Question 1

What about confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

I absolutely respect the privacy of your personal information and am committed to collecting, using, storing, and disclosing that information responsibly. I will not willingly share any information about you with anyone outside of our sessions unless (a) I first obtain your written informed consent, or (b) your safety or the safety of others is at risk, or (c) I am legally mandated to do so.

Question 2

How much do the sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

A standard (50 to 55) minute session costs $175.

Question 3

Who covers the cost?

Accepted Answer

Therapy/counselling is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).  But you may have options.

Employee Benefit Plans
If you have a benefit plan through your employer (or a spouse’s or parent’s employer), you may be entitled to reimbursement for therapy provided by a registered social worker. Some Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) may also provide this coverage. But plans differ. So please review your plan (or consult with an HR or plan representative) regarding coverage and claim procedures.

Western University Students
If you are a full-time student at Western University and have not opted out of the USC's PurpleCare Health and Dental Plan, you are automatically eligible to receive up to $750 per benefit year for therapy. If you have a persistent or prolonged disability, you may also be eligible for a $2,000 bursary per academic year for supportive therapy. If this applies to you, the first step is to contact an Accessible Education Counsellor at (519) 661-2147 for additional information and applications.

Fanshawe College Students
Up to $2,000 per year of financial assistance is available to eligible full-time and part-time students who have either permanent or persistent disabilities. This assistance can be used for therapy. To see if you qualify and complete an application, contact an Accessibility Services Counsellor at (519) 452-4282.

Income Tax Deduction
If you incur therapy costs that have not been reimbursed, you may claim them as a medical deduction when submitting your income tax return.

How Payment / Reimbursement Works
I do not direct-bill to insurance companies. However I am already registered with most plan providers (e.g. Green Shield, Canada Life, Manulife). 
 
I provide a receipt at the end of each session. These receipts can be submitted for reimbursement, or saved and used when completing your income tax return.

Question 4

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

I prefer payment by debit (tap) at the completion of each session, or an e-transfer before or after the session. However, I also accept cash and cheques. If paying with cash, please bring the exact amount.

Question 5

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I send both email and text reminders 6 days before, 2 days before, and again 4 hours before each session.

If you must cancel a session, please do so as soon as possible;  this will open up the time slot for another client. 
 
There is no charge if you cancel or reschedule a session at least 24 hours in advance. The easiest way to do this is to use the "Cancel"  or "Reschedule" link at the bottom of the confirmation email that you received when the session was booked. 
 
Note: "No-shows" or sessions cancelled (or rescheduled) with less than 24 hours notice will be charged.

Question 6

Are your sessions in-person or virtual?

Accepted Answer

It's your choice.  Sessions can be done in-person or virtually i.e. by phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp or Google Meet.

On some days (i.e. when I'm not in London), only virtual sessions are available.

For new clients, I actually prefer that at least the first session or two be in-person. It really helps to establish a connection.

Question 7

Where are you located? Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

My office is located in a medical building at 450 Central Avenue (between Colborne Street and Maitland Street) in London, Ontario.
 
Paid parking is available behind the building, and free parking is available on nearby streets.  If you enter from the back door, go downstairs and my office (LL91) is the first on the left.
 
On Saturdays, the building is locked. So for Saturday sessions, I ask my clients to text me at 519-281-8289 when they arrive and wait (in their car, or outside). I will respond by text - possibly a few minutes late - when I am ready to see them. Then I meet them at the back door.

Question 8

What's with the dragonfly?

Accepted Answer

In some areas of the world, the dragonfly is a symbol of transformation, adaptability and new beginnings. That speaks to me about the strength of the human spirit and the potential for therapy to bring about positive change.

Kathy Roberts

Individual and Family Therapist
London, Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions