OAP Provider Rates vs Private Therapy Rates
Direct answer
Ontario does not set OAP hourly rates. Families and providers agree on fees before services start, so ask each provider for a written quote. The bigger difference is access: OAP funding follows an invitation, while private therapy needs no invitation but is not covered by OAP funding.
Key facts
- OAP Direct Rate
- Agreed between family and provider
- Private Direct Rate
- Varies by provider
- OAP Supervision
- Agreed between family and provider
- Private Supervision
- Varies by provider
What this means for your family
Compare providers on rate before you commit funding to any one of them, since fees for OAP core clinical services are agreed between each family and provider, so hourly charges can differ between providers. Ask each provider for its hourly rates before services start. Do the math on your own funding allocation rather than assuming one provider is obviously the better deal, because a lower hourly rate means more therapy hours on the same funding. Remember that access, not just price, is the real difference between the two paths: private therapy does not need an OAP invitation but is not covered by OAP funding, while OAP-funded therapy depends on when your invitation arrives. Ask a provider directly whether they also see private clients and how that affects availability. Keep the written quote in the same folder as your service plan.
The numbers behind this answer
Every answer on this site sits on the same verified counts. These are the current figures.
Ontario's figures, as of May 2026 (MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026).
Registered
91,974Children registered
Total registered in the Ontario Autism Program
Funded
20,711Have active funding
22.5% of registered children
Without active agreement
71,263Without an active funding agreement
An administrative status; it does not confirm current service delivery.
Show as table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 91,974 |
| Have active funding | 20,711 |
| Without an active funding agreement | 71,263 |
About This Article
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Rate Comparison
- Ontario’s OAP guidelines do not set hourly rates. They say all fees for core clinical services should be set, explained, and agreed on by the family and the provider before services start.
- Families with OAP core funding should compare provider rates. For example, a provider who charges a lower hourly rate gives more therapy hours on the same funding than one who charges a higher rate. Ask each provider for its rate in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Not by rule. Ontario does not set OAP hourly rates; each family and provider agree on fees before services start. The key difference is that OAP funding pays for eligible services up to your child’s funding allocation, while private therapy is not covered by OAP funding.
Some may. Ask each provider whether it also serves private-pay clients and whether its fees differ.
Ontario’s guidelines do not set a maximum OAP rate. Each provider sets its fees, and the family and provider should agree on them before services start.
Sources
Ontario Autism Program: guidelines for core clinical services and supports (eligible expenses and fees)
Checked
Next steps
Keep going with related guidance, tools, and evidence.
Related questions
How Much Does Private ABA Therapy Cost in Ontario?
What private ABA therapy can cost in Ontario depends on the provider. Ask for an itemized written quote that lists direct therapy, supervision, assessment, travel and cancellation charges. See the cost breakdown.
How to Maximize Your OAP Childhood Budget
Practical strategies to get the most from your OAP core clinical childhood budget. Provider selection, therapy planning, and expense optimization tips.
Does the Ontario Autism Program Cover ABA Therapy?
Yes. OAP core clinical services include ABA therapy. AccessOAP sets each child's allocation by age and support needs, from $6,600–$65,000/year.
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