Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

A referral is not required to set up an appointment. Contact us directly by telephone at 249-492-2673 or via email at info@Psych-EReg.ca. If your doctor would like to send a referral letter, they can fax it to 249-492-2640.

Are you covered by OHIP or extended health care benefits?

Psychological services (including psychotherapy) are not covered under OHIP.

Our psychiatrist services are covered by OHIP with a referral from a medical provider. Our psychiatry services are short-term only and designed for those receiving care in our clinic.

Many of our clients do, however, receive partial or full reimbursement for services under their extended health insurance plans. Please check your policy carefully to see what coverage it provides for psychological services, the claim procedure, details required on receipts, payment options, and if you need a letter of referral from your physician. We also work closely with WSIB, NIHB, and the Encompass Program (OPP), which covers psychological services.

What are the licensing and qualifications of the clinicians?

Each clinician on the team is in good standing with a regulated licensing board (e.g., College of Psychologists of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists, College of Social Workers). Due to the highly specialized nature of our work, the team has extensive training in DBT, CPT, and Eating Disorders treatment. The team participates in weekly consultation and ongoing training to ensure only the highest standard of treatment adherence.

What are your fees?

Fees range from $135- $275/hour based on the training and expertise of the clinician and the nature of the clinical program. Our comprehensive program rates are charged in blocks, rather than individual sessions. Please contact the clinic directly for rate information. More than 70% of our clients receive partial or full coverage under their extended health benefits.

Do you provide secure video sessions?

All of our treatments and programs are offered virtually across Ontario. For those living in the Simcoe-Muskoka region, we offer in-person services. All treatments are provided through a highly secure, HIPAA-compliant server. 

What age groups do you treat?

We treat individuals age 14 and older. The team has extensive experience working with youth, couples, families, and adults. We are currently building our adolescent eating disorders and DBT care pathways, which we hope to launch Summer 2023.

What do the first few sessions look like?

One of the most reliable predictors of successful therapy outcome is the therapeutic relationship; therefore, the first 3 to 4 sessions involve an evaluation of your needs, working together to ensure we have a strong understanding of the problems (including diagnostic assessment where needed), and an orientation to the recommended treatment plan. Before you begin treatment, you will complete a brief intake form and we will review our treatment contract. We will also ask you to complete self-report measures to better understand symptoms and track progress. Therapy involves a significant commitment of time, money, and energy, so it is essential for you to be comfortable with the therapist you select and in agreement with the proposed treatment intervention.

What are your office hours? Are there appointments available in the evenings or on weekends?

Our standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. We strive to offer appointments that work with our client’s lives and will do our best to schedule a time that works for you. We do offer sessions and DBT groups in the evenings.

How long are the sessions? How often do we meet?

A typical therapy session is 50 minutes in duration; your therapist will spend 10 minutes after the session completing therapy notes. The frequency of sessions and the length of treatment will depend on your individualized needs and the type of treatment required. For example, a typical course of CPT for PTSD is 12 weekly sessions. DBT, on the other hand, is a longer-term treatment requiring a minimum commitment of six months to both individual therapy and group skills training.

When will I start to feel better?

In many cases, patients report feeling better after the first session, citing increased feelings of hopefulness, less isolation, and having a concrete plan as beneficial. Most people can benefit from short-term, goal-oriented therapy to address a specific issue. Eating disorders, personality disorders, and other complex presentations typically require more comprehensive treatment but we expect to observe changes in your thinking, feeling, and behaviour within the first few weeks.

What about confidentiality?

Except for specific exclusions described below, what you discuss in treatment is kept strictly confidential. We cannot and will not tell anyone what you have disclosed in treatment, or even that you are in therapy without your prior written permission. We will always act to protect your privacy even if you do sign a release to share information about you. You may direct us to share information with whomever you choose, and you can change your mind and revoke that permission at any time. You are protected under the provisions of the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law ensures the confidentiality of all electronic transmission of information about you. When we transmit information to you electronically (for example, sending bills or faxing data), it will be done with special safeguards to ensure confidentiality.

Are there limits to confidentiality?

There are certain circumstances under which confidentiality may be broken. These are mandated by the Governing College of Psychologists and by Law in the Province of Ontario. Confidentiality may be broken in the following circumstances:

Harm to Self or Others: If we believe that you or someone else is at imminent risk of harm, we are obligated to seek hospitalization for you, call an ambulance or police services, and/or contact family members or anyone at imminent risk of harm, or others who can help provide protection.

Harm to Children: In cases where we believe a child (16 years of age or younger) is at risk of/ is being sexually, physically, or emotionally abused or neglected, we are legally obligated to file a report with the appropriate agency.

Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour by A Healthcare Professional: Should you disclose information about inappropriate sexual behaviour on the part of another healthcare professional, we are legally obligated to report that information to their governing body.

Legal Proceedings: If your clinical records are subpoenaed by a court of law, we are bound to provide the requested files. 

How much notice do you need if I cancel an appointment? What if I miss a session?