COMMON QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGIST?

A psychologist is a regulated health care professional who is trained in the assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioural conditions. Psychologists receive advanced training through the completion of a doctoral (PhD or PsyD) degree. In order to practice autonomously as a psychologist, one must register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and complete at least one-year of supervised practice, a written licensing examination, a jurisprudence and ethics exam, and an oral examination. Psychologists are subsequently closely monitored by the CPO and are required to complete continuing education requirements on an annual basis to maintain their license.

WHAT IS THE REFERRAL PROCESS?

Referrals for services from physicians, lawyers, or other health professionals are welcome, but they are not necessary for initiating therapy. If you are interested in services, please contact us to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. Following that, we can schedule your initial appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM OUR FIRST SESSION?

The aim of the first visit is to get to know one another, with the overarching goal of ensuring that you feel comfortable with your clinician and the therapeutic process. At the start of the session, your clinician will review the clinic policies with you, and you will have a chance to ask any questions you may have. Your clinician will then conduct an intake assessment, where they will ask you some questions in order to better understand your current needs and to ensure that the services we provide are a good fit for you. This includes discussing your history and some of your current concerns. The information you share will allow us to collaboratively develop a treatment plan that is personalized and aimed at addressing your individual needs. There will also be an opportunity for you to discuss your goals for treatment, and your clinician can tell you treatment recommendations based on your individualized goals.

CAN I TEST OUT THE THERAPY TO SEE IF I LIKE IT?

We offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to learn more about the practice and to see if our associate is the right fit. Of course, it takes longer than 15 minutes to establish whether you've found the right therapist for you, but it does help you to feel more confident that you are in the right place before booking your initial appointment. Following our first in-person meeting, you will have a better idea of recommendations in terms of an ongoing treatment plan and are free to decide whether it is right for you. You can try it out and stop at anytime - no questions asked.

WHAT ARE THE FEES AND METHODS OF PAYMENT?

In Ontario, services provided in private practice are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) but are often partially or fully covered by extended health insurance plans. If you have extended health coverage through an insurance company, you may be able to receive reimbursement for some or all of your fees paid, and non-reimbursed fees may be claimed on your income tax returns as a medical expense. The amount of reimbursement for services will vary with each extended benefits plan, so it is recommended that you inquire with your specific provider to determine your coverage.

Fees are set in accordance with guidelines established by various professional organizations as well as market research in the province of Ontario. Payment is due within 24 hours after each session, and can be paid for using cash, cheque, or e-transfer. You will be provided with a detailed receipt upon payment of your fees, which you can retain for insurance or income tax claim purposes, if applicable.

WHERE IS THE OFFICE LOCATED?

Grenadier Psychotherapy is entirely virtual, run via telephone or secure video platform. There is no physical location to attend at this time. This means we can see anyone within the province of Ontario.

ARE YOU PROVIDING IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS?

We no longer offer any in-person services. In March 2020, in compliance with the government of Ontario's recommendations, all services moved to telephone or secure video conferencing. We find it to be an accessible way to offer services and it has been shown to be equally as effective as face-to-face sessions in the literature.