Are session fees covered by OHIP or Health Benefits?
OHIP does not cover the services of Psychotherapists (only Psychiatrists are covered under OHIP). Many insurance companies cover Psychotherapy in their extended health-care plans so you can claim these benefits and get reimbursed for your session fee. I will provide you with the receipt needed to submit to insurance at the end of each session.
Some plans specify that you must see a Registered Psychologist or Social Worker for Psychotherapy in order to claim benefits. Because I am supervised by a Registered Psychological Associate, you can use your benefits. The best way to determine what your insurance plan will cover is to contact your provider or use their online system.
Is therapy confidential?
How long do I need to come to therapy?
This is very hard to assess. It depends greatly on the depth of need, the dynamics, i.e. individual, couples, group, and the effort put into change between sessions. Typically the type of approach I use is most effective with 8-12 sessions, although some clients have needed less and some clients requested more sessions. I will regularly check-in with you to discuss how we are progressing and I will share my views if I believe our work together could be nearing an end. You will always be welcome to contact me again in the future if you want to continue our work together down the road.
What makes psychotherapy different from talking to a friend or loved one?
As a professional I am bound by confidentially which means I will not talk about what we work on in our sessions with others (there are legal exceptions to this which we will cover in our first session). You don’t have to worry that something you say in confidence will be shared without your permission and knowledge.
Another distinction is that in a psychotherapy relationship I am here entirely for you, and I do not get my emotional needs met through our relationship. I am a professional with skills which allow me to listen to you, understand you and provide you with insight based on my psychotherapy training and expertise.
What hours do you have available for scheduling a session?
Do I need a referral from a physician?
No, you do not need a referral from a physician, although many referrals do come from physicians. Some employee health insurance plans do require a physician referral; please investigate this when determining insurance parameters. Self-referrals are welcome. Most children and teens are referred by doctors, schools, or parents, but pleased be advised that I cannot force a client to see me, regardless of age. I have a strong reputation for building rapport with youth and will use the first session (or two) to build a relationship, however if the youth refuses to attend session, I will refer elsewhere or come with an alternate plan with parents.
How can I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked by calling 613-315-5656, by emailing christine@dalgitytherapy.ca, or by filling out the contact form in the “Contact” section on this website.