Clinic Policies
Confidentiality
Ontario law protects the confidentiality of communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without the permission of the client. There are some exceptions, as required and permitted by law. These exceptions include:
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Where disclosure is necessary to eliminate or reduce significant, imminent risk of serious bodily harm to the client or anyone else;
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Where a child is in need of protection due to physical harm, neglect or sexual abuse;
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Where necessary for particular legal proceedings (e.g. when the psychotherapist is subpoenaed);
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To facilitate an investigation or inspection if authorized by warrant or by any provincial or federal law (e.g. a criminal investigation against the member, his/her staff, or a client);
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For the purpose of contacting a substitute decision-maker of the individual, if the individual is injured, incapacitated or ill and unable to give consent personally; and
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Under enforcement of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (e.g. providing information if a complaint has been made against the psychotherapist).
Appointments
Most appointments are scheduled in a 50-minute time slot. It is recommended that we meet once per week until you being to experience the changes you desire. At this point we can review your goals and reduce the frequency of sessions to support lasting change.
If you need to cancel your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice. If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, the cost of the appointment is still charged.
Privacy and Social Media
The privacy of your personal information is protected by law. Personal information is that which can be used to identify a person. This includes information about personal characteristics (e.g., gender, age, home address, etc.), health (e.g., health history), and activities and views (e.g., religious affiliations, opinions by and of a patient).
Personal information is used to provide psychotherapeutic services in order to more fully understand what is contributing to a presenting problem. A copy of our complete privacy policy is provided during intake. Additional copies may be requested at any time.
My approach to social media reflects my commitment to privacy and confidentiality. As such, I do not accept social media (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) friend or contact requests from current and past clients.
Payment
Payment is due at the end of each session.
E-transfer and credit cards are the preferred methods of payment. If you have extended health insurance coverage, you are asked to pay for services and submit the receipt as a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Some extended health insurance plans will reimburse all or part of the fees paid to a Registered Psychotherapist.
Please check with your insurance provider:
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Whether they provide mental health insurance benefits,
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If they require you to pay a deductible,
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If there is a limit to the number of therapy sessions they provide,
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How much coverage they provide for each therapy session,
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Is approval or a referral required from a family physician.