To schedule a consultation call 905 658-6060

Many of our clients have some form of coverage to see a psychologist although the level of coverage varies widely. Check your benefit’s package to determine your level of coverage.

Even with coverage, seeing a psychologist is an expensive proposition. Each psychologist determines their own rate and these rates will vary as a function of the experience of the psychologist and their determination of what their time is worth.

To discuss treatment costs please call our office.

Accounts can be settled by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. We do not take credit cards. Payment must be made at the end of each session. If you have benefits through a provider, we still require payment from you at the end of the session, and will give you a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.

You can often be seen within two weeks, although availability varies and wait times may be longer. Periodically the practice is full.

A physician’s referral is not necessary.

To become a psychologist in Ontario you require either a master’s degree or a doctorate, the latter involving extensive additional training (to complete a doctorate typically requires a minimum of 10 years of university training). The university that was attended must be approved by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the government body that monitors the practice of psychology in Ontario. After receiving the doctorate there is a period of at least one year of supervised training, as well as extensive oral and written exams, before a person is eligible to be a Registered Psychologist. We both have doctoral degrees in Psychology.

For further information about the profession of psychology, see the following sites:

The College of Psychologists of Ontario, www.cpo.on.ca

The Canadian Psychological Association, www.cpa.ca

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized training in pharmacology. Generally they treat problems by prescribing medication.

Clinical psychologists have specialized training in psychological assessment and psychotherapy.

Psychiatrists are covered through OHIP, while psychologists are not, unless they have a position in a government funded hospital or clinic.

It is not possible to reliably predict how long a course of treatment will take. Treatment at our practice typically falls within one of three treatment durations (less than 10 sessions, 10-20 sessions, over 20 sessions). After an initial consultation it is usually possible to give you an estimate of the range of sessions that will be required.

Confidentiality is exceptionally important and we are very mindful of the highly personal nature of the material that individuals share with us. We do not employ support staff and your records are maintained exclusively by the treating psychologist. Your written records are securely locked and any information that is computer-based is secured as well.

We never fax records given that there is a slight possibility that they may not end up where intended.

If a family member or friend calls, we will never discuss your situation with them without written release from you.

There are several instances in which we are ethically required to break confidentiality (e.g., if it is determined that a child has been abused or if a client is acutely suicidal). These exceptions will be reviewed with you in the consultation.

If you cannot make your appointment, the hourly rate will be charged unless you cancel 48 hours in advance. This will be waived when the cancellation is due to emergencies or similarly unavoidable circumstances.