FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why choose Meadowbrook Counselling Associates (MCA)?
- Psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists – I’m confused by all these terms. What are the differences and similarities among them?
- What services does MCA offer?
- Is there any accountability for the MCA counsellors?
- What happens if I miss an appointment, or cancel it late?
- Can I have therapy done over the Internet?
- What about confidentiality?
- What do your services cost, and how may I pay for them?
- How is payment accepted?
- Is any of the counselling at MCA covered by OHIP?
- Is the counselling covered by my health insurance?
Q: Why choose Meadowbrook Counselling Associates (MCA)?
A: Sometimes life deals us confusion and deep personal pain. Often pain comes with a sense of aloneness and a belief that there is no one to talk to and that no one will understand. MCA can help people deal with their concerns in a safe and confidential atmosphere. Our professionally trained therapists offer understanding and insights in an effort to help clients gain clarity and develop coping strategies.
Our goal is to address the total person irrespective of gender, colour, or faith tradition. This means that our therapists are trained to understand the various aspects of our clients’ emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual strengths. We seek to work with other agencies and professionals in our community in a team approach in order to give each person access to the best professional counselling available.
Q: Psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists – I’m confused by all these terms. What are the differences and similarities among them?
A: Psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists all are mental health professionals who provide psychosocial counselling or therapy. What makes them professional is:
- they have graduate degrees from universities,
- they are members in good standing of a professional association,
- they are registered or licensed by a regulatory body (such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Psychologists of Ontario), and
- they abide by their profession’s Code of Ethics.
Basically, they all are able to provide similar counselling services, with the exception that only psychologists are trained to provide psychological testing and diagnoses. None of these professionals are licensed to prescribe medications.
Q: What services does MCA offer?
A: Counselling, education and support groups, workshops and seminars, and consulting and supervision. For more detailed information, check out the page on Our Services.
Q: Is there any accountability for the MCA counsellors?
A: Each MCA counsellor is accountable to his or her profession’s code of ethics.
Q: What happens if I miss an appointment, or cancel it late?
A: You must notify the office at least 24 hours before the appointment, or 72 hours over the weekend, or you will be charged for the missed appointment. Your therapist may waive the charge if he or she so chooses.
Q: Can I have therapy done over the Internet?
A: Therapy works best when the therapist is able to interact with his or her client(s) in the office where body language, tone of voice, and interaction with other family members can be observed. This is best done within the confidential setting of MCA’s offices. The Internet is not a confidential and secure way to conduct therapy. The counsellors at MCA do not provide therapy over the Internet.
Q: What about confidentiality?
A: All of the therapists at Meadowbrook Counseling Associates practice within the boundaries of the new Privacy laws. This means that whatever you disclose in the office, stays in the office. If the counsellor deems it necessary, he or she may discuss your case with a supervisor or with other therapists but will never use your name. The only time that your personal information will be released is when you give your written permission. There are two exceptions to the principle of confidentiality: if someone’s life is in danger or when abuse of a minor is suspected. If a client’s records are subpoenaed by a court of law, a summary only will be provided. This will be done only if the court denies the therapist’s petition for the court to waive the order on the grounds of client privilege. Please view our privacy policy.
Q: What do your services cost, and how may I pay for them?
A: Standard fees for therapy at MCA range between $80 and $150 per hour. Counsellors other than psychologists and clinical social workers are required to charge GST. When clients are unable to pay the full fee, it may be possible to negotiate a lower fee with the counsellor before the work begins.
Q: How is payment accepted?
A: Payment may be made by cash or cheque. Unless other arrangements are made with the therapist, clients are expected to pay for each session before they leave the office.
Q: Is any of the counselling at MCA covered by OHIP?
A: No. The only counselling covered by OHIP is counselling provided by medical doctors or psychiatrists (medical doctors who have specialized in mental health), counselling provided in hospital mental health outpatient clinics, and counselling provided in clinics supervised by medical doctors.
Q: Is the counselling covered by my health insurance?
A: It may be. Check your policy to see what kind of coverage you have and discuss this when you contact us. |
