Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is treatment effective virtually?
Yes. Services delivered via phone or video have been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face treatment with added benefits, from being able to do sessions from the comfort of your own home.
Additional benefits of virtual treatment may include:
- Saving money and time from not having to travel (or worry about parking)
- Increased anonymity
- Good option for remote areas where access to treatment might be limited
- Increased accessibility for people with mobility challenges
- More convenient overall
I live with family members. How do I do sessions privately? What is required for a session?
Book NowYou may choose to have sessions either over the phone or via secure video. If you choose video, you will be emailed a link to click at the time of the appointment.
We recommend that you do sessions in a quiet space (i.e. bedroom) where you are least likely to be disturbed. Some people choose to use a headset or earphones, to help ensure privacy.
If you are still unsure if this will work for you, we recommend that you book a free 15 minute consultation to try it and see how it goes!
Do you have a waitlist?
Book NowNo. We do not have a waitlist for any of our services and are often able to accommodate same day appointments.
Next day appointments are always available! Simply call us, email us, fill out the contact form or book an appointment online.
When are sessions offered?
Every day of the week! There are therapists available from 8am-11pm daily. Evening, weekend, weekday and daytime appointments are available. Same day and next day appointments are available too.
Please see each therapists availability here.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
The costs of services are not covered by OHIP but the costs of our services are frequently covered (or partly covered) by many Extended Health Benefit Companies (ie Insurance Companies) including but not limited to: Sunlife, Medavie Blue Cross, Greenshield, Empire, Desjardins and Manulife. Psychotherapy, dietitian and naturopauthic services are often listed under “Paramedical Claims” , “health benefits” or a “Health Spending Account”.
We encourage all clients to check their insurance coverage for the:
- amount covered
- percentage covered
- credentials needed (MSW, RSW=Registered Social Worker; RP=Registered Psychotherapist, RD=Registered Dietitian, ND=Naturopauthic Doctor )
- renewal dates (most plans renew on January 1st of each year; some renew in April or August of each year)
This information and additional details are often found on the website/app for your provider, in the benefits booklet from your HR department or by contacting the insurance company directly.
Is what I talk about kept private?
Yes! This is a fundamental component of all the services that are provided.
Everything that is discussed during sessions remains completely confidential. All of our clinicians practiceethically and in accordance with strict professional standards.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to access any of our services.
Do you offer direct billing?
We do NOT direct bill insurance. Instead, you will be emailed a receipt once payment has been received (either by credit card/e transfer right after the appointment).
All the information is on the receipt, that you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
If you do not have extended health benefits, or have financial limitations you can book with one of our psychotherapy interns who offer sliding scale and reduced cost sessions.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Each appointment is booked specifically for you. The full fee is charged for no shows/cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, and 50% of the fee is charged for cancellations between 24-48 hours notice.
Questions about Psychotherapy Services
What is CBT?
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is an evidence based, first-line treatment for a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD. Numerous research studies show that CBT leads to a significant improvement in overall functioning and quality of life.
CBT is based on the premise that how we think influences how we feel and behave. It is a bidirectional model.
Through CBT and with the help of one of our clinicians, you can learn how to change your problematic thinking patterns and behaviours to improve how you feel.
Do you only do CBT?
No. While CBT is a common and effective treatment, there are also a variety of other techniques that your therapist may incorporate into your sessions. During your initial appointment, your therapist will conduct an assessment to help determine which modalities would be most appropriate for you, given your current situation, needs and goals. Your therapist may use a combination of different techniques .
Some of the other modalities that may be incorporated into your sessions include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Self Compassion
- Trauma Focused Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
I've never done therapy before. What happens in therapy?
First of all, give yourself credit for reaching out and seeking support. It takes courage and bravery to do so!
We have been in your shoes and understand that it can be scary and anxiety provoking meeting with someone for the first time, and opening up to them about things that you might normally not feel comfortable talking about. The therapists are all welcoming, open, non-judgemental professionals who genuinely care about the clients they work with.
You are given a safe space to talk about and process past/current events, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Through therapy, you can learn how to take control of your life and respond to stressors in healthier, more effective ways.
Our therapists aim to create a space in which you feel important, heard and understood. The therapist will create a safe place for you to begin to talk about yourself and your life. Essentially, you can talk about whatever it is that you want to talk about. Every therapy session is adapted to meet needs and desires of each client. Therapy will occur at your own pace, and you can help guide the conversation!
What should I expect during my first session?
You can expect to be greeted in a warm, non-judgmental and open manner. You can expect that the therapist will ask you some questions about what has lead you to pursue counselling at this point, any past experience with counselling and any health diagnoses (physical or mental, current or past). You will also be asked about your goals and what you are hoping to achieve through your work together! Together, you will come up with a plan for your future sessions.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers right now. Our therapists believe that you are the expert in your own life, and will work with you to create mutually agreed upon goals that are realistic for you! Book here.
How many sessions will I need?
The short answer is: it depends. It depends on a variety of factors such as your presenting issues/concerns and goals. Every client is different. Some people are looking for immediate support and interested in short term solutions, while others are looking to really ‘unpack’ deeper issues which often requires more long term therapy. Your therapist will work with you and your individual needs to determine what would work best for you! At the end of the day, it is your choice for how long you want to stay in therapy!
Why do people seek therapy?
People from all different walks of life seek therapy for a variety of reasons at different points throughout their life.
Often therapy is recommended by medical doctors and other health professionals to treat mental illnesses. Therapy is also beneficial in improving overall mental health.
Some people want to:
- increase their overall life satisfaction, enjoyment and happiness
- receive emotional support and professional guidance
- increase their knowledge and understanding of mental health issues or improve their relationships
- learn how to best support or help a friend/family member/co-worker with their mental health
- gain healthier coping skills
- learn healthier and more effective ways of dealing with their emotions (or other people’s emotions) or other life challenges.
- receive emotional and psychological support in navigating a chronic health issue
Do I have to have a diagnosis of mental illness to do therapy?
No! While our therapists are experts at treating a variety of mental illnesses, anyone can seek therapy at any point in their life. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone and everyone! Therapy can help you deal with a variety of stressors or problems that affect us all, including:
-increasing awareness of our thoughts and emotions
-understanding why we act and feel the way we do
-decreasing anxiety or stress
-improving work/life balance
-adjusting to life transitions/major life changes
-moving forward in a healthier, adaptive and effective manner
-improving communication and relationship satisfaction (this can be done through individual, couples and/or family therapy)
-learning how to manage/decrease unhealthy reactions/coping skills
-improving habits
-acceptance of life events/diagnoses
How do I know which therapist is right for me?
Book NowWe recommend that you start by looking at their picture(s), watching their video and reading the bio to see if the issues they treat match the issues you are currently dealing with and ensure their availability matches yours.
One of the greatest predictors of “success” in therapy is the connection you have with your therapist. This is one of the reasons why every therapist offers a free 15 minute consultation, where you can explain what you’re looking for and the therapist can inform you about their experiences and the services they provide, to ensure it’s a good fit, prior to having a full 50 minute appointment. We do this to ensure that you feel safe and connected to the therapist and to ensure that the therapist has experience with your presenting issues/concerns.
We have a great team of therapists, so if for whatever reason, you don’t think that it is the right fit, we would be more than happy to offer you another free consultation with a different therapist.
If you are not sure who to start with, simply give us a call, email us or book a free call with someone from our intake team. They will ask you some questions to help match you with the therapist best suited to support you. You can then choose to have a free consultation with that therapist or go straight to the full 50 mins appointment.
Do I have to book a free consultation?
No. Free consultations are offered but are not required. You are more than welcome to email us at admin@cbtwellnessvirtual.ca or call us at 647-847-8875 to book an initial appointment.
What are the benefits of therapy?
There are endless benefits associated with psychotherapy!
Many clients who have worked with a therapist from our team have reported a reduction in:
- stress
- anxiety
- anger
- depression
- problematic behaviours
- body focused repetitive behaviours (skin picking, nail biting etc)
As well as improved:
- self-esteem
- motivation
- energy levels
- mood
- communication
- stress management
- self efficacy
- self-awareness
- coping skills
- relationships
- compassion for self & others
- sleep
- productivity
- work/life balance
What types of therapy are offered?
- individual therapy for children
- individual therapy for teenagers
- individual therapy for adults
- relationship/couples therapy
- family therapy
Questions about Dietitian Services
What happens during my initial appointment?
The initial appointment with a Registered Dietitian is approximately 50 minutes. During the initial appointment, you will be asked about your current eating habits and your specific nutrition, health and wellness goals/needs. The Dietitian will also answer any questions you have and provide personal recommendations for you.
What's the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a nutritionist?
Nutritionists are an unregulated profession while registered dietitians are regulated health professionals. At CBT Wellness & Virtual Services, you will only work with professional and qualified Registered Dietitians who are registered with the Ontario College of Dietitians.
I don't know how to cook and/or I don't want to cook. Can you still help me?
Yes. Each appointment and plan is specific to you-your needs, goals, preferences, lifestyle, goals, sensitivities, preferences and budget. The dietitians can provide simple, fast & easy recipes if you/someone else does cook. Furthermore, the dietitians can also help you make healthier, smarter choices if you are eating out or ordering in.
Questions about Naturopathic Doctor Services
What is naturopathic medicine and how can it help me?
Naturopathic medicine supports the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine looks at the underlying cause of illness rather than just reliefs symptoms. Naturopathic medicine is a system of health care that uses natural method and therapies to support natural healing processes. Naturopathic medicine helps you to understand the unique chemistry of your body and support you to boost your immune system, improve your level of energy, improve your mental and physical health.
What happens during my initial appointment?
During an initial visit, the Naturopathic Doctor will ask you questions about and review your health history, current concerns and goals. They will review any available lab work that you have completed and discuss if further testing is necessary. At the end of your visit, your naturopath will discuss an individualized plan for you. Follow-up visits may be requested after initial recommendations have been made to review changes and make ongoing suggestions to support your health.
Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Yes, naturopathic medicine is safe. Naturopathic Doctors are highly trained and multiple research studies have shown the naturopathic medicine is both safe and effective for many common conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, diabetes and heart disease.
What does naturopathic treatment include?
- clinical nutrition (nutritional assessments, specialized diets, supplements)
- botanical medicine (herbs-teas, capsuls, tinctures)
- prevention/lifetsyle counselling (sleep, physical activitity, outdoor exposure, social connection and other lifestyle changes)
What is the difference between a conventional doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor?
Both are doctors and both can provide primary care. In conventional medicine, doctors treat the symptoms of disease and typicallly use pharmaceutical interventions or procedures (ie surgery) to do so. Naturopathic Doctors seek to get to the root cause of disease, and address the physical, environmental, lifestyle and emotional aspects of disease.
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