Guiding your journey to better mental health

A simpler way to reach the right therapist or group

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Human first approach

We focus on personal connection

We want you and your therapist to develop a bond. In addition to matching your therapeutic needs to the specialization of the therapist, we also take into account your specific needs around language, culture, life experiences and therapy style.

Profile photos of 10 Layla partnered therapist,

How it works

Number 1 for the first step in the process of how Layla works.

Tell us about your needs

Complete our online intake form so we can learn more about you.

Number 2 for the second step in the process of how Layla works.

Talk to your care coordinator

We’ll provide therapist options matched to your challenges and goals.

Number 3 for the third step in the process of how Layla works.

Meet your therapist or group

Schedule your first appointment with your matched therapist*.

*Layla offers online, phone, in-person and walk and talk sessions across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia & Nova Scotia. In-person and walk and talk sessions are available in select regions.

Your unique needs

Our care team is here for you

Our care team will help you find the right therapist or group from our curated community of licensed mental health professionals across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. We’ll start by reviewing your current challenges and your goals for therapy.

Meet our full team
Carol MairenaCarol Mairena
Care Coordinator

Carol is a registered Social Worker with over 4 years of working with individuals, families, youth and children in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Carol completed her Undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo and continued to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work Degree at Renison University College. Before Pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work Carol volunteered with at-risk youth and spent time completing humanitarian work in Guatemala which led to her interest in culturally sensitive mental health services. Carol has previously worked and volunteered with refugees, international students and Indigenous Individuals and is passionate about accessible mental health services for marginalized communities. In her downtime, Carol enjoys reading, watching movies, trying new recipes, singing karaoke and film photography.

Sarah ParsonsSarah Parsons
Care Coordinator

After starting a career in health insurance and group benefits, she developed an interest in mental health in a social context. She returned to school as a mature student and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Sociology and Child/Youth Studies. Sarah has dedicated herself to her education and worked on an extensive research project to develop community-based resources for LGBTQ+ youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her degree, she has worked in youth homeless shelters, senior support services, and disability advocacy. She continues to support students with disabilities through peer mentorship and advocacy groups at Brock University. Outside of work, Sarah is engaged in a lively francophone community in the Niagara Region and enjoy spending time outside exploring the beautiful landscapes her area has to offer!

Joel Figueiredo Joel Figueiredo
Care Coordinator

Joel has an educational background in psychology and social work with over 5 years of volunteering at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Joel finished his Undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto and went on to complete his Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University. Joel has worked closely with survivors of intimate partner violence as well as perpetrators of intimate partner violence when completing his placement at the Abrigo Centre in Toronto. Here he found his passion for working with people on their journey to recover and gained an intimate understanding of the difficulties navigating systems for those who have language barriers. Joel believes that accessible mental health services are a gateway to total well-being for Canadians. Away from work, you can find Joel in the outdoors, dog watching at the park or playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Valerie TsangValerie Tsang
Clinical Program Manager

Valerie is a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked for more than a decade in community mental health. She holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Médaille College and a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto. Valerie has extensive clinical experience working with individuals and groups on addressing diverse mental health concerns including complex trauma, suicidal ideation, concurrent disorders, and the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health. She is passionate about exploring the role of digital health technologies on reducing health disparities in the mental health sector. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys baking, working on her green thumb, and visiting local coffee shops.

Amira Cheikh Amira Cheikh
Care Coordinator

Amira completed her Social Work education at MacEwan University. She has worked in various roles in her social work career, such as with Edmonton Public Schools, where she worked with students and staff to promote mental health and inclusivity. As well as the City of Edmonton, where she helped citizens with daily issues and facilitated presentations about inclusivity. She has also worked in the medical field, reception, and customer service. Amira found her passion for mental health and social work after years of volunteer work and speaking with people in the profession. Amira enjoys spending time with family and friends in her free time, travelling, and hijab styling.

Alessandra Turavani Alessandra Turavani
Care Coordinator

Alessandra has an educational background in social work and has studied at George Brown College and York University. She has a diverse background in the health and social services sector supporting individuals, families and caregivers with system navigation, case management and care coordination. She has worked in multiple settings including Long Term Care, several non-profit organizations, and Primary Care. Alessandra’s hobbies include reading, hot yoga, hiking, and spending time with her dog.

