FAQ: Appointments, Fees, and What to Expect

Even if you have seen a therapist in the past, you may still have some questions. Here are the answers to several commonly asked questions. If you can’t find the answer to your particular question, please feel free to give us a call or email us and we will be pleased to give you additional information.

FAQ

Question: FAQ: Appointments, Fees, and What to Expect

Am I “stuck” with my therapist?

Absolutely not. Just because someone seems like a good fit on paper, or if your friend sees a particular therapist and tells you should see them too, doesn’t automatically mean that the two of you will gel. Sometimes a therapist’s style is different from what a client had hoped for or expected or the client just didn’t feel a connection. That doesn’t reflect poorly on either of you, it just means that the two of you weren’t a good fit. While it only happens from time to time, it can happen, so if you don’t feel comfortable with the therapist, please let admin know and we will work with you to find someone that may be a better fit. Ultimately, you have to feel at ease if you are going to have a successful outcome.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. We are governed by strict confidentiality laws, and what happens between you and your therapist stays between you and your therapist. Having said that, there are a few exceptions to this. These include:

  • If you are a danger to yourself or others
  • A child disclosing any form of abuse
  • In the case of clients who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), progress reports for the insurance company
  • A request for case notes from a doctor, lawyer, or insurance company*
  • You request us to discuss your file with an outside agency (e.g. CAS)
  • You are a returning client who has previously seen another therapist at our office and would like your new therapist to have access to your file so you don’t have to “start back at square one”*
  • Your therapist has asked if they could consult with one of our other therapists regarding your situation to enable them to give you more comprehensive clinical care*
  • If you have been accused of a crime and your file has been subpoenaed by the court
  • During Covid, if our office has been linked to an outbreak and the health departments needs your name and phone number to conduct contact tracing

*Please note that in order to provide notes or discuss your file with someone, we must have your signed consent.

Do I need a referral / I have a referral?

If you are paying privately, no referrals are necessary, as we are not covered under OHIP. Please note that if you do have extended benefits, we are unable to direct bill, you would need to pay up front and submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you have an EAP that will be paying for your sessions, the answer depends on which EAP provider you have, as each one is different. While the Grand Erie and Catholic School Boards do not require a referral, most other EAP’s do. Simply contact your HR department or call the number listed in your employee handbook. They will send a referral to us and let you know whether it is your responsibility to call us or if we will be calling you to book.

Do you direct bill?

Please be aware that, while clinical psychologists are now able to, in some cases, direct bill third party health benefits providers, other mental health practitioners do not yet have this ability.

If you have extended health benefits you will need to pay up front and submit your invoice to be reimbursed. The name of your therapist, as well as their credentials and registration number can be found in the upper right hand corner of your invoice.

How can I pay?

Preferred methods of payment are by e-transfer to fidlerassociates@amtelecom.net or by giving us a Visa or MasterCard number to keep on file and charge after each session. Receipts will be emailed as soon as payment is applied to your account. If you are being seen in person during Administrative Hours Mondays to Thursdays (9am -4pm), debit or cash are also a option. Although if paying cash please bring exact change as we do not carry a float.

Please Note: All payments are processed through our Simcoe office, We are unable to take payments in Brantford.

How do I know if you are covered under my extended health benefits?

Every policy is different. We strongly suggest that you check your benefits package or contact your provider to find out what type of counselling is covered. Just because your neighbour has the same provider as you do does not guarantee that you have the same coverage. Some benefits will cover any type of counsellor or psychotherapist, others will only cover an MSW or Clinical Psychologist.

How do I know who to see?

Based on your answers to the following questions and your availability, we will make a recommendation of who might best suit your needs.

  • Do you have an EAP or any extended health benefits, or would you be paying privately?
  • If you have benefits, do you know what type of counselling is covered? (some benefits will cover any type of counsellor or psychotherapist, others will only cover an MSW or Clinical Psychologist)
  • Do you have a preference as to male or female counsellor?
  •  Are you looking for in person, or are you willing to participate in phone or secure video sessions?
  • Can you provide a very brief description of the reason you are seeking counselling?
I need a psychologist, what do I do?

If you require a psychologist for your benefits, an assessment, etc., please email us and we would be happy to provide you with some options.

I work unusual hours, when do your therapists work and do you offer remote and in person sessions?

We are able to see you however you feel most comfortable, be it via Phone, secure video or in person in either our Simcoe or our Brantford office. Please be aware that neither of our offices are wheelchair accessible, so if you have mobility issues, we do suggest that you take advantage of remote sessions.

  • Dr. Evelyn Bent-Rattray, Masters of Social Work. Sees Clients in person at Brantford office Mondays (9am to 6 pm). Remote sessions are available on Wednesdays (9am to 6 pm) and Fridays (9am to 4 pm). She will also see clients remotely on Sundays.
My child needs counselling, what do I do?

We will complete the same intake process as above. However, to see children under the age of 12, we are required to have the signed consent of both parents before the child is seen. The only exception to this is if the child lives in a single parent home where that parent/guardian has sole custody.

What do I do if I see you in the community?

If you have a toothache, it is expected that you to the dentist. When you break your arm, people expect you to go to the hospital to get it fixed. Unfortunately, while attitudes are slowly changing, some people are still uncomfortable with others knowing that they need support with their mental health. We get that, so if you happen to see us walking by on the street or you bump into us in the grocery store, we let you set the tone. We will not acknowledge you in any other way unless you make the first move. While we are more than happy to chat with you, we will not be offended if you are not comfortable doing so. The same applies if we happen to be with a family member, we are bound by strict laws regarding confidentiality, and that extends to not disclosing the fact that you are a client.

What information do you gather?

We will need your full name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth, along with a brief, one or two word description of why you are seeking counselling (e.g. addiction, anxiety, relationship, stress, trauma, etc.).

If you and your partner are coming as a couple or for family counselling, we will need this information for every client that will be seen.

We will also ask if it is okay to leave messages at the phone number you have provided, whether you would prefer text or email reminders of the appointment and verify if you are willing to be seen remotely (preferred during Covid).

See the above question for other information gathered during the intake process.

What is the cost and length of a typical session?

Sessions are typically a clinical hour (50 minutes) in length and are billed at an hourly rate of $130 for individuals and $150 for couples and families. There is no tax.

Which Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) do you cover?

Our therapists are currently registered as providers under the following Employee Assistance Programs:

  • Asperia/Humancare
  • Arete
  • Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic Catholic District School Boars
  • CAS
  • Carebridge
  • Catholic Family Services
  • Criminal Compensation Board
  • ComPsych
  • Fanshawe College
  • Freudenburg
  • Grand Erie School Board
  • Health Canada EAS
  • Homewood Human Solutions
  • Veteran’s Affairs Canada
  • NIHB
  • Stelco
  • Victim Services
  • Workplace Options
  • WSIB