Frequently Asked Questions
It’s natural to have questions as you search for a mental health care provider. We have answered some of the most common questions below, but please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you would like to learn more.
Getting Started
Leave Blank
Why should I choose Connect and Thrive Psychology?
At Connect and Thrive Psychology, we believe that connection and community are central to wellness. Our clinicians are compassionate, highly skilled and strive to provide a secure base that supports you in your growth. Whether you are speaking with our Client Care Coordinator to get set up at our practice, meeting with your therapist, or getting support in drawing on community resources, we aim to provide you with a positive and enriching experience at every step of your journey towards resilience and wellness. Our goal is to support you in creating a environment, within yourself and with those around you, where thriving happens.
Do I need a referral?
While referrals from physicians and other health care providers are welcome, they are not required. If you think that you or someone you care for may benefit from our services, feel free to complete our contact form or connect with us directly by email or by phone at 647-345-8808.
If you are a care provider and would like to refer one of your clients to our practice, please click here for our referral form.
I’m interested in meeting with someone from your practice. What’s next?
If you are interested in meeting with a clinician from our practice, kindly let us know by completing our Contact Form. Our Client Care Coordinator or one of our associates will get back to you within two business days to schedule a brief consultation call. During this call, we will learn more about you and your needs, and answer any questions you may have about our services. If there is mutual agreement that we might be a good fit for your needs, a first session with your therapist will be scheduled. If your therapist is not accepting new clients at present, there may be an option to be added to their waitlist.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
All of our services are currently provided remotely, via a secure and PHIPA-compliant videoconferencing platform or by phone. This affords clients flexibility in deciding where best to participate in their session. We encourage our clients to find a space where they will feel comfortable speaking freely with their therapist. Many of our clients choose to speak with us from a private space in their home or at their workplace. Some of our clients even choose to participate in their sessions while taking a walk outdoors.
More information about Virtual Care at our practice can be found here.
In Session
Leave Blank
What can I expect in a first session?
In short, the majority of a first session is devoted to learning about you and developing a plan to support you. Your therapist will likely ask you about your history, what led you to seek support and / or what you are hoping to achieve through this work, and about any potential roadblocks that have made it difficult for you to progress further on your own. This information is considered in developing a shared understanding of the specific challenges you may be experiencing, as well as a plan to address these challenges that is catered to you and your goals. Treatment plans typically include recommendations as to the approach to therapy that is likely best suited to you, as well as a suggestion as to the frequency and number of sessions that may be required.
How long are sessions?
Unless otherwise agreed, sessions last 45 to 50 minutes. Clients are issued an invoice for the full hour, however, to account for the time that is needed for documentation.
How many sessions should I expect?
The number of sessions you require will depend on the nature and complexity of your symptoms, as well as your goals. Some clients, looking to engage in very focused work, may wish to limit their therapy to four sessions or fewer. However, for most clients looking to address a particular challenge, 8-15 regular sessions are recommended, while couples more often experience notable change after 15-20 sessions. Of course, some clients and couples may require a more prolonged course of therapy. Others still may be interested in developing a long-term relationship with their therapist, such that they can engage in a process of self-discovery and growth on an on-going basis at different points in their lives.
A discussion around the frequency and number of sessions recommended should occur in your first few sessions. Please let your therapist know if your preferences or needs are different than what is recommended. We aim, where possible, to be flexible and to adjust the duration and cadence of therapy to one that works for you.
Is the information I share with my therapist confidential?
Yes. Keeping client information confidential is part of what allows our clients to feel comfortable and safe enough to be open in therapy, and so we take this task very seriously. We also have legal and ethical obligations to keep your information private and secure. There are some exceptions to this, which will be outlined in your consent form and reviewed with you in your first session. They are also listed in our privacy policy.
Money Matters
Leave Blank
What are your fees?
The hourly rate to see a therapist in Ontario varies greatly, depending on the clinician’s profession, their training and experience, as well as the service offered. This is also true for our practice. The rate for psychological services at our practice ranges from $190 to $305 per hour. Some clinicians also offer services at a reduced rate for a limited number of clients. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about our fees.
Are your services covered through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or extended health insurance plans?
Mental health services provided outside an academic or hospital setting in Ontario are rarely covered by OHIP.
However, many employee benefit and private health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological services. Once a payment is made to our practice, a receipt will be issued which may then be used to claim reimbursement from an insurance provider. We recommend that you speak with your insurance provider ahead of your first meeting with your therapist to confirm you will be reimbursed for any services provided.
If you do not have health benefits, or if your benefits plan provides only partial coverage for our services, you may consider speaking with an accountant to determine whether payments made for psychological services may be claimed as a medical expense on your yearly tax return.
What type of payment do you accept?
Payment for services can be made by credit card or e-transfer and are due at the end of every session. Kindly speak with our Client Care Coordinator or your therapist if you prefer to provide payment via a different method.
Other
Leave Blank
What should I do if I am in crisis or in an emergency situation?
If you or someone you know is experiencing significant distress and needs urgent support, it is important to reach out to a service that will be able to attend to you with little delay. In the event of a mental health emergency, please visit your nearest emergency department or call 911. If you are not in crisis but would value speaking with someone urgently, then calling a distress line, such as the Gerstein Centre, may be helpful. Many of these services are available 24/7. Unfortunately, our practice is not able to offer emergency support.
I am hoping to meet with a therapist but I am not sure that your practice is right for me. Can you recommend another therapist that may be able to support me?
Our primary aim is to support you in your growth. We acknowledge that at times, that may be better facilitated by a therapist outside our practice. If it seems we are not ideally suited to support you, we would be happy to recommend other services or practices that may be a better fit.
Curious to learn more?
Connect with us. We will gladly answer any lingering questions you may have.