Client Information

Confidentiality

The protection of your privacy is of utmost importance to me due to the sensitive and personal nature of our interactions.  In addition my own moral obligations, there are professional ethical obligations mandated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and provincial laws that require me to keep your information held in strict confidence. 


There are, however, a number of exceptions to the confidentiality rule.  A therapist has a duty to report/warn should any of the conditions below arise:


  • Information pertaining to physical and/or emotional child abuse/neglect is required by law to be reported to the Children’s Aid Society operating in the area where you reside.   
  • Disclosure of information indicating that you are at risk of harming yourself will be reported with your full knowledge to a close family member, your family doctor, and/or a mental health crisis worker.  
  • Disclosure of information that indicates that you intend to harm another will be reported to the police and when possible to the intended victim. This serves to protect both you and others from acts that could result in detrimental consequences. 
  • If your file is subpoenaed to court all information in your file is subject to review by the court and it’s representatives. Any information contained therein by law cannot be removed or returned to you.


Should collaboration with other professionals be deemed appropriate, you will be asked to sign an informed consent document prior to any disclosure of information. You will be able to revoke this consent at any time.

Fees

Fees are payable at the end of each session either by cheque, cash or etransfer.  Invoices and receipts will be provided either in hard copy or via email depending on client preference. 


Private counselling is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).


Some insurance and employee benefit programs fully or partially cover therapy sessions, or will cover a certain number of sessions. Please check to see whether your package contains coverage that extends to counsellors with a B.S.W. It will be your responsibility to pay for services and to then remit your claim to your provider. 

Cancellations/No Shows

In order to ensure that appointments are available for those who request, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session. If you need to cancel for any reason, within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment - including illness - you will be billed your regular fee. If you miss an appointment without notice, you will also be billed your regular fee.