anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and body image concerns. Angela’s full bio.
Dr. Emma Wookey
(she/her)
Clinical Psychologist
Currently accepting new clients.
As you reach out for support, you may be facing grief, trauma, caregiver burnout, or the impact of a new medical diagnosis. Your journey is at the heart of our work together. I’m here to walk alongside you as we build on your inner resilience, reclaim a sense of stability, and support emotional transformation. Emma’s full bio.
Dr. Jessica Burdo
(she/her)
Clinical Psychologist
(Supervised Practice)
Currently accepting new clients.
I work with individuals and couples who are seeking clarity and meaningful change in their lives. I support clients navigating trauma, anxiety, low mood, self-esteem concerns, and challenges in dating, friendships, and relationships. Together, we work to help you understand and transform recurring patterns so you can meet your goals, whether that involves making important decisions, resolving past experiences that continue to intrude on the present, or feeling more at ease with yourself and more connected to others. Jessica’s full bio.
TRANSFORMING EMOTIONS
Affordable, Compassionate Care for All!
We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. Our supervised Qualifying Therapists provide affordable, empathetic support designed to meet your needs.
Ready to start your journey? Book your first session and experience accessible, effective therapy today.
Accessible Care Insights
Discover our latest articles focused on making mental health care affordable and accessible. Learn how Qualifying Therapists, supervised care, and flexible pricing help ensure that high-quality therapy is within reach for everyone.
Making Mental Health Care Accessible: Affordable Therapy Without Compromise
Transforming Emotions is dedicated to making high-quality mental health care accessible to everyone. Our affordable therapy services, including sessions with Qualifying Therapists, provide compassionate, professional support at rates that fit your budget—ensuring cost is never a barrier to care.
The Student’s Guide to Mental Health Care: Affordable Options for Ontario Students
Balancing coursework, work, and social life is challenging for students. Affordable therapy is crucial but often feels out of reach. This guide shows how to access therapy through student insurance, sliding scale rates, and Qualifying Therapists in Ontario, making mental health care attainable.
Top 5 Myths About Affordable Therapy Debunked
Many misconceptions about affordable therapy create barriers for those in need. This article debunks myths around quality, therapist experience, and personalization—showing that affordable therapy, especially with supervised therapists, can offer effective, compassionate, and individualized mental health support.
FAQ
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What is Accessible Care at Transforming Emotions?
How much does therapy cost with a Qualifying Therapist?
What is a Qualifying Therapist?
At Transforming Emotions, we believe that supervision is an integral piece of clinician development and excellent client care. We are a team that is known for excellence in supervision. When working with a student or qualifying therapist, always ask how many hours of supervision they receive on a weekly or monthly basis. We aim for a ratio of one hour of supervision for approximately every 10 hours of therapy provided.
How does supervised therapy ensure quality care?
Who benefits most from Accessible Care?
Accessible Care is designed for anyone seeking professional mental health support at an affordable price. It’s particularly beneficial for students, young professionals, and individuals with limited insurance coverage who want high-quality therapy without the high cost.
