Frequently Asked Questions
Are these services covered by extended health care?
How many sessions will I need to attend?
What can I expect in an Initial Assessment?
What can I expect in follow up sessions?
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
YES! Confidentiality is a key component of therapy. This is a chance to express yourself in a judgement free zone. Psychotherapists are ethically and legally required to keep your information confidential, just as doctors are. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Including;
What is the difference between a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?
A registered psychotherapist qualifying is an individual who has met the minimum requirements for registration, however, is still fulfilling the remaining requirements by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (This may include completing direct client contact hours, supervision hours, etc.)
Can a psychotherapist prescribe medication?
A psychotherapist is not permitted to prescribe medication, however, can discuss/support the exploration of the use of medication with you, your family doctor, or psychiatrist.
How does a psychotherapist differ from a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and nurse?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist has a medical degree and 5 years of psychiatric training. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have the ability to prescribe medication, diagnose individuals, and provide psychotherapy.
Psychologists
Psychologists in Ontario have a PhD, though they are not able to prescribe medication. They have training in completing assessments, providing psychotherapy, and making diagnoses.
Registered Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists in Ontario have a Master’s Degree in psychology. They provide psychotherapy in various settings, including, individual, group, family, and couples.
“Psychotherapy occurs when the Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and the ability to enjoy life" (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
“When you seek the services of a Registered Psychotherapist, you can expect to receive competent, ethical, quality care from a qualified professional who is registered with CRPO" (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
Other Health Professionals
Professionals from various fields may also provide psychotherapy. Depending on their field their training may range from a diploma to a PhD. Social workers are trained to focus on how a person’s environment affects his or her health and are usually more connected with social service networks.
- At this time, psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP
- Some insurance plans MAY cover – however, each plan is different
- What you need to ask your insurance: “Is psychotherapy from a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) covered under my plan?”
- What you will need to provide – plan number and ID number
- If you have questions – Melissa will be happy to help you check your insurance coverage
How many sessions will I need to attend?
- There is not a specific number of sessions that you should have
- This is all based on your personal well-being and how you respond to different approaches explored in your sessions
- The usual recommendation is 8-12 sessions – however, many people see a psychotherapist for much longer or much less depending on the severity of their struggles.
What can I expect in an Initial Assessment?
- Full personal history
- Family history
- Current living arrangements
- Health Conditions
- Exploring key relationships in your life
- Current struggles/difficulties
- Getting to know one another
- Development of goals and a plan
What can I expect in follow up sessions?
- This is based on yourself and how you wish to spend your session
- We will receive a general update since the last time we saw you
- Update on your goals
- You may receive “homework” - different techniques to challenge negative thinking, form habits, etc.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
YES! Confidentiality is a key component of therapy. This is a chance to express yourself in a judgement free zone. Psychotherapists are ethically and legally required to keep your information confidential, just as doctors are. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Including;
- If there is a reason for the therapist to believe that you a danger to yourself or others
- If there is child neglect/abuse reported – the therapist has an obligation to report
What is the difference between a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?
A registered psychotherapist qualifying is an individual who has met the minimum requirements for registration, however, is still fulfilling the remaining requirements by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (This may include completing direct client contact hours, supervision hours, etc.)
Can a psychotherapist prescribe medication?
A psychotherapist is not permitted to prescribe medication, however, can discuss/support the exploration of the use of medication with you, your family doctor, or psychiatrist.
How does a psychotherapist differ from a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and nurse?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist has a medical degree and 5 years of psychiatric training. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have the ability to prescribe medication, diagnose individuals, and provide psychotherapy.
Psychologists
Psychologists in Ontario have a PhD, though they are not able to prescribe medication. They have training in completing assessments, providing psychotherapy, and making diagnoses.
Registered Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists in Ontario have a Master’s Degree in psychology. They provide psychotherapy in various settings, including, individual, group, family, and couples.
“Psychotherapy occurs when the Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and the ability to enjoy life" (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
“When you seek the services of a Registered Psychotherapist, you can expect to receive competent, ethical, quality care from a qualified professional who is registered with CRPO" (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
Other Health Professionals
Professionals from various fields may also provide psychotherapy. Depending on their field their training may range from a diploma to a PhD. Social workers are trained to focus on how a person’s environment affects his or her health and are usually more connected with social service networks.
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