Frequently Asked Questions

Many insurance packages, offered through workplaces or schools, will cover some or all costs for mental health services. Check your specific plan ahead of time to know what you are covered for. In particular, pay attention to what type of mental health worker you receive coverage for (eg. social worker, psychologist, etc.) Arrow provides services by a Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. (See the "Therapists" page to make sure your preferred therapist will be covered under your insurance plan.) Ultimately, you are responsible for knowing your coverage, promptly paying for your sessions, and seeking reimbursement from your insurance company directly.  

*Most Public Service Health Care Plans (PSHCP) cover at least 80% of each session, up to $5,000 per year.

*Most elementary teachers' plans cover 100% of sessions, up to $1,500 per year. 

Psychotherapists offer talk therapy; they have been educated through the lens of social science, and cannot diagnosis or prescribe medication. A "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)", simply means the therapist is still earning 450 direct client contact hours, 100 supervision hours, and must pass an exam, prior to receiving the licence "Registered Psychotherapist" by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). (*Note: For insurance purposes, if a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is supervised by a Registered Psychotherapist or a Psychologist, and it is properly documented on invoices and receipts, most insurance companies will allow reimbursement. Likewise, if a Registered Psychotherapist is supervised by a Psychologist, most insurance companies will allow reimbursement.) A "Registered Psychotherapist", or RP, has completed all necessary criteria to gain the full title. Still, continuing education is required, and in some cases continued supervision is required or preferred. 

Psychiatrists have medical training and can diagnose individuals and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists can offer talk therapy as well. 

Psychologists have a background in social science and can diagnose, yet they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists commonly offer talk therapy as well. 

Social workers' educational backgrounds can vary; some have a college degree, others a bachelor degree, and still others have a master's degree. Thus, social workers can offer a wide variety of services depending on their training, workplace, and license to practice. For example, they may be case managers that refer individuals to local resources, they may work in a group home, or they can offer talk therapy. 

Typically, yes! Someone else can pay for a client's sessions (eg. a parent). Their name will need to be provided, as well as their mailing address and email address. Their name and address will appear on the receipt, and the email address is used to deliver the receipts upon payment. Often, clients will include the payor as their emergency contact on the intake form; all of the necessary information is then inputted on the form and into our online system. Progress and in-session topics are not discussed with the payor. Each client has the right to choose what they'd like to share, if anything at all; it is not the therapist's position to disclose sensitive information, unless for safety reasons. The payor will, however, see the attendance record of the client since it is indicated on each invoice and receipt. 

As per ethical restriction and professional guidelines, no, psychotherapists cannot offer formal assessments. However, your options for being formally (or informally) assessed, diagnosed, or prescribed medication can be discussed in-session. 

Therapists' notes are maintained to track the nature and sequence of services rendered. They are not intended for legal or medical purposes, and requests for such may be denied. Still, there are some forms of documentation that can be provided, such as an attendance record. Please note that a fee may be charged for any non-session services. 

The benefits of online counselling must be greater than the risks. With that said, the following issues are not ethically suitable to be addressed via virtual therapy: 

• severe cognitive symptoms (eg. psychