Question 1

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a doctor’s referral before beginning therapy if you are self-paying and not planning on seeking reimbursement from your insurance company. Some insurance plans, however, may require a referral from a doctor prior to starting therapy. Please verify with your insurance company or contact your workplace HR representative for further guidance. Also, please verify with your insurance provider the type of service and provider they cover (e.g. psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, assessment), as I am a licensed clinical psychologist.

Question 2

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

My fees for psychological services are comparable with other psychologists in the area and are consistent with rates suggested by the Ontario Psychological Association. Right now, I am offering a FREE 15-minute initial session to get to know each other and to see if therapy is right for you. For more information, please visit the “Fees” page of my website.

Question 3

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payment for services is due at the beginning of each session and are made via e-transfer.​ Credit cards are stored on file, but solely for late cancellation or no-show fees.

Question 4

Are your services covered by OHIP or other insurance?

Accepted Answer

Psychological services are not covered by OHIP but can be partially covered by many extended health insurance plans. Coverage varies with each plan, so please verify with your carrier regarding claim procedure, details required on receipts, as well as whether you might require a referral from your physician.

Question 5

Do you offer direct billing?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, I do offer direct billing services. If you are member of the RCMP, VAC, CAF, or IFHP, I can direct bill Medavie/Blue Cross. Some clients require pre-approval for treatment, while others do not. Please verify with Medavie/Blue Cross if you need pre-approval, how many sessions they will cover, and how much they are willing to cover (e.g. a maximum). Furthermore, if you have additional coverage through another insurance company (e.g. a partner’s employment), Medavie/Blue Cross requires you to use that coverage first before they will pay for treatment. Once approved, I can direct bill Medavie/Blue Cross. After you use your insurance allowance for treatment, any future sessions will have to be paid by you.
I can also direct bill for WSIB-approved claims. Please read below on the section covering WSIB.

Question 6

Do you work with WSIB?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can further discuss the WSIB process and payments during your initial appointment, but here is just a brief overview: WSIB has to approve treatment and the number of sessions (which can be extended) before they will pay for therapy. WSIB typically requires a treatment plan and progress updates, which I will go into more detail with you when we start working together. Usually clients pay for their initial appointment upfront, as well as any future sessions until WSIB approves the claim. If/when WSIB approves your claim, they usually send me a letter stating that treatment is covered for “X” number of sessions. At that point, they typically allow you to submit past treatment receipts for reimbursement, and I can begin to direct bill WSIB for the allotted/approved number of sessions.

Question 7

What type of clients do you work with?

Accepted Answer

My clients include adults, couples, and families (adult-members only), as well as emergency services personnel, military, and forensic populations. I am well-versed in a wide breadth of therapy styles and I cover a lot of different areas of focus. Additionally, I do psychological evaluations & assessments for the individual, and workshops, training, & presentations for different client populations. I do NOT work with MVAC clients. Please visit the “Services Offered” page for more information.

Question 8

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is not a “magic pill” or a “quick-fix”, rather; therapy is a healing process that can take weeks, months, or even years and, for some, may even be a life-long process. The amount of time that it may take to change maladaptive/unhealthy behaviors or thinking styles will depend significantly on the individual and the mental health problems/issues, so there is no general “rule-of-thumb”. I will outline expectations and begin to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs during our first session together. Some clients also opt to start and stop therapy (e.g. working together for 6 months, taking a short break, and then returning a few months later). We can decide what works best together.

Question 9

How do I get started with therapy?

Accepted Answer

To get started, either email me directly at info@drbrianna.com or fill out the contact form on my homepage.

Question 10

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy and confidentiality is the utmost importance to me and is a requirement by law for licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists. Confidentiality is the first thing that we discuss during our initial visit, prior to any other conversation taking place. I will take as much time as necessary to answer any questions that you may have and we will not proceed further until you feel fully informed and comfortable.

Question 11

Do you have a privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please review it on the “Forms for Initial Appointments” page of my website.

Question 12

Are you licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a member of both the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association. I completed my doctoral degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. For more information about me, please visit the “About” page of my website.

Question 13

Do you provide therapy over the phone or internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Teletherapy and video sessions are confidential and secure so that you can have a therapy session from the comfort of your own home, on-the-go, or from the office.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I require a minimum of 24 hours advance notice for cancellations, otherwise a $50 fee will be charged (except potentially in emergency situations - e.g. extreme weather, illness, death, etc...).

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