ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort between you and a Psychologist.
It provides a supportive environment to talk openly about your concerns and feelings. Every client brings their own unique history into sessions, and therapeutic work is tailored to your situation, goals and needs.
Psychologists assist by applying their knowledge and experience in the areas of human behaviour, behavioral change, as well as mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Information about the clinic is described below. You may also wish to consult What to Expect and FAQs.
REFERRALS
Self-referrals and referrals from health care professionals are welcome. If you are a health care provider and would like to make a referral, please use confidential voicemail or fax to send personal health information.
CANCELLATIONS
Clients who cannot attend their scheduled appointment are asked to contact the office by telephone at least 48 hours before. Charges are levied for missed appointments, except in exceptional circumstances.
FEES
Unlike appointments with a family doctor, an Ontario Health Card is not presented during visits.
Payment is due at the time of service via e-transfer or credit card.
SERVICE HOURS
Services provided via video-conferencing and/or phone.
Tuesday & Wednesday
11 am to 8 pm
Friday & Saturday**
9 am to 2 pm
**In-person services available on Saturdays.
TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED CARE
Services are available via the ZOOM tele-health platform, a secure (PHIPA/HIPAA compliant) and user friendly audio- and video- conferencing service. Zoom meeting require the use of an App on a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Links:
1. Zoom Software Downloads (free)
2. Zoom Mobile Apps for iPhone or Android (free)
3. Try a test meeting for Zoom on your desktop
COVID-19 SCREENING
Some clients attending health services may have a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection, or acquiring more serious complications of a COVID-19 infection.
Self-screening and public health precautions are used to reduce the risk of viral transmission in the office. Clients are asked to self-screen when booking online for in-person appointments and will receive a same-day screening tool via email on the day before an appointment.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
During your first session, you will be interviewed for about 1-1.5 hr and asked to complete questionnaires. The interview is focused on learning about your history (employment, education, physical health, medications, relationships, and self-care patterns), as well as about the current concern(s) that led you to seek out therapy.
Depending on the complexity of the questionnaires you completed, you'll receive feedback about your test results in the first or second session. A treatment plan is developed collaboratively, which includes setting specific goals, and making an agreement about the duration and frequency of sessions, areas to explore in-depth, and types of change strategies to be used.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Anyone who is in danger of harming themselves or someone else is asked to go to the closest hospital emergency room or call 911. Crisis lines offer assistance to persons who are not in imminent danger, but who need support urgently:
Toronto
Toronto Gerstein Mobile Crisis Unit: 416-929-5200
Toronto Distress Line: 416-408-4357
Durham Region
Distress Centre Durham Crisis Line: 1-800-452-0688
Durham Mobile Crisis Team: 1-800-742-1890
Canada Wide
Crisis Service Canada (24/7/365; bilingual): 1-833-456-4566
OR Text ‘Start’ to 45645