Resources
Faqs
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
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During the initial session, we will begin by discussing important policies, consent, and the terms of service. This includes confidentiality and its limits. It's essential to note that participating in therapy is entirely voluntary, and you have the freedom to withdraw or discontinue services at any point.
Primarily, the first session focuses on building a therapeutic relationship and getting to know each other. We start by gathering information about your personal background and the reasons that brought you to therapy. We may ask questions about your personal history and experiences related to your concerns, but you are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. We will also discuss your goals and expectations for therapy, setting an intention for our work together.
Are therapy sessions covered by insurance?
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Therapy sessions may be partially or fully covered by private insurance and employee benefit plans. If you are a college or university student, you may have access to coverage through your institution's extended healthcare benefits. Many plans provide coverage for psychotherapy, Registered Social Worker (RSW), and Masters of Social Work (MSW). However, it is important to directly confirm this with your insurance provider.
What is the difference between a social worker and a psychotherapist?
In Canada, social workers and psychotherapists are both mental health professionals who play important roles in providing therapeutic support to individuals. While there are similarities between the two professions, there are also differences in terms of training, regulation, and scope of practice. Social workers in Ontario are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and hold the title "Registered Social Worker" (RSW), while psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and hold the title "Registered Psychotherapist" (RP).
Social Workers: Social workers typically hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) from a recognized university program. Their education includes coursework focused on social work theory, research, and practice, as well as supervised field placements.
Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists may have a variety of educational
backgrounds. They may hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Some psychotherapists may have completed specific psychotherapy training programs or certifications. Most insurance plans with psychotherapy coverage will cover psychotherapy sessions provided by an RSW. However, it is always advisable to check with your insurance provider before beginning services. It is important to note that social workers are exempt from charging HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on counseling/psychotherapy services.
How many sessions will I need?
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Ultimately, the number of counseling sessions needed for treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors specific to each person's needs, goals, and progress. Your therapist will work closely with you to establish an appropriate treatment plan and discuss the expected duration of therapy based on the presenting concerns.
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Some individuals with specific short-term goals may benefit from brief therapy consisting of 1-4 sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term approaches ranging from 12 or more sessions.
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It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and the duration of treatment is typically discussed and determined between the client and the therapist. As therapy progresses, the therapist and client regularly assess the effectiveness of the sessions and make adjustments as needed.
Do you offer a free consultation?
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We offer a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your therapy goals and address any questions you may have before our first session. If we determine that we are not the right fit to work together, I am more than happy to provide a referral to another therapist who may better suit your needs.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
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In order to enhance the accessibility of mental health care, we offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for individuals who do not have health benefits and are facing financial constraints. It's important to note that these sliding scale spots may have a predetermined duration to ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from this service. If you are interested in being added to the waitlist for sliding scale therapy sessions, please feel free to reach out.
Cancellation Policy:
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You have the flexibility to cancel or reschedule any psychotherapy session, provided that you give a minimum of 24 hours notice. If you are unable to attend an in-person session due to illness or adverse weather conditions, you are welcome to switch to a virtual appointment. However, please be aware that no-shows or appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled session will be billed at half of the full session rate. This payment is due on the same day of the scheduled visit and is required before booking any future sessions.
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Most insurance providers do not cover the costs of late cancellations missed appointments.
Distress Helplines for Immediate Support
When you find yourself in need of someone to talk to, there are various agencies operating distress helplines that are available 24 hours a day (unless otherwise specified). Reach out to the following helplines for assistance:
Talk Suicide
Call 1 833 456-4566 or text 45645.
Toronto Distress Centres
Call 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP.
Gerstein Centre
Call 416 929-5200.
Spectra Helpline
Call 416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777
For Brampton and Mississauga residents:
TTY: 905 278-4890
Languages available: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Portuguese
Assaulted Women's Helpline
Call 416 863-0511 or toll-free at 1 866 863-0511
Kids Help Phone
Call 1 800 668-6868
Languages available: English and French
Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital
Call 416 495-2891 for 24/7 telephone crisis support
Service borders: south to the lake, north to Steeles Avenue, east to Port Union Road, and west to Victoria Park.
Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line
Call 905 666-0483
Distress Centre Halton:
For residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville):
Oakville: 905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488; Milton/Halton Hills: 905-877-1211
Mobile Crisis Response Teams (Available 24/7)
Niagara:
Niagara COAST Office at 1-866-550-5205
Toronto:
Gerstein Centre Crisis Line: Call 416 929-5200. Service borders: south to the lake, north to Eglinton (and then north to Highway 401 between Bathurst and Bayview), east to Bayview, Danforth, and Victoria Park, and west to Islington Ave.
St. Mike’s Hospital Mobile Crisis Team: Accessible via Police Department (911) by contacting the police directly. The response team consists of a police officer and a mental health nurse.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Mobile Crisis Team: Accessible via Police Department (911) by contacting the police directly.
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Scarborough/East York:
Scarborough Hospital Regional Mobile Crisis Team: Accessible via Police Department (911) by contacting the police directly.
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York Region:
Community Crisis Response Service, Distress Centre: Toll-free at 1 855 310-COPE (2673).
Peel Region:
Mobile Crisis of Peel: Call 905 278-9036. Available 24/7 for Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.
Credit Valley Hospital; Emergency Department: Call 905 813-4141. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and statutory holidays, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Note: The mobile crisis team only meets with individuals registered in the emergency departments at either Credit Valley Hospital or Mississauga Hospital. For medical advice, please call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
Hamilton:
St. Joseph’s Hospital Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST): Call 1-905-972-8338.
Halton:
Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST): Call 1-877-825-9011.
Covers Oakville, Milton, Georgetown, Acton, and Burlington.
Join Mindevolv Therapy as a Counsellor!
At MindEvolv Therapy, our Counsellors thrive in their roles and love what they do. We take pride in providing them with an enriching work environment where they can make a difference in people's lives. Here's why becoming a Counsellor at MindEvolv Therapy is an excellent opportunity for you:
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The Clientele: We ensure that our Counsellors have a full caseload of therapy-ready clients. You'll have the chance to engage with diverse individuals who are ready to embark on their healing journey.
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Personalized Mentoring: We believe in nurturing the growth of our Counsellors. You'll receive personalized mentoring from experienced professionals who will guide you in your practice and help you excel in your career.
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Exclusive Clinical Training: Continuous professional development is essential in the field of counselling. At MindEvolv Therapy, we offer exclusive, high-quality clinical training to further enhance your skills and keep you up-to-date with the latest therapeutic approaches.
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Supportive Community: We foster a supportive and collaborative community where you can connect with fellow Counsellors. Sharing experiences, insights, and support with like-minded professionals creates a nurturing environment for personal and professional growth.
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Career Advancement: We value motivated therapists and offer career tracks for those who aspire to progress in their profession. As a Counsellor, you'll have opportunities for advancement and further specialization.
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Administrative Support: We understand that administrative tasks can be time-consuming and take away from the counselling process. That's why we provide comprehensive administrative support, including reception services, online booking, billing assistance, and exceptional client care. This allows you to focus your energy and expertise on providing effective counselling.
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Accessible Counselling: We are committed to making high-quality counselling accessible to all. To achieve this, we offer a range of fee options and extended office hours to accommodate the needs of adults, couples, and families.
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If you're passionate about counselling and are seeking a fulfilling and supportive work environment, we invite you to contact us for current openings for Counsellors.
Join MindEvolv Therapy and embark on a rewarding journey of helping others
and advancing your career as a Counsellor!
