FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE INITIAL CONSULTATION?
The initial consultation, typically by telephone, is an opportunity to speak with Dr. Miceli about your concern(s), to learn more about her approach, availability and fees, and to determine if there is a fit between your needs and the services she offers.
WHAT IS TELEPHONE SCREENING? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
Telephone screening, usually 30 minutes in length, is arranged with clients who have indicated interest in group treatment, and have already submitted consent and registration forms online. The aim of the meeting is to review client responses and ascertain the level of fit between a client's care needs/goals and the components of the group program. Clients can also receive answers to any questions before attending the first session.
WHY IS COVID-19 SCREENING IN PLACE?
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. COVID-19 screening policies are reviewed every six months.
WHY ARE QUESTIONNAIRES USED?
Screening questionnaires are often used as part of the first or second session, as well as during treatment, as needed. Questionnaires are a valuable part of mental health treatment, because the results allow a client's progress to be monitored, and guide the planning of interventions. Anytime a test is completed, you will be informed about the findings and any questions you have will be answered.
Some psychological tests are used to support a diagnosis or to support the communication of a professional opinion in a letter or form (eg., to a doctor, employer or insurer). These types of tests are usually associated with a service fee (eg., to cover the costs of administration, scoring and interpretation), and you will be informed of the cost in advance of their use.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL?
A referral from your doctor is not required to set up your first appointment or to attend regular sessions. If you are planning to seek reimbursement from an extended health benefit plan, it is recommended that you check with your insurer to determine if a physician referral is needed for services to be covered.
ARE SERVICES COVERED BY OHIP?
Services are not covered by OHIP (in Ontario) or YHIP (in the Yukon Territory). Psychological services are often covered by an extended health benefit plan through an employer (in whole or part). Please consult your insurance provider for more information, as each plan has its own requirements, co-payments, methods of reimbursement, and funding limits.
HOW LONG IS A THERAPY SESSION?
In individual therapy, regular sessions are 50 minutes in length. Given the broad range of topics to cover in the first session, 1.5 to 2.5 hours are set aside to meet with clients. The length of the intake session is determined during your initial telephone consultation.
In group therapy, each program is unique and the number, length and sequence of sessions will be specified in advance.
WHAT IF I NEED A FORM OR A LETTER COMPLETED?
Forms and letters can be completed at your request and service fees are applied. Forms typically ask about diagnosis, your progress in therapy, and your readiness for work. If you are off-work and expect that forms and/or letters will be required, please let the doctor know right away. Forms and letters can take up to 3-4 weeks to complete. Clients may be asked to complete test(s) in order to support the completion of a letter/form and fees are levied for testing. (See:Why are questionnaires used?)
When a form, letter or report is requested, a fee estimate will be provided to you at the time of your request. The estimate is based on a general rate (fee/page), the complexity of the request, and the time required to complete it.
HOW IS MY PRIVACY PROTECTED?
Information management practices are used to safeguard your information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario, and the Health Information Privacy and Management Act (HIPMA) in the Yukon Territory. These practices are described in the consent form and privacy statement, which are provided for review in the first session. If you have any questions about these practices, please ask.
A Practice Management system (OWL) is used to facilitate financial activities, scheduling of appointments, and sharing of reading materials. Information about security, email/SMS appointment notifications, and managing your account is available here.
The office does not send unsolicited emails or text messages that request confidential information (eg., passwords, PINs, credit card numbers, health information, etc.) or invite clients to make purchases. Please contact the office by phone if you received an email and have concern about whether it originated from the office.
TORONTO OFFICE
692 Euclid Avenue
Toronto, ON
M6G 2T9