Embedded Files
Counselling Across Ontario uses Google Meet for online therapy sessions. Google Meet has many features that clients may find useful in teletherapy (easy-to-join meetings, closed captioning, group meeting capacity, and the ability to share documents, pictures, and videos). Google Meet's fast transmission speed means less lag and more reliability during sessions. Each Google Meet session is encrypted and never recorded for added security.
Clients do not need a Google account to use Google Meet and can access Google Meet from laptops, iPads, tablets, and cell phones. Watch this video ▶️ to learn the simple steps for joining a Google Meet session.
❓ How do I pay for therapy at Counselling Across Ontario?
❓ How do I pay for therapy at Counselling Across Ontario?
Clients must pay online using STRIPE payments when booking a counselling session to reserve their calendar spot. Current fees for counselling can be found here.
Clients receive 2 receipts for their sessions - a simple payment receipt from STRIPE immediately after paying and a more detailed receipt from their counsellor after their session that could be submitted to health insurance carriers. Clients must arrange their own insurance claims. Helpful suggestions about arranging insurance can be found on this page.
❓ What is your cancellation policy?
❓ What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before your session time with a full refund. If you do not provide at least 24 hours cancellation notice, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session as that time has been reserved specifically for you. Clients who repeatedly cancel will be removed from booking priorities.
You must cancel your meeting using the Google Calendar email invitation you originally received for the meeting or by going to Google Calendar (online) and declining the meeting from there. Please also notify your counsellor by sending her an email.
❓ What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
❓ What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
Counselling and therapy are both treatments for mental health. Generally, counselling is shorter and focuses on one particular issue. Coping techniques and problem-solving are key. Insurance plans usually pay for brief counselling. Psychotherapy is a longer treatment that focuses on more complex issues. All counsellors at Counselling Across Ontario are licensed to offer both counselling and psychotherapy.
❓ What happens at a first counselling meeting?
❓ What happens at a first counselling meeting?
Your therapist will ask you questions about yourself and your reasons for seeking therapy. Your therapist may ask about your current situation, your past experiences, and your goals for therapy in order to better understand you. Your therapist might talk about their approaches to treatment and the methods they use. First meetings are also a time to explain expectations and build trust.
Ideally, clients should complete their intake survey and sign their consent forms before their first counselling session.
❓ What kind of therapy or counselling is best for me?
❓ What kind of therapy or counselling is best for me?
Most counsellors or therapists offer an eclectic mix of several methods when working with their clients. Your best approach is to find a licensed therapist you feel good about speaking with and to ask them about their methods.
❓ Do counsellors at Counselling Across Ontario prescribe medication?
❓ Do counsellors at Counselling Across Ontario prescribe medication?
No. Only medical doctors - including psychiatrists - nurse practitioners, and pharmacists prescribe medication in Ontario. However, psychotherapy or counselling combined with medication has been proven to be more effective in treating emotional or behaviour problems than medicine alone.
❓ How is my personal health information kept secure at Counselling Across Ontario?
❓ How is my personal health information kept secure at Counselling Across Ontario?
Counselling Across Ontario uses Google Workspace to store client data, ensuring the security of sensitive information, including health data. Google Workspace provides encryption and security measures to prevent hacking, and health data cannot be used for marketing or monetary purposes. Read more about Google Workspace's security features here.
Therapists employ 2-factor authentication to access client files and undergo regular cybersecurity training. Clients must sign release forms to allow their therapist to share private health information, with exceptions only for situations involving imminent harm or legal requirements.
❓ How is my financial information kept secure at Counselling Across Ontario?
❓ How is my financial information kept secure at Counselling Across Ontario?
Counselling Across Ontario uses STRIPE payments to process credit card payments, debit card payments, and e-payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay. STRIPE is a common and popular online method to collect payments for services and products. Read more about STRIPE security features here.
❓ How can I arrange health insurance coverage for therapy at Counselling Across Ontario?
❓ How can I arrange health insurance coverage for therapy at Counselling Across Ontario?
Clients must submit their own insurance claims. Counselling Across Ontario makes no guarantee of insurance coverage for a client at the time of booking or anytime during counselling. Helpful questions to ask your insurance provider can be found on this page.
After a session, your counsellor will email you a receipt with the counsellor's college registration number which you must include when submitting an insurance claim.
❓ I am not an Ontario resident. Can I still receive counselling?
❓ I am not an Ontario resident. Can I still receive counselling?
Unfortunately, no. Counselling Across Ontario counsellors / psychotherapists are licensed to offer counselling exclusively to Ontario residents. In Canada, psychotherapy/counselling is regulated by the provinces.
❓ Is the word counsellor spelled with a double "L" or a single "L"?
❓ Is the word counsellor spelled with a double "L" or a single "L"?
The British word is spelled with a double "L." The American version is spelled with a single "L". Canada leans towards spelling counsellor with a double "L".
❓❓❓❓❓ Still have questions? ❓❓❓❓❓
❓❓❓❓❓ Still have questions? ❓❓❓❓❓
Contact us 📧 admin@counsellingacrossontario.ca
"“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” ― Carl R. Rogers
"“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” ― Carl R. Rogers
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