How to Find a Social Worker


Visit FindASocialWorker.ca to find a social worker today.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Social Worker? 
No, but you may wish to discuss this issue with your doctor who can certainly refer you to a social worker.

Are Social Work Services Covered by OHIP?

In general, social work services are not covered by OHIP; however, the services of social workers who work in health care centres and agencies are often available at no charge to clients or on a sliding scale. 

Examples of publicly-funded organizations are schools, hospitals, family health teams, community agencies, children's aid societies and family service organizations.

To access public services:

Dial "211" or visit www.211ontario.ca .

Visit www.FindASocialWorker.ca  for a listing of social workers in private practice. 

Social work services provided by private practitioners are billed by the hour. They may be covered under your private health plan or employee group benefits plan.

Are Social Work Services Covered in Group Heath Benefits Plans?

More and more insurance companies cover social work services in individual policies or group health benefits plans. If social work is not currently on the list of professional services covered in your insurance plan, ask your employer or union that it be added when the policy comes up for renewal. 


For a sample letter, download: 


What Questions Will a Social Worker Ask Me?

What to expect when meeting with a social worker. 

While every circumstance is unique, sample questions a social worker may ask during a first appointment include:

  • Why are you seeking help?
  • Is it a new or long-standing problem?
  • Have things changed and, if so, how?
  • How are you managing other parts of your life?
  • Who can you count on for support?