Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, we’ve compiled answers to some common questions about the practice and approach to care. If you have any further questions or would like more details, don’t hesitate to reach out to your psychologist or admin team.

It’s my first time in therapy, what should I expect?

First of all, it’s amazing that you’re taking the first step for your mental health journey! Therapy can be intimidating and scary to start, so here are a few things to keep in mind and expect when getting started:

Prior to connecting with your psychologist for a first session, you will have the opportunity to meet with either our intake team or psychologist for a short 20 minute consult. This consult is free of charge and the goal is to get a snapshot of what you are looking for and to help determine if we are the right fit for you. Once that is decided, you'll be connected with the psychologist directly to set up an initial session.

A typical first (or sometimes first few) session(s) would go over any limits to confidentiality, clinic policy, and overall relevant information. Following that, the majority of the focus would be to assess your presenting concerns, past and other relevant information, as well as overall goals for treatment. My goal during this session is to both better understand you and your concerns as well as to understand which tools or strategies would be most helpful for you. We would then have an ongoing discussion throughout our treatments to see if we are meeting your goals or if they have shifted with time.

What is your rate? Do you offer sliding scale?

My rate is $250 per 50 minute session. Formal assessment fees are determined on a case by case basis which includes factoring in the nature of the diagnostic question, complexity, and report requirements. An estimate will be provided to you prior to engaging in the assessment and any changes to the assessment will be addressed with you as soon as possible.

This practice believes in increasing accessibility and reducing barriers to care where possible. At this time, there is limited availability for sliding scale or probono options for time-limited sessions. These cases are assessed on an as needed basis.

Is this service covered by OHIP or Insurance?

Psychological services in private practice are not currently covered by OHIP. That said, many insurance companies include coverage for psychological services. You are advised to check with your insurance company to see if services are covered and how much coverage is allotted. This practice does not offer direct billing to insurance companies.

What is the clinic policy for cancelled or missed sessions?

This practice has a 48 hr cancellation policy. Appointments that are cancelled between 48 hours and 24 hours are subject to 50% of the session fee, while appointments that are cancelled within 24 hours are subject to 100% of the session fee.

What if I have information I want to relay about a loved one?

If you need to share important information about your loved one with their psychologist, we understand, especially if you're concerned they may not be able to communicate everything themselves. As indicated in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), we can't share treatment details without the person’s consent, except in specific cases, but we will share information from family members directly with the client during their next session. When we receive information from a family member, we first discuss it with the person involved before responding. If they don’t want us to engage with you, we may not reply in order to protect their privacy. If there's a safety concern, we might provide general resources. Any safety risks will be addressed promptly in the next session.

What information am I entitled to as the payor of a service of a loved one?

When a loved one is in distress or receiving care, it's natural to want information to better support them. However, under Canadian healthcare law, psychologists can only share limited details without the client's consent. Family members can access billing information if they pay for treatment or, in emergencies, if they're listed as a contact and the client is at risk. While we understand this can be frustrating, protecting your loved one’s privacy is our priority, as required by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). If you'd like guidance on how to support your loved one, we recommend discussing it with them first. If they agree, we can arrange a family meeting to address any questions or concerns.

What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and other mental health professionals?

Clinical Psychologists in Ontario are highly qualified professionals, typically holding a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Their training includes extensive coursework on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders, along with supervised practicum experience in settings like university counselling centers, hospitals, and community clinics. After completing their doctoral program, they must undergo an additional year of supervised practice before becoming registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario. In total, psychologists complete ~ 7 years of specialized, graduate and post graduate training before independent practice. In addition to treatment within their specified populations, they can diagnose mental health conditions but do not prescribe medication.

How is my information handled and stored?

This practice is committed to ensuring the safety and security of your personal health information (PHI). All of the services used, including email and website contact information are stored with Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) compliant security measures. This practice uses a combination of electronic health record keeping and physical copies. The electronic health records are stored on encrypted and PHIPA compliant servers through healthcare specific services. Physical copies are stored in locked cabinets that can be accessed only by authorized personnel. All client records are stored in accordance to the CPBAO and PHIPA standards and maintained for 10 years following the last date of contact before being securely destroyed.

While this practice takes all necessary efforts to maintaining the security and safety of your information, there is always a risk with cyber security or video calls. When meeting, you are advised to also take efforts to ensure your own cyber security such as: never sharing the link sent directly to you with anyone else, and not using public wifi services to connect with virtual calls.

Did you watch Game of Thrones?

Haha, a fan favourite question (get it?). Yes I did! And Yes, it is my real last name :)