FAQ

In case you're wondering ....

Are you covered by insurance?

Many registered psychotherapists are covered by insurance. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO; Registration #11940) and this regulatory body tends to be covered under most insurance plans. However, each person has a unique health care plan, so I always encourage people to check with their provider to ensure coverage. You are supplied with invoices after session payment that can be submitted to your insurance company.

What if it's not a good fit?

If you find you're not getting what you need out of our sessions, please let me know. We can make an appropriate plan for you moving forward (e.g., referrals to other therapists, programs or support groups that may be of use etc.). This helps to ensure your safety and gives us the opportunity to discuss what may not be working so you can carry this understanding forward. If you do not feel comfortable having a discussion, kindly email me letting me know you are taking a break or re-evaluating.

What to expect in a first session and after..

First sessions tend to include a lot of logistics and take about 1/2 hour longer than a typical session. This means we are required to go over a few legal rules about the limits of confidentiality and also take time to address any questions you might have. We then take time to review your history and what has brought you to therapy now. This includes reviewing information from the past and present. Topics we may cover include: childhood and family relationships, substance use, friendships, previous physical and mental health history, education and employment history, social life, sleep, diet, exercise and current symptoms.

What is the difference between Registered Psychotherapist, Psychologist and Psychiatrist? Who would be best for me?

Registered Psychotherapist: An active member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and qualified to provide the "controlled act of psychotherapy" as defined by the government. The government defines controlled act of psychotherapy as as: “Treating, by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may impair the individual’s judgment, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.” This does not mean you need to have a serious thought disorder to see a psychotherapist, in fact most people do not. Many people seeking Registered Psychotherapists are just having difficulty managing life stressors, relationships, emotions and moods. RP's often hold a Masters Degree, though some complete specialized programs in Ontario. Always inquire about your therapists qualifications if you have questions. Importantly, Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Psychotherapists (qualifying) cannot provide diagnoses to their clients. They may identify that you are struggling with certain symptoms, but cannot officially conclude or communicate a diagnosis to you. If you are looking for a formal diagnosis you may be in need of a Clinical Psychologist.

Registered Psychologist: A Registered Psychologist is an active member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) who has completed a PhD in clinical or counselling psychologist and is qualified to engage in the controlled act of psychotherapy and provide diagnostic assessments. Psychologists engage in various therapeutic techniques similar to registered psychotherapists such as talk therapy, behaviour modification and positive reinforcement. If you are looking for a diagnosis or completing a WSIB claim, a Psychologist may be the person for you. Importantly, Registered Psychologists cannot prescribe medications, and this is where a General Psychiatrist may come in.

Psychiatrist: A Psychiatrist has a medical degree and completed additional training specializing in mental health and psychiatric concerns. In Ontario, Psychiatrists are often covered by OHIP because they are doctors, though generally there are significant wait times. Psychiatrists can provide diagnoses to clients, and prescribe medications for treating these diagnoses. You may be referred to a Psychiatrist by your family doctor for an evaluation or assessment to receive antidepressants, or other medications.