1. What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and a social worker?

 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized in mental health and mental disorders. Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medication.

 

A psychologist is uniquely trained to use psychological tests in order to assess and diagnose mental health conditions. Psychologists help people to overcome or manage their problems using a variety of treatments or psychotherapies.

 

Social workers provide counseling therapy and other supportive social services. They help individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities to develop the skills and resources they need to function well in society.

 

2. How long does therapy take?

 

The length of treatment will vary from one individual to another. Essentially, the treatment should always be matched appropriately to the nature and severity of the person's presenting difficulties.

 

3. How long will it take before I feel better?

 

Successful therapy means that your symptoms seem better managed or are decreasing, and you feel like you're accomplishing your current goal(s) or raising your self-awareness outside of therapy.

 

4. How do I know that what I share with you during therapy sessions will be kept private?

 

A social worker’s professional ethics require them to maintain the confidentiality of information shared in sessions, except in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., the client discloses a plan to self-harm or to harm another person). Your therapist will discuss confidentiality with you at your first session and will answer any questions you may have about it.

 

5. Who regulates social workers?

 

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. For more information, please visit: https://www.ocswssw.org/the-role-of-the-college/

 

6. What can I expect when I arrive for my first session?

 

During your first session, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and the issues that brought you to treatment. The therapist will ask questions regarding your presenting concerns, your history, and background.

 

7. Can I bring a family member or friend with me to therapy?

 

If you're attending therapy in person a family member, partner, or friend can come to the location with you and sit in the waiting area.

 

8. What are my social worker’s qualifications?

 

Social Workers at Solutions Counseling each hold a Master of Social Work degree.

 

9. How much does counselling cost?

 

Our regular fee is $120.00 per session for individuals and $150.00 for couples.

 

We offer a sliding scale of $80.00 per session for individuals who are employed but do not have insurance which covers our services. For those who are unemployed or are receiving Ontario Works or ODSP, our fee is $60.00 per session.

 

10. What kinds of payment do you accept?

 

For your convenience, we accept cash, e-transfer payments, and Paypal. We are able to offer direct billing for clients with Green Shield or Medavie Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are registered providers with Great-West Life/Canada Life, Manulife, and Sunlife and will provide receipts to submit with your claim.