How do I start therapy?

Fill out our online form, call, or email to connect with our Intake Coordinator. They’ll answer questions and match you with a therapist—no referral needed.

What happens during the call with the intake coordinator?

We’ll talk about your needs, find the right therapist for you, review fees and payment options, and schedule your first session.

How much does therapy cost?

Sessions typically range from $160 to $250 depending on therapist credentials and session type (individual, couple, family, consultation).

Are fees covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans, workers compensation (e.g., WSIB), or auto insurance may cover services. Provincial plans do not.

Do you direct bill to insurance companies?

If your insurer allows it, we can offer direct billing. Otherwise, you’ll pay upfront and submit claims to your insurer for reimbursement.

Are services confidential?

Yes. Sessions are confidential, following Canadian privacy laws and professional standards. We only disclose information when legally or ethically required.

How do I find the right therapist?

During your first session (or a 15-minute consult), you can see if the therapist feels like a good fit and adjust if needed.

Research shows that most people experience relief and improved daily functioning after about 6–8 weekly sessions.

Advance Health — Online Therapy Across Canada | Advance Health Psychotherapy Toronto

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1-416-849-4776

Dr. Alex Porthukaran, Ph.D., C. Psych.

I provide clinical supervision at Advance Health.
I work directly with my supervisees and am not accepting new clients for individual assessment or psychotherapy.

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Background and Interests

I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University and am registered with CPBAO (Ontario) and CAP (Alberta). My background spans hospital care as a former Staff Psychologist at CAMH, private practice, and academic roles, including previously serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. I actively publish research, present internationally, and received the CAMH Clinical Supervision Award in 2024.
Clinical Psychology & Complex Mental Health
I work with clients presenting with a wide variety of complex mental health challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and stress. Alongside my general clinical practice, I have a special focus on neurodevelopmental conditions, late-diagnosed adults, and adapting evidence-based care for neurodivergent populations.
Caregiver Support & Group Work
I co-develop and lead group interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) groups and specialized support programs for parents and family caregivers. I also regularly deliver workshops and clinical consultation to health organizations to build capacity across multidisciplinary teams usually around support for autistic people or people with developmental disabilities.
Psychotherapy & Supervision Approach
I integrate evidence-based modalities—such as CBT and ACT—tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. As a supervisor, I use a developmental model to meet supervisees at their zone of proximal development, helping them build clinical skills, navigate complex cases, and refine their therapeutic voice.
I hold doctoral and masters degrees in Counselling Psychology. My declared areas of competency with the College of Psychologists of Ontario are in Clinical and Counselling Psychology, working with individual adolescents and adults.

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