Why see a Registered Psychologist?
A psychologist is a professional trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. As regulated health professionals, psychologists are required by law to provide professional services in a competent and professional manner.
In order to be registered as a psychologist in Ontario, the individual must meet rigorous professional entry requirements (including a doctoral degree in psychology and a one-year post-doctoral supervised internship), and pass a number of professional examinations. Psychologists are required to follow ethical principles and standards of professional practice as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, legislated by the Province of Ontario. They must also participate in quality assurance activities to continually improve and update their knowledge and skills.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
We do not require a physician’s referral and many clients refer themselves. However, some extended health-benefit providers do require a physician’s referral before providing reimbursement of fees. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is the case for you. To begin the referral process simply contact us at 905 631 9991 or info@burlingtonpcs.com.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that attempts to change feelings and behaviours by changing the way a client thinks about or perceives significant life experiences. Research has consistently shown CBT to be an effective treatment for many types of psychological problems.
CBT is:
- goal-oriented
- present-focused
- short-term
- skill building
- collaborative
- research-based
- effective at treating a wide range of psychological problems, sometimes more so than medication
- helpful in preventing relapse
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is usually recommended when a child is not doing well in school. Parents may hear from teachers that their child is having difficulty paying attention, is restless, does not complete schoolwork, has difficulties with organization and taking initiative, is not meeting their full-potential, or is performing below grade level in reading, writing, or math. At home, children may be irritable or uncooperative, may refuse to do their homework, may complain of not liking school, and may appear sad and/or anxious. A psychoeducational assessment is conducted to help explain the causes of these difficulties.
A psychoeducational assessment begins with a parent interview. This is then followed by a number of psychometric testing sessions. Tests include a thorough assessment of intelligence (using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV), various tests of academic achievement, measures of memory ability and attentional processes, and assessment of behavioural and emotional functioning.
The results of the assessment and recommendations for intervention are presented in a detailed written report, and are shared with parents (and even the child themselves) in a feedback session. Phone consultation may also occur with the child’s school.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means paying attention in a certain way. It is the practice of staying in the moment and being present with ourselves and our surroundings. The aim is to achieve greater freedom from the tendency to get drawn into automatic reactions to thoughts, feelings, and events. Mindfulness skills are helpful in the treatment of a range of problems, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
The initial session is usually dedicated to assessment and treatment planning. This generally involves information gathering through a detailed interview, followed by an overview of a proposed treatment plan, tailored to the individual’s needs. Sometimes clients are asked to complete a number of psychological questionnaires or tests.
How long will therapy last?
This depends on a number of factors, including your goals, the severity of your symptoms, your financial situation or coverage for treatment, and how much effort is put into change. Some clients are seeking help for specific issues or problems, and in such cases, goals could be reached in a matter of 8-12 sessions or fewer. There is an emphasis on learning and practicing new skills, both in session and in day-to-day life.
In other cases, goals are set that require longer-term treatment. In these cases, there may be more pervasive or long-lasting patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving, which require the development of greater understanding and insight over time. Efforts are made to set tangible goals, such that progress can be measured in an ongoing fashion.
An emphasis is placed on goal setting from the outset of therapy, and clients will be advised as to a reasonable course of treatment depending on their presenting problems.
What are your fees?
Clinical services at BPCS are not covered by OHIP. Fees are set in accordance with guidelines established by the Ontario Psychological Association. Many clients have access to extended health benefits through employee plans, which provide full or partial coverage for services provided by a registered psychologist. For clients who have been in a motor vehicle accident, fees may be covered by the automobile insurance carrier. Individuals injured at work may be eligible for coverage through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Individuals on long-term disability plans may also be eligible for psychological services.
At BPCS we accept VISA, Mastercard, debit and personal cheques.
Are your services confidential?
Client confidentiality and privacy is fully assured. Information is not released without the consent of the client or a legal representative or guardian. Privacy practices are set in accordance with both federal and provincial legislation. Psychologists are required to break confidentiality under exceptional circumstances, which will be carefully reviewed with you during your first visit.
Do you prescribe medications?
As registered psychologists we do not prescribe medications. We are fully respectful of individuals’ decision to use or not to use medications and we are happy to work collaboratively with family physicians and psychiatrists in this regard. Occasionally we may feel that a client may benefit from medications and we can help in the referral process.
What is your cancellation policy?
Clients are requested to provide 24 hours notice for appointment changes or cancellations. Fees are charged for missed treatment sessions where such notice is not provided. Cancellation fees may be waived under certain exceptional circumstances.
