**IMPORTANT** Due to ongoing directives to practice physical distancing resulting from COVID-19, our physical office is presently closed. We are now offering telemedicine services via phone or a secure, PHIPPA compliant video platform.
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What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a change process by which patterns of thoughts and behaviours are explored to assist an individual’s emotional well being and improve their relationship with self and others. This can include developing one’s self-awareness to understand the ways current patterns are no longer helpful, yet once served an adaptive purpose. Psychotherapy can consist of verbal or non-verbal communication used to promote an individual’s healing via a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
You can self-refer for psychotherapy services. However, some insurance companies require a doctor's referral in order to claim services through your insurance provider.
How long do I have to wait for an appointment?
Generally speaking, we are able to meet with new clients within 2-3 weeks after the point of initial contact.
What is a Registered Psychotherapist?
A Registered Psychotherapist is a regulated member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. You can learn more about the College here.
Can I claim services through insurance?
Yes. Most insurance providers will cover the cost or part of the cost of psychotherapy. Registered Psychotherapists (RP's) are now recognized by most insurance companies as provincially regulated professionals, however many employers have not yet updated their benefits packages to include RP's as a new provider of mental health/psychotherapeutic services (similar to Social Workers and Psychologists). You can ask your employer/HR representative to include RP's as part of your plan if they are not included already or you can verify whether your plan has been updated to include RP's since the inception of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in April 2015.
Alternatively, if RP's are not covered under your plan, you can confirm with your insurance provider whether services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist are - the vast majority of insurers do allow this provision.
You may wish to speak to your therapist about how to claim for these services. Each employer's plan varies; we strongly recommend you verify what coverage you have.
Can psychotherapy be classified as a medical expense for income tax purposes?
Yes. As of January 2016, Canada Revenue Agency has identified psychotherapy as a valid medical expense in Ontario.
What are your fees?
Our fees vary depending on the Psychotherapist you choose to work with. Our fees are competitive with others in the field in Ottawa.
What is your schedule?
Our schedules vary depending on the Psychotherapist you choose to work with. Generally, hours are Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.
What are the length of sessions?
Generally, a session lasts 50 minutes to an hour.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you require depends on your treatment goals, which will be discussed between you and your Psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is a process and each person and issue is different. Therefore, there isn't a prescribed amount.
How do I choose the right therapist?
It is important to read the Psychotherapist's biography to see if they have experience working in the area you want to address. You may want to have a brief phone call with your Psychotherapist prior to booking an appointment to get a sense of their style and approach. Many people will wait to book future appointments until they have met their Psychotherapist to determine the most appropriate fit.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please review our Cancellation Policy here.