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Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
To make an appointment, please click on any of the "Book Now" buttons on our website or go to our Request an Appointment page to fill out the form with a brief description of your concerns. No referrals are necessary to make an appointment, however, some insurance providers require a doctor's note in order to be reimbursed for fees associated with counselling services.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our fees for a 50 minute individual session range from $100 (with a supervised intern) - $180 (with a senior therapist). Fees for couple and family sessions range from $180-$270. Taxes are included. Payment is due at the time services are rendered and a credit card is required for booking.
ARE MY FEES COVERED BY OHIP?
Counselling fees are not covered by OHIP, however, many employers' extended healthcare plans and employee assistance plans (EAPs) cover counselling services that are provided by a Registered Social Worker. Please contact your provider or Human Resources representative to confirm your coverage. A receipt is provided so that you may submit it to your insurer for reimbursement. If you do not have benefits that cover Registered Social Worker fees, your receipts can be submitted with your income tax as medical expenses and may be covered in part or in full. We are not able to direct-bill your insurer.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
The number of counselling sessions varies by client and concern. We will discuss your needs and expectations in our first session together and evaluate as we go. Once your therapy plan is determined, a number of sessions will be booked based on your needs.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST SESSION?
Knowing what to expect during your first therapy session can help you feel more prepared. Your first session is often about you and your therapist getting to know one another, determining if the therapist is a good fit for your needs, and going over what you want to accomplish in therapy. The goals and plan for therapy are established.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
A session may be cancelled or rescheduled without penalty provided no less than 48 hours notice is given from the time of the appointment. Sessions cancelled or rescheduled within the 48 hour period, and missed appointments, will be charged at the full hourly rate.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY VIRTUAL COUNSELLING SESSION?
If you prefer to have your sessions via online video conferencing, you will receive an email invitation within a few minutes of your appointment time with a link to our online office. Click on the link in the email and say yes/accept audio and video and you will be brought right into the online office. The platform used is simple and meets the criteria for the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA). Smart phones, tablets, and computers are acceptable devices. The best connections are made when computers are plugged directly into a router with an ethernet cable and the only application running is the online office platform. You will want to ensure you have privacy in your own space during your session. An Informed Consent form for virtual counselling will be emailed to you in advance. Payments for virtual appointments are made by e-transfer and receipts are provided. Appointment lengths and times are flexible and we do our best to accommodate your needs.
IS COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?
You are entitled to confidentiality regarding the information you share with a therapist. Your personal information may only be shared with with another person or agency with your written informed consent. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality:
- Disclosure that your safety or that of another person is at risk. The law requires that imminent danger is reported to the police, a medical doctor, and/or the Children’s Aid Society if a child under the age of 18 is at risk.
- Disclosure that you or someone else intends to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other neurologically impairing substances/conditions, The law requires the local Motor Vehicle Branch be notified.
- In the event counselling records are subpoenaed by the court, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
DO YOU PROVIDE CRISIS SUPPORT?
We do not provide crisis support through our office. If you are in crisis, please go to the emergency department at your local hospital; call 9-1-1; or call the Huron-Perth Crisis Intervention toll-free number 1-888-829-7484 for 24hr services if you live in the Huron-Perth community.
For more information on community resources, please visit our Resources page.
