Appointments and Communication

 

• Your therapist may offer in-person, video, or phone sessions, depending on what they feel is clinically appropriate.

• Appointments are generally available on weekdays and some evenings.

 

Email Communication

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• Please use email only for scheduling or administrative matters.

• Email is not fully secure or encrypted, so confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

• If you choose to share sensitive information by email, you are accepting the risk that the message could be intercepted.

 

Emergencies & Availability

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• Psychotherapy is not an emergency service.

• Your therapist is generally not available between sessions.

• Therapists may take time away for training, vacation, or self-care.

 

If You Are in Crisis

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• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

• Adult Crisis Line: 1-800-448-3000

• Emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department

 

Therapist Availability Between Sessions

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• Your therapist cannot always be reached immediately by phone, text, or email.

• Therapists are generally not available between scheduled sessions.

• Messages are reviewed during regular business hours and responded to as clinically appropriate.

• Psychotherapy services do not include crisis or on-call support.

 

If you require urgent support outside of your scheduled appointment, please contact a crisis service or emergency support.

 

Crisis & Emergency Support

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• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

• Adult Crisis Line: 1-800-448-3000

• Emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department

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Cancellations & Missed Appointments

 

• We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

• Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, will be charged at the full session rate.

• This policy allows us to offer the time to another client and keep our schedule sustainable.

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Insurance & Coverage

 

• Social work and psychological services are not covered by OHIP.

• Some or all fees may be covered by:

• Extended health benefits

• Private insurance

• Third-party payers

• You are responsible for payment, even if your insurer does not reimburse you.

• Coverage varies by insurer, especially for services provided under supervision.

• Please confirm your coverage directly with your insurance provider.

 

Fee Changes & Late Payments

 

• Fees are based on rates recommended by professional regulatory colleges and reflect your therapist’s training and experience.

• Any fee changes will be communicated in advance.

• No interest is charged the first time an account becomes overdue.

• Continued non-payment may result in:

  • Late fees

  • Withdrawal of services

  • Referral to publicly funded services

  • Referral to a collection agency

 

Confidentiality & Its Limits

 

Your privacy is extremely important to us. Everything you share—including the fact that you attend therapy—is confidential except in specific situations required by law.

 

We may need to share information if:

• We suspect child abuse or neglect

• We suspect abuse of an elder in long-term care

• There is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else

• A court order or subpoena requires disclosure

• You report sexual abuse by a regulated health professional (the professional must be reported, not you)

• Disclosure is needed to protect people or property from criminal activity

• We are required to share limited information with:

• Insurers

• Regulatory colleges

• Government agencies (as required by law)

 

Whenever possible, we will:

• Discuss disclosures with you

• Share only what is necessary

• Obtain your written consent

 

Confidentiality With Children & Families

 

• Children and adolescents have confidentiality rights similar to adults

• We aim to keep parents informed when appropriate

• If a young person is capable of making their own decisions, we will respect their right to privacy unless there is an emergency.

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Group, Couple, & Family Therapy

 

• When working with more than one person, relevant information may be shared within the therapy context if clinically appropriate.

• If a therapist sees someone both individually and as part of a couple or family, information may be shared when necessary for treatment.

• If there is something you do not wish your family members or partner to know, do not whare it with your therapist so that you do not place undue burden on your therapist to remember what is okay and not okay to share. The exception to this is if a family member discloses abuse. In this case, the therapist's priority will be the safety of the vulnerable person.

 

Technology & Virtual Sessions

 

• We use Jane App, which meets Ontario privacy and security standards.

• While platforms are secure, no online system is completely risk-free.

 

For video sessions, please:

 

• Use a private space
• Avoid public Wi-Fi

• Use a device with a camera and stable internet

 

Recording Sessions

 

• Recording sessions is not permitted without the consent of everyone involved.

 

Risks & Benefits of Psychotherapy

 

Possible Benefits

• Improved coping and emotional regulation

• Reduced symptoms

• Stronger relationships

• Greater self-understanding

• Increased well-being and life satisfaction

 

Possible Risks

• Discussing difficult topics

• Experiencing intense or uncomfortable emotions

• Temporary increases in distress as issues are explored

• Changes that may negatively impact others in your life

 

These experiences are common and can be discussed at any time with your therapist.

 

Therapist Vacation, Training, & Time Away

 

• Your therapist will periodically take time away from their practice for vacation, training, professional development, illness, or personal reasons.

• During these times, your therapist may be unavailable for sessions and for responding to messages.

• Standing or recurring appointments may be paused or rescheduled during these periods.

• Whenever possible, your therapist will provide advance notice of planned time away.

• Therapy services do not include coverage or substitute therapists during absences, unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon.

 

Privacy of Your Records

 

We collect personal information only as needed to provide care, meet legal requirements, and process billing.

 

• Records are stored securely

• Files are retained according to Ontario law

• Records are destroyed safely when retention periods end

 

Our privacy practices comply with PHIPA and PIPEDA. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

 

Final Notes 

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• Therapy works best when sessions are attended consistently.

• If you have questions, concerns, or uncertainty at any point, please talk with your therapist.

• Consent is ongoing and can be revisited at any time.

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