FAQS
Can I self-refer?
Absolutely. When appropriate, coordination with other service providers (such as physicians, lawyers, teachers) can be helpful.
Who Needs to See a Psychologist?
Anyone who identifies that they have a need for services provided by a trained professional whose area of specialty is dealing with personal and interpersonal issues and problems from a psychological perspective. It is not uncommon for individuals to seek psychological services in order to better understand themselves or to work to become happier or to enjoy their life more. It is also not uncommon for individuals to seek psychological services for concerns such as abuse, trauma, injury, loss, separation, or various psychological symptoms, including depression or anxiety, that have risen to a level that interrupts their lives.
Why is it Important to See a Regulated Health Practitioner?
Protection and quality assurance. The role of the regulatory body is to protect the public by ensuring that its practitioners are properly trained and competent. An unregulated person does not have to meet any qualification or continuing education standards, and is not subject to regulation; therefore, patients have no regulatory body to contact if they have any concerns about the services provided.
Are Psychological Services OHIP-covered?
No. However, there are various third-party coverage mechanisms that can provide financial support to help access psychological services. These include Extended Health Coverage through an employer, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) or Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Benefits. Some people have coverage through Health Canada. Victims of a crime can apply to have psychological services covered through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB). Individuals injured in a workplace accident might receive assistance through Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Are Psychological Services Private and Confidential?
Yes. However, there are legally-mandated limits to confidentiality. Under certain conditions, psychologists’ files are not “protected”, such as if these records are subpoenaed by a judge. Under certain conditions, psychologists have an obligation to report concerns to appropriate authorities or persons; these specific limitations include if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child (presently under 16 years of age) is being abused or neglected, that another registered health care professional (e.g., a physician, dentist, chiropractor) has sexually maltreated a patient, or that there is an imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others,
As well, clients can request or consent to information-sharing with other parties, when appropriate; in these cases, written authorization will be obtained before any information is released.
Do You See Kids?
Yes. When we see children and adolescents, we keep the parent(s) informed of the child's progress and needs, and discuss information with parents which, in our judgment, is appropriate or necessary to share. Often, therapeutic interventions with children will include parents or other family members.
Why Talk About the Past?
The past cannot be changed, but you can change how it affects you.
Is Change Possible?
Yes, but not always. Sometimes, acceptance is the key to psychological health.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
This is a “moving target”, and depends on such things as the nature of the problem, personally-identified goals, level of change required or amount of support needed, extent of current stressors or the timing of anticipated stressors. Sometimes, a course of therapy is completed and another course begins at a later time due to changing life circumstances, readiness to revisit and continue working on some difficult issues, or the need for a psychological “booster shot”.
How Frequently Should Sessions Occur?
That depends on a host of issues, such as complexity of the problem, emotional “pacing”, or practical concerns, such as financial or scheduling considerations.
Do Psychologists Diagnose Mental Health Problems?
Yes. Psychologists are trained to apply mental health diagnoses when appropriate, and are among the Regulated Health Professionals who are able to conduct the controlled act of communicating a diagnosis.
Do Psychologists Medicate?
No. Psychologists treat using psychological interventions. However, as well-trained mental health professionals, psychologists refer to other professionals, such as psychiatrists or physicians, when there is the need for complementary or alternative interventions, such as psychotropic medication.
