Online family counselling practice

Families paying privately or through extended health benefits, plus some clients whose sessions are funded by charities or community programs.

A fee per session, often 50 to 60 minutes. Some counsellors offer a lower rate for charity-funded or lower-income clients. Income depends on how many sessions you book each week.

• Recognized counselling or therapy training
• Calm, active listening
• Managing several people in one session
• Keeping clear, confidential records

• Counselling and psychotherapy rules differ by province, and Quebec has its own system. Check your provincial regulator before using any title or taking clients
• Check whether you may see clients who live in a different province from you
• Professional liability insurance, which regulators and associations often require
• Privacy law for health information in your province, and use a platform that meets it
• Whether your fees need GST/HST. Check with the CRA, as treatment depends on your credentials and services
• Keep clear boundaries and have a plan for crisis situations, because online sessions can limit your ability to respond in person

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your equipment, secure video platform and insurance. Treat this as an estimate, and get quotes for insurance and equipment before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many clients you see and the fees you charge. These are estimates, and they assume at least 8 hours of work a week.

Check your provincial regulator before using any title or taking clients, as rules differ by province and Quebec has its own system. Also check whether you may see clients in other provinces, insurance requirements, health privacy law and GST/HST.