Welcoming Sarah Steiner: Low-Cost Therapy in London, Ontario

I have some news I have been looking forward to sharing. In January 2027, Sarah Steiner will join Be Well Therapy Studio as a clinical practicum student, and with her comes something I care about a great deal: lower cost therapy for people who have been waiting for the right time, or the right price, to start.

Meet Sarah Steiner, our January 2027 practicum student

Sarah is a student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University. From January to August 2027, she will be completing her practicum placement here at the studio, working with adult clients in individual therapy.

Sarah will see clients under my clinical supervision. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and I have been supervising students and new registrants for several years. She and I meet every week to review her work, so the care you receive is thoughtful, supported, and overseen.

What is a practicum student, and is therapy with one the right fit?

A practicum student is a graduate student who is completing the supervised, hands-on part of their training before they graduate and register as a therapist. It is a required step for everyone entering this profession. Students are not yet licensed, which is why they work under the supervision of a registered clinician, and why their sessions are offered at a reduced rate.

In my experience, practicum students bring a lot of what people hope for in a therapist. They are warm, curious, and fully present. They are up to date on current research. They usually have a bit more time to think about each client between sessions. And they care deeply about doing this well, because they are at the start of a career they chose on purpose.

What matters most in therapy is how safe and understood you feel with the person across from you, and that can happen with a student as easily as with someone who has practised for twenty years.

How much does low-cost therapy cost at Be Well Therapy Studio?

Sessions with Sarah are $75 for a 50-minute individual session. That is a meaningful difference from typical private practice rates for registered psychotherapists in Ontario, and it makes ongoing weekly or biweekly therapy possible for people whose benefits have run out, who do not have extended health coverage, or who are paying out of pocket while managing rent, childcare, and everything else.

If you are searching for affordable therapy in London, Ontario, or low cost counselling online in Ontario, I hope this opens a door.

Who might benefit from reduced rate sessions with a practicum student?

Sarah will be offering individual therapy for adults. Many of the people who find their way to us are millennials in the middle of a lot at once: working, parenting, caring for aging parents, or rebuilding after a big change. Here are some of the things people commonly come to therapy for.

Anxiety and constant worry, including the kind that shows up as overthinking, trouble sleeping, or a body that never quite relaxes. Burnout and exhaustion that sleep does not fix. Life transitions such as a move, a breakup, a career change, becoming a parent, or a loss. Postpartum and early parenthood adjustment, including the identity shift that many parents feel and few expect. Low mood, stress, and general overwhelm. Learning tools from approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with thoughts, emotions, and daily habits.

If you are not sure whether what you are experiencing “counts” enough for therapy, it does. You do not need a crisis to deserve support.

Is therapy with a student as effective as with a registered therapist?

This is the question I get asked most, and it is a fair one. Research on therapy consistently points to the quality of the relationship between client and therapist as one of the strongest influences on whether people feel better, and that relationship is built on trust, consistency, and feeling heard. Students work hard on exactly those things.

With that said, a practicum placement is not the right fit for every situation. Students are not equipped for crisis care, and if you need highly specialized treatment or are currently in immediate danger, a different level of support is more appropriate. If you are in crisis, please call or text 9-8-8 anytime in Canada. If you are not sure what fits, reach out and we can talk it through honestly before you book.

Is online therapy available in Ontario?

Yes. Be Well Therapy Studio offers in-person sessions in London, Ontario, and virtual sessions for adults located anywhere in Ontario. If you are looking for online therapy in Ontario, you can meet from home, which can be a gift when you have kids, a long commute, or a packed schedule.

How to book low-cost therapy with Sarah Steiner

Sarah begins seeing clients in January 2027. To be considered, join the waitlist through our booking page, and you will be contacted to arrange a short consultation to talk about what you are looking for and whether this placement is a good fit. Spots are limited and will be offered in the order that people join, so if this sounds like you, it is worth reaching out now.

A few frequently asked questions

How long will Sarah be at the practice? Sarah’s placement runs from January to August 2027. If you begin therapy with her, she will talk with you early on about timing so you can plan ahead for how your work together will wrap up, and what support you might want next.

Is my information kept confidential? Yes. Sarah follows the same privacy and confidentiality standards as any registered therapist in Ontario, and sessions are discussed in supervision in a way that protects your identity. We will go through consent and its limits together at the start.

Do I need a doctor’s referral? No. You can book directly without a referral.

Will I be told who is supervising Sarah? Always. I am her clinical supervisor, and I am happy to answer questions about how supervision works.

A warm welcome

I am really glad Sarah is joining us, and I am glad to be able to offer a gentler price point to people who are ready to start. If you have been waiting for the right moment to look after your mental health, consider this a nudge. Please join me in welcoming Sarah to Be Well Therapy Studio.

Nicole Lobo, MA, RP, is a Registered Psychotherapist in London, Ontario, offering individual and couples therapy, clinical supervision, and business coaching for solo practitioners.