In-Person couples counselling in a rented room

Couples paying privately, often claiming through workplace benefits, and referrals from family doctors and other health professionals.

A fee per session. Rent is usually monthly or per half day, so you need enough booked hours to cover it before you make a profit.

• Active listening and calm presence
• Training in couples therapy methods
• Managing a diary and payments
• Networking with local professionals

• Titles like psychotherapist, psychologist or counsellor are protected in some provinces, check your provincial regulator
• Rent is a fixed cost, start with a short or part-time rental while you build clients
• Privacy law for storing client files and room soundproofing
• Check with the CRA whether your services are GST/HST exempt
• Winter weather can lead to cancellations, offer a video option

Startup costs are typically estimated around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on room rental terms, furnishings, insurance and marketing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many couples you see and the fees you set.

Titles like psychotherapist, psychologist or counsellor are protected in some provinces, so check your provincial regulator. Also check privacy law for storing client files, room soundproofing, and with the CRA whether your services are GST/HST exempt.

Estimates start at around 12 hours a week. Rent is a fixed cost, so start with a short or part-time rental while you build clients. Winter weather can lead to cancellations, so offer a video option.