Psychological Counselling FAQs
What are the benefits of therapy?
Whether your goal is to reduce distress or increase well-being, therapy can help you lead a more productive, fulfilling, and peaceful life.
Is therapy for me?
We all experience challenges in life that are hard to overcome. Therapy provides a level of awareness and perspective that alleviates stress. You can talk more with your family doctor to determine whether it might be helpful for you.
When you feel ready to book an appointment please complete this form and submit it by fax to (613) 216-3930.
What kind of therapy do you offer?
At ExecHealth, we are pleased to offer Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy (CBT). CBT is a well-researched and validated evidence-based treatment. It is a structured, time-limited, goal focused approach. Our CBT interventions are psychodynamically informed.
How long does therapy take to work?
Treatment time depends on the number of presenting symptoms and their severity. For many people suffering from symptoms of mild to moderate depression, relief can be experienced in 8-10 sessions. For others, longer-term therapy may be required.
What should I expect?
Intake assessment: 60 minutes
- This permits an understanding of your present emotional and psychological state, and forms the basis for your treatment plan. Prior to this meeting our team reviews available medical records and/or notes from other relevant providers. You will be asked any questions that cannot be answered from your file review.
Therapy sessions: 60 minutes each
- Brief therapy requires 8-10 sessions
- Short-term therapy 10-20 sessions
- Long-term therapy 20 sessions or more.
Therapy works best when it is collaborative. It is important that you feel free to discuss your expectations together. You are encouraged to give feedback routinely to your therapist. You may be asked to complete tasks in between weekly sessions.
We will meet more frequently at the beginning of treatment, on a weekly basis. As we make progress, the frequency of sessions will likely reduce to bi-weekly, then to monthly. Please note that this is a general framework and every person is different.
How much does it cost?
The rate is $200 per visit. Many private insurance plans will cover this fee.
Can I stop?
Yes. You are free to stop services at any point. In addition, we are happy to refer you to other psychologists at any point during your experience if you wish.
Do you provide other services besides therapy?
Yes. We offer a full suite of neuropsychological evaluations as well as independent medical evaluations. Please follow the link for more information about neuropsychology and independent medical assessments.
Do you offer therapy to children?
At this time, we are pleased to offer psychology services to adults and late teens. We happily can refer you to child psychologists if required. In addition, feel free to consult the Ontario Psychological Association {http://www.psych.on.ca} or the Ottawa Academy of Psychology {https://www. ottawa-psychologists.org/}
Do I have to be a member of ExecHealth?
You do not have to be a member of ExecHealth to access our psychological services.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
You may refer yourself, or have your health provider make a referral on your behalf.
What are my alternatives?
You may find other kinds of therapy, such as psychoanalysis, humanistic approaches, and interpersonal psychotherapies helpful. All forms of therapy are about as equally as effective1, the key is to find the one that resonates most with you.
Medications are available as an alternative to talk therapies. They often help in combination with therapy. In some cases, medications are the first line intervention. Psychologists do not prescribe medications but we are happy to work with your family doctor, psychiatrist, and/or other prescribing provider.
Doing nothing – some symptoms may just go away on their own but this is relatively rare. More often than not, the symptoms go away only to return with more intensity a while later. Addressing the factors underlying the symptoms with therapy prevents their reoccurrence. In addition, therapy shortens the duration and intensity of current symptoms.
Will my privacy be protected?
Yes. Psychologists have the highest duty to protect your confidentiality.
Breaches of confidentiality are permitted in only three circumstances: when a third party has legal rights to your records, when a psychologist is ordered by law to release records, and/or when you or another person is at risk for harm. Outside of these circumstances, your information can only be shared with express consent from you or your legal representative.
All psychologists are regulated health professionals and must follow strict provincial laws that protect the privacy of our patients. The specific Ontario guidelines that we follow are known as Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). In addition, we are bound by the ethical guidelines outlined in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Privacy is maintained even after the therapeutic relationship has ended.
1CPA-Commissioned Report on Psychological Services. The Efficacy And Effectiveness Of Psychological Treatments by John Hunsley, Katherine Elliott, and Zoe Therrien. Ottawa: The Canadian Psychological Association, 2013.