IN-PERSON and secure ON-LINE appointments available in Stratford, ON and area.
IN-PERSON and secure ON-LINE appointments available in Stratford, ON and area.
WHAT ARE THE CLINIC'S COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES?
As an essential service provider, we are prepared to see you in-person in our clinic and have implemented safer procedures to minimize risk and exposure to viruses like Covid-19. In-person appointments at the office may increase risk of exposure to the covid-19 virus while on-line appointments by phone or secure video conferencing eliminate risk completely. The clinic operates in accordance with recommendations issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario Businesses. Sanitization procedures and use of PPE are employed based on up to date recommendations. Staff and visitors to the clinic are screened prior to entering the building. If you are choosing to have your appointment in-person, please follow these procedures:
Additionally, please reschedule your appointment if you answer yes to any of these questions, within 48 hours of your appointment time:
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
To make an appointment, please email us on our Request an Appointment page with a brief description of your concerns. No referrals are necessary to make an appointment, however, some insurance providers require a doctor's note in order to be reimbursed for fees associated with counselling services.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A 50 minute session for an individual is $150 and a 75 minute session for a family or group is $270. Fees are due at the time services are rendered and may be paid by e-transfer, cash, or personal cheque.
ARE MY FEES COVERED BY OHIP?
Counselling fees are not covered by OHIP, however, many employers' extended healthcare plans and employee assistance plans (EAPs) cover counselling services that are provided by a Registered Social Worker. Please contact your provider or Human Resources representative to confirm your coverage. A receipt is provided so that you may submit it to your insurer for reimbursement. If you do not have benefits that cover Registered Social Worker fees, your receipts can be submitted with your income tax as medical expenses and may be covered in part or in full. We are not able to direct-bill your insurer.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
The number of counselling sessions varies by client and concern. We will discuss your needs and expectations in our first session together and evaluate as we go.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST SESSION?
Knowing what to expect during your first therapy session can help you feel more prepared. Your first session is often about you and your therapist getting to know one another, determining if the therapist is a good fit for your needs, and going over what you want to accomplish in therapy.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
A session may be cancelled or rescheduled without penalty provided no less than 48 hours notice is given from the time of the appointment. Sessions cancelled or rescheduled within the 48 hour period, and missed appointments, will be charged at the full hourly rate.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY VIRTUAL COUNSELLING SESSION?
If you prefer to have your sessions via online video conferencing, you will receive an email invitation within a few minutes of your appointment time with a link to our online office. Click on the link in the email and say yes/accept audio and video and you will be brought right into the online office. The platform used is simple and meets the criteria for the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA). Smart phones, tablets, and computers are acceptable devices. The best connections are made when computers are plugged directly into a router with an ethernet cable and the only application running is the online office platform. You will want to ensure you have privacy in your own space during your session. An Informed Consent form for virtual counselling will be emailed to you in advance. Payments for virtual appointments are made by e-transfer and receipts are provided. Appointment lengths and times are flexible and we do our best to accommodate your needs.
IS COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?
You are entitled to confidentiality regarding the information you share with a therapist. Your personal information may only be shared with with another person or agency with your written informed consent. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality:
DO YOU PROVIDE CRISIS SUPPORT?
If you are in crisis, please go to the emergency department at your local hospital; call 9-1-1; or call the Huron-Perth Crisis Intervention toll-free number 1-888-829-7484 for 24hr services if you live in the Huron-Perth community. We do not provide crisis support through our office. For more information on community resources, please visit our Resources page.
Bridgit Ganson is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She has a Masters in Mental Health Counselling, and a Bachelors of Science in Human Development; Children, Families, and Culture. Bridgit offers virtual psychotherapy sessions for individuals living in Ontario. Specialization in; depression, anxiety, behavior change, trauma, and development.