Specializations

Our clients are interested in self-discovery, emotional healing, or are working through a range of challenges that respond well to psychotherapy. For example, these include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Relationships
  • Burnout
  • Couples counselling
  • Trauma
  • Life transitions
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Self-esteem
  • PTSD
  • Eating Disorders
  • Emotional Eating
  • Other eating challenges
  • Grief and loss
A Layla care coordinator and patient working together in front of a calendar to coordinate therapy dates and times

Convenience

Working with your schedule

We understand that people have lives. Let us know where, when, and how you would like to meet your therapist. We can accommodate day time, evening, weekend, and virtual options.

testimonials

9.3/10 overall user satisfaction rating

Quotation marks
Layla User - Toronto, Ontario

I'm so happy with Layla services! Layla made finding an individual therapist and a group therapy program so easy. I was able to compare therapist profiles and ask for help from the Care Coordinators. This was my first time looking for formal therapy,  and Layla made the process way less intimidating. I recommend!!

Layla User - Toronto, Ontario

A very thoughtful and compassionate approach to health care and ensuring each of its users accesses services best suited to individual needs. The service is particularly helpful for "breaking the ice" when embarking on the therapy/counselling journey for the first time. Staff is kind, responsive and very professional.

Layla User - Toronto, Ontario

Intake was amazingly professional and easy. They matched me to someone who is just a great fit and we've been making more progress than I've had with other therapists. I've had to move around quite a bit due to work, and now that we're having our sessions online I look forward to having this be a long-term relationship regardless of my location.

Pricing

Simple, transparent

In most cases, therapy sessions are covered by your insurance provider. Sign up and talk to one of our care coordinators to find out more information—it’s free!

Psychotherapist
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/ Per session

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Learn more
Psychotherapist
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/ Per session

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Psychotherapist
Individuals $150 / Couples $170
/ Per session

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Social Worker
Individuals $150 / Couples $170
/ Per session

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Group Therapy
Prices Vary
*Based on Group

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Sign Up

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Pricing

Simple, transparent

In most cases, therapy sessions are covered by your insurance provider. Sign up and talk to one of our care coordinators to find out more information—it’s free!

Sign up

Free
  • Online intake
  • Consultation call with a Layla Care Coordinator
  • Options matched to your unique needs
  • Supporting clients in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia & Nova Scotia
Get Started

individuals

$150
/ Per session with Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker
$220
/ Per session with Psychologist (AB & BC residents only)
Learn more

couples

$170
/ Per session with Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker
$240
/ Per session with Psychologist (AB & BC residents only)
Learn more

group therapy

Prices vary
*Based on Group
See available groups

Let’s take the first step, together

*In-line with Public Health recommendations for social distancing, Layla's partner therapists have mostly moved their practices to remote for the time being.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Layla™️ assist?

Our clients are interested in self-discovery, emotional healing, or are working through a range of challenges that respond well to therapy. For example, these include: stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, anger, addictions, trauma, relationships, family conflict, couples counselling, and life transitions.

At this time, Layla is only able to work with clients who are residents of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Please note that Layla does not provide crisis support. If you or someone else is in crisis and require immediate assistance, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

What types of therapy do the providers use?

Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based methods and each specializes in certain approaches. Most commonly, these include: cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness-based, trauma-focused, psychodynamic, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). We certainly do not expect clients going into therapy to understand how these approaches work, and we are happy to provide them with information on these and other methods.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis?

No, you don’t need a formal referral or diagnosis from another provider. We are happy to assist anyone with their unique challenges and goals.

Where are the therapists located?

Our therapists operate out of their own location, provide sessions in-person, online, or by phone. Today, our therapists are located in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia across many cities: Toronto, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ajax, Barrie, Beamsville, Brampton, Burlington, Georgetown, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Niagara Falls, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Petawawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, St. Catherines, Thornhill, Vaughan, Whitby, and Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Sherwood Park, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria, Halifax and many more.

We are continuously building out our community.

COVID-19 NOTICE: For everyone's safety, and inline with Public Health recommendations for social distancing, Layla's partner therapists have mostly moved their practices to remote for the time being. If you're a new client looking for in-person sessions, we do have a limited number of therapists that offer in-person and walk and talk therapy in select regions. See FAQ "Do you offer in-person therapy". Thanks to everyone for working together to keep our community safe.

How long is a therapy session? How long does therapy take?

Individual and Couples Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. In some cases, your first session with the therapist will be a little longer.
Therapy can range from short-term to longer term depending on the client’s case and their goals. This can be discussed with your therapist, and the two of you can always collaboratively assess your timeline and progression.

Group Therapy sessions vary in length but typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours. Our current group programs typically last for 12 or 24 weeks.

See All

Media

Watch “The Poem”, our award winning short film

The Poem is based on the Murat Vargelci's winning submission to Open Screenplay’s mental health screenwriting contest.

Read more