Is psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Most Ontario insurance companies cover Masters Level Social Worker (MSW) services under extended health benefits. Private psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP.

Direct billing is not available. Clients pay session fees directly and will then receive a receipt to submit to the insurance provider for reimbursement.

I recommend that you contact your health insurance provider to ensure social work services are covered. Useful questions your insurance provider:

• Do you cover (Master’s Level ) Registered Social Workers?

• How much am I covered for?

• What is the maximum amount per session I am covered for?

• Is the coverage for a calendar year or fiscal year?

Social work services are HST exempt.

How does virtual therapy work?

Client privacy and confidentiality is one of my top priorities. Online sessions are available securely through ZOOM and/or Psychology Today’s secure “Sessions” platform.

Clients receive ZOOM or Sessions links via email. New links will be provided for each appointment to ensure privacy.

There are many benefits of virtual therapy including increased accessibility and reduced costs relating to distance, travel time, and taking time away off (from work, school, childcare or other responsibilities). Some downsides of virtual therapy may include challenges with internet connection, video or audio quality, ensuring a private and quiet space. Sometimes it’s also harder to pick up on body language, gestures and other non-verbal communication.

Is virtual therapy effective?

Short answer - yes! There’s lots of good research indicating that online treatment is highly effective for various presenting problems. Here are some interesting and promising results:

Wagner, Horn & Maercker (2014) found that internet-based treatment for depression was equally as beneficial as face-to-face therapy.

Nordgren et al. (2014) found that online CBT for anxiety disorders was beneficial, cost-effective, and lead to ongoing improvements at one-year follow-up. Other long-term benefits have been identified by Andersson et al (2017).

Some studies such as Luo et al. (2020) found that online CBT may be more effective than face-to-face therapy in reducing symptom severity.

There are many other possible benefits including: helping the environment (by reducing carbon emissions), efficiency (less travel/traffic time), anonymity (no waiting rooms or admin staff), affordability (no parking, childcare), sustainability (clients may attend more often when therapy is easier to access), efficacy (easier access may lead to faster improvements) and inclusiveness (not everyone feels comfortable attending sessions in-person).

What is Walk & Talk therapy?

Walk and Talk therapy is a unique and effective form of psychotherapy. It’s essentially the same as regular therapy except we’re not sitting down in an office or virtual meeting. Walking has been proven to be deeply healing and can help us enhance many different therapeutic processes such as reflection, insight, expressing emotions and making decisions.

Walk and talk therapy can be an amazing alternative to virtual or office sessions for many reasons! It may be a great choice for nature lovers or anyone wanting more outdoor time, fresh air or physical activity. Walk and talk sessions also provide special opportunities to do experiential work including mindfulness, grounding, mind-body work, gratitude and reframing.

Many people find it easier to think, reflect, discuss and open up while they’re on the move. Some people find it more comfortable to walk alongside someone compared to direct face-to-face sessions.

I provide Walk and Talk sessions in Southern Mississauga and Midtown Toronto.

Please be advised that Walk and Talk sessions are available from Spring-Fall, weather permitting. Please be mindful any medical, physical or mobility limitations you have that would impact your safety during W&T sessions. W&T sessions may be rescheduled to a virtual appointment if there is inclement weather.

I’m in crisis and need help ASAP

Please be aware that 1:1 psychotherapy is not a crisis service. If you need immediate help please call 911 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.

I am available to support clients in-between regularly scheduled appointments but I am not available 24/7 and 1:1 therapy is not an emergency service.

All clients receive a list of local crisis resources before their first appointment!

Crisis Lines:

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 

Toronto Distress Centres: 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP

Mississauga Residents: 905-459-7777 

Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868