Frequently Asked Questions and Sliding Scale OFFERINGS

Please contact us if you have other questions

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often just called “therapy,” is a way to work through emotional or mental health challenges by talking with a trained professional. It’s like having a guide or coach to help you understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so you can learn how to make changes that move you closer to your goals. Therapists use proven techniques to help you cope with stress, heal from past experiences, improve relationships, or just feel more balanced in life. It’s a safe, confidential space where you can share what’s on your mind and learn tools to handle life’s ups and downs.

What Professionals provide Psychotherapy?

In Ontario, the controlled act of psychotherapy can only be performed by specific regulated professionals who are authorized to practice psychotherapy within their scope. These professionals must belong to one of the following regulated colleges:

1. College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) – For registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) who meet the requirements to provide psychotherapy.

2. College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) – For psychologists and psychological associates.

3. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) – For medical doctors who provide psychotherapy.

4. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – Specifically for registered psychotherapists (RPs).

5. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) – For social workers authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.

These professionals must be competent and appropriately trained in psychotherapy, and they must adhere to their regulatory college’s standards and guidelines. Someone who provides psychotherapy does not necessarily also have the permittance to prescribe and monitor psychotherapeutic medications. If medication is something you are interested in exploring, please book a consultation to discuss how to curate an interdisciplinary team to compliment the intervention of psychotherapy.

What can a Nurse Psychotherapist do?

A Registered Nurse Psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada, is a registered nurse with specialized training and experience in mental health care. They are qualified to provide psychotherapy, a regulated act, to help individuals navigate emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Their scope of practice includes assessing mental health concerns, creating personalized care plans, and using evidence-based therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques.

Thanks to their nursing background, they also consider the connection between physical and mental health, offering a holistic approach to care. They work with clients to build coping strategies, improve well-being, and support them in achieving their personal goals, all within the ethical and professional standards set by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Cost & Insurance coverage?

Sessions can range from $150/hr up to $225/hr depending on the session length and number of individuals present.

There are two general payment options:

Pay automatically via credit card on file immediately following the session.
Pay by electronic money transfer (EMT/e-transfer) immediately following the session.

If you have any questions regarding this process; please bring them up at the initial consultation appointment for further discussion.

Unfortunately, psychotherapy is NOT covered by OHIP.

I do not bill insurance directly but can provide an invoice for you to submit.

Occasionally, some insurance companies will try not to cover Nurse Psychotherapy, if this occurs, I will forward you a letter with my qualifications and supporting literature stating Nurse Psychotherapists are part of the 6 Registered Colleges eligible to provide psychotherapy.

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that life happens to all of us, and sometimes things do occur at the last minute that prevent us from upholding previous obligations. Please let us know with as much notice as possible if you need to change or cancel an appointment.

If a change or cancellation is made with more than 24 hours notice, no fee will be applied. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours in advance or the client is a “no show”; the first missed session will be charged at 50% the rate and if more are missed the complete cost of the session will be charged to the credit card on file.

My Sliding Scale Method

Here is a general guideline about how I currently price my sliding scale and to help you determine where you might fall on it.

The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of a therapy session. It is the cost that I charge all clients in the absence of a sliding scale. If you have access to financial security, own property or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for "wants" and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community. This price is for you. - $150/hr

The middle cost (when there is one) reflects my acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to access therapy, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest. If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others. - $100/hr

The bottom cost represents an honest acknowledgment that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from accessing therapy if there was not be a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic realities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you belong probably belong here and you deserve a community that honours your price as equal an economic offering as the person who can pay the highest tier. Even when the lower tier is still prohibitive, I will work with folks to offer extended payment plans and other solutions. - $50/hr

There are a limited amount slots offered at the middle and lower end of the scale. Please be mindful that if you access the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher amounts, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of educators and advocates, like myself, you have families to support and rent to pay. Additionally, when I am paid fairly, I am able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions and Sliding Scale OFFERINGS

My Sliding Scale Method

Here at WHB we think therapy should be accessible. Think about what is actually affordable to you, you can use this economic justice map from The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice by Alexis J. Cunningfolk to consider where you fall on the financial spectrum.

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