Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to developing and building upon your strengths, cultivating your resiliency, and empowering you to make the desired changes in your life.
What are your fees?
Our fees are within the recommended rate by the Ontario Psychological Association, and vary depending on the nature of the service required. We offer a free initial telephone consultation, where we will discuss fees, and payment methods with you.
Are therapy and assessments covered by insurance?
Are sessions confidential?
How do I know if you can help me?
At TPWG we treat and assess adolescents and adults with a wide array of mental health problems. Prior to beginning treatment we offer a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking treatment, as well as any questions or concerns you may have, in order to determine suitability for treatment. To book your free initial telephone consultation please contact our clinic and we will get back to you within 24 business hours.
Do I need a referral?
You may contact TPWG directly to arrange a consultation or appointment for assessment or treatment. While no professional referral is required, we do welcome referrals from family physicians, psychiatrists, other mental health clinicians, insurance companies, lawyers, etc. To book an appointment or enquire further about our services please contact our clinic.
I’m a health professional and would like to refer one of my patients. Can I speak to a clinician about suitability of the referral?
We are happy to offer a free telephone consultation with health professionals who are interested in referring a patient and would like more information about our services. Please contact us to set-up a telephone consultation with one of our clinicians.
Is there a waitlist for treatment?
At TPWG we aim to connect clients with clinicians within 24-48 business hours of initial contact. We value the importance of initiating the therapeutic process when clients reach out and are feeling motivated, and as such, we prefer not to maintain a lengthy waiting list. Should certain clinicians be unavailable, alternative options and referrals will always be provided. Please note that a waitlist may exist for specific groups between cycles.
How do I start the process of working with a new therapist?
The best way to begin is to schedule an intake call with our intake coordinator. During this free 10-minute call we will inquire about your needs and any symptoms you may be experiencing. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and to find out more about treatment options at the clinic. When the call is completed, details obtained are sent to our Clinic Directors, who work with our intake coordinator and clinicians to determine best fit. Within 24-48 business hours you will be provided further information and connected with the therapist best suited for your needs.
Do I have to be in therapy to access dietetic support at your clinic?
Do I have to be an existing client at the clinic to participate in your groups?
You do not need to be an existing client at TPWG in order to participate in our groups. Clients who are working with a therapist elsewhere are considered to be ‘group only’ clients. They are required to attend an individual 50-minute intake appointment with one of the group facilitators before commencing group. During this appointment, we aim to understand your presenting concerns, explore how a group may be of benefit to you, and review clinic policies and group details. Our experience is that a thorough intake helps ensure more successful outcomes and appropriate fit for our group-only clients.
How do you determine if an individual needs DBT treatment?
At TPWG we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. New clients will meet with their therapist for an intake appointment, and during this meeting, your therapist will assess your presenting concerns and goals. DBT is often recommended for clients struggling with suicidality, self-harm, impulsivity resulting in significant life consequences, and treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Of course, the level of DBT treatment utilized can also be customized to meet a client’s specific needs.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and social worker?
Professionals who provide psychotherapy include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychotherapists.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that typically focus on the diagnosis and biological treatment of mental health problems. They provide medication to clients to assist with mood stabilization and management of symptoms. Psychiatrists often work within hospital programs. For many clients they are an integral part of the treatment team.
Psychologists attend graduate school in psychology and have typically completed a Master’s degree and PhD in the field, which spans approximately 7 to 9 years at the graduate level. In graduate school they are required to study and create psychological research. Upon graduation, they are eligible to register with the College of Psychologists, but must complete a minimum of one year of ‘supervised practice.’ During this year, psychologists complete 3 comprehensive examinations and have a minimum of 1500 hours of practice overseen by a senior psychologist. Psychologists are legally able to diagnose mental health conditions, and they often use psychometric testing to assess clients and determine accurate diagnoses. Other mental health clinicians frequently refer to psychologists for extensive testing and psychotherapy.
Social workers attend graduate school and earn a Master’s of Social Work degree, which typically takes two years, following which they are eligible to complete examinations and register with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario. They do not diagnose mental health conditions, though they are trained to provide psychotherapy. Social workers are often employed in hospital settings and support patients in connecting to community services. In private practice settings, many social workers provide therapy to individuals, couples, and groups.
Psychotherapists have varied education in the field of therapeutic intervention and are required to have a minimum of 360 hours of post-university education in the field of psychotherapy. Psychotherapists typically have Master’s degrees in counselling or education, though this may not be required. They do not diagnose mental health conditions. Psychotherapists are trained to provide psychotherapy and often work in a variety of settings.
While the training of these professionals differs, it is important to remember that mental health clinicians often receive much additional training beyond their schooling. A clinician’s ability to support individuals with their goals isn’t necessarily best determined solely by their academic training, but rather by both their education and their clinical experience combined.
What are some of the reasons why individuals consider group therapy?
Group psychotherapy provides a number of benefits. They provide individuals with the opportunity to develop their toolset of coping strategies in a cohesive and cost-effective manner. For those in individual treatment concurrently, this opens up more time for their therapist to discuss the application of new skills to their specific challenges, rather than teaching the strategies during session time. Group psychotherapy can bolster individual therapy by adding another source of support. It also provides a safe space for clients to connect with others who share similar concerns and to work on the development of social skills.