OAKWOOD COUNSELLING
COMMON QUERIES
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
HOW LONG DOES EACH COUNSELLING SESSION TAKE?
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST, HOW CAN I PAY?
Sessions for individuals are $135.00 / 60 minute session. Sessions for couples or families are $165.00 / 90-75 minute session. Payment occurs that end of the session by e-transfer, credit card, or cash.
The number of sessions needed depends on your presenting concerns and what you are hoping to accomplish. Many people find benefit in several sessions to address a specific issue or get unstuck in a certain area. More complex difficulties normally require more sessions. Evidence for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and most models of Couples Counselling have shown that a minimum of eight sessions is most effective. Some find attending on a regular longer-term basis is important in maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.
Frequency of sessions is a personal choice. Many people find that attending more frequently (weekly or bi-weekly) initially is helpful in making gains and keeping momentum, and reduce the frequency as these gains are made.
Individual therapy sessions (for one person) are generally 60 minutes long. If longer sessions are requested, the fee would be pro-rated accordingly. Family and Couples sessions are 75 - 90 minutes long.
CAN I ATTEND IN PERSON ?
Yes, in-person counselling is available in a spacious and comfortable office. Masks are not required, but you are welcome to wear one, and I am happy to wear one at your request. You will receive a COVID-19 screener by email to complete prior to your session.
ARE SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Most extended health care benefits provide coverage for counselling/ psychotherapy provided by an individual with a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) who is registered (RSW). You will be provided a receipt to submit this claim to your insurance company.
If you do not have extended health benefits, counselling services with a Registered Social Worker with an MSW is deductible as a health care service on your income taxes.
Direct Billing is available for the following insurance companies as well as many major Insurance Companies:
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Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
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Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) - Available for all individuals registered under the Indian Act.
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Greenshield
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Empire Life
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Blue Cross (Including Veterans Affairs Canada)
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SSQ Insurance
There are a limited number of spaces available at a reduced rate. Please contact me if you feel that you are in need of this.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED, HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND?
Policies
Cancellation Policy: 24 hours notice is required to cancel or change appointments to avoid a late cancellation fee of 50% of the session fee.
* Some exceptions may apply for extenuating circumstances.
No Show Policy: Scheduled appointments that are not attended or cancelled will be billed at the full session fee.
* Some exceptions may apply for extenuating circumstances.
Privacy Policy: The content of all therapy sessions is considered to be strictly confidential. Both verbal information and written records about a client will not be divulged to any other party without the written consent of the client or the client’s legal guardian. At any time, you have the right to withhold or withdraw consent, or place conditions on the disclosure of your information. My service is committed to protecting the privacy in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).
There are exceptional situations where I am ethically, professionally, and/or legally required to share information about you and/or your situation without your written consent. These situations include circumstances of imminent risk of harm to self or others, being legally compelled, or learning or abuse, neglect or witnessing of abuse of people under 16.
Additionally, to assist in providing clients with the highest quality of service, I may also share pertinent anonymous information within the confidential space of individual, group, and peer supervision and/or consultation. Please keep in mind that all identifying information will remain strictly confidential during supervision and/or consultation.
I utilize Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) compliant electronic records for storing your information.