Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes. Several of our associates are currently accepting new clients for psychotherapy and psychological assessments.

How do I initiate services?

Please contact our office at 705-673-9986 to complete a brief intake form that will gather your contact information and details regarding your presenting concern. That information will then be reviewed by our clinical director who will determine whether our practice is best suited to meet your needs. If it is determined that we can help with your concern, we will contact you to schedule your first appointment. If we are not well suited to help, you will be referred to another practice or program that may be more appropriate.

Are you offering in-person appointments?

Yes. Appointments can be attended via phone, video, or in-person, depending on your preferences.

What is a cancellation list?

When you book your appointment, whether it is your first appointment or not, there can be up to 3 months wait time for the next available appointment. In cases such as these, you may request to be placed on the cancellation list. This means that, should a client cancel prior to your scheduled appointment, we may call you and offer that available time slot. Although we do try our best to minimize wait time, there is no guarantee that you will able to see a clinician sooner.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients must cancel their appointment(s) at least 24 hours ahead of time, either by calling the office or leaving a message on our answering machine. Failure to provide 24 hours notice will result in a charge of 50% of the session fee.

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist (C.Psych.) and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists are individuals who provide health services by evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Treatment usually includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). On the other hand, psychiatrists are physician specialists or doctors of medicine. Although they do diagnose and treat mental health disorders, as would a psychologist, their treatment method usually consists of prescribing medication, as would a doctor, and usually refer patients to psychologists for psychotherapy.

What is a Psychological Associate (C.Psych.Assoc.)?

Psychological associates have a Masters degree plus intensive supervised work experience. Similar to Psychologists, they must be registered/licensed with a province to practice psychology. Both Psychologists and psychological associates are trained in performing psychological assessments, the controlled act of communicating a diagnosis, and psychological treatment.

Why seek therapy?

For some people, seeing a clinically trained psychologist or clinical associate may be embarrassing, an admission of failure in coping with life’s problems. In fact, the services provided by psychologists can be seen simply as an important part of complete health care. Psychologists see people who have a wide range of problems. Some people consult psychologists when they simply have an important decision to make and need an objective and private sounding board.

Other people suffer from diagnostic psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress reaction. A psychological disorder may be indicated by any of the following: severe mental turmoil and extreme mood changes, loss of contact with reality, insomnia and loss of appetite, feeling of guilt, sexual dysfunction, isolation, withdrawal and irritability, rage, violence, suicidal feelings, self-defeating behaviour and so on.

Some people experience difficulties when they go through transitions such as marriage breakdown, job loss, retirement, parenthood, accidents, serious illness, bereavement and others. The ability to cope varies from person to person and within a person depending on the number and severity of stressors.

Psychologists are trained to recognize the possibility of physical bases to clients’ difficulties. They work within their range of competence and with the resources of the community to provide quality health care. Psychologists will ensure that the client seeks medical attention and also will refer the client to other social services when they are important to the resolution of the problem. In Ontario, only health care providers registered and regulated by the College of Psychologists can call themselves Psychologists. Thus, clients are assured of high standards of practice and health care delivery when they consult a psychologist.

What can I expect during my first session?

Under most circumstances, clients will first attend an initial intake appointment. This first session will include introductions and a discussion of the Request for Services form (and, if applicable, the Consent for Telepsychology Services form). The main objective of this session is to get to know you, your background, and the nature of your presenting concern. Expect to answer several questions about things like your occupation, social network, hobbies, medical history, substance use, etc. This first session typically ends by establishing your goals for therapy, discussing a potential treatment plan, and scheduling follow-up sessions as required.

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy used in this practice. In general, it is a brief, structured and problem-focused form of intervention, requiring the active participation of both the client and the psychologist. CBT concentrates on the links that exist between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how these, in turn, contribute to the client’s reasons for referral and present difficulties. In general, CBT aims at lessening symptoms of a clinical nature, such as anxiety and depression.

What is CPT?

Cognitive processing therapy is a trauma focused psychotherapy that involves 12 weekly sessions to treat Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT is one of the most effective modalities in treating PTSD. CPT teaches you how to evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts you have had since your trauma.

What is VRT?

Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is the use of virtual reality technology for therapy; within our practice we use a virtual reality headset. Clients are immersed within digitally created environments and complete tasks. VRT is used primarily as form of exposure therapy, in which clients interact with harmless virtual representations of anxiety producing stimuli in order to reduce their fear response.

What is telepsychology?

The Ontario Psychological Association defines telepsychology as “the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies that allow for the preparation, transmission, communication, and processing of personal health information by electronic means”. These technologies may include telephone, videoconferencing, and internet-based services, among others. Our practice uses the secure online telemedicine video platform Doxy.me, which is compliant with Canadian privacy legislation including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Through this platform, all data is encrypted, sessions are anonymous, and client information is not stored. There is no cost to use Doxy.me and it does not require a client account or software.

Can I refer someone to the office?

If you are referring someone other than yourself, such as a spouse, a child/adolescent, or a friend to psychological services, the patient in question must be aware of, and in agreement, with the referral.

Do I have proper coverage?

Please contact your insurance provider for the type and amount of coverage that you qualify for.

How long does therapy last?

Depending on the reasons for your referral, therapy can last between 5 and 20 sessions.

What is the length of time required for an assessment?

Depending on the type of assessment and the complexity of the referral question, availability of the client, and other factors, completion of assessments can range from 3 weeks to approximately 8 weeks.

How long is a therapy session?

Unless otherwise specified by your clinician, sessions are usually 50 minutes long, with 10 minutes reserved for note taking.

What is confidentiality?

Confidentiality is an integral part of this clinic. The information you share will remain between you and the professional(s) involved in the management of your request and reception of services. Information about clients is given out only with your written or verbal permission. There are some exceptions to this rule. These include court orders, if you are an imminent danger to yourself or others, if there are disclosures of child abuse, or disclosures of abuse by a regulated health care professional such as a doctor, dentist or chiropractor. Additional exceptions include, disclosures of abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in a Long Term Care Facility and the College of Psychologists of Ontario requesting access to files.

How long does it take for correspondence or other forms?

Forms and letters to be completed by this practice will be completed as soon as possible; however, we ask for a two week period for completion when available. The cost will vary according to the length and complexity of the form.

What languages are services offered in at your practice?

This clinic offers services in English, French, German, and Hungarian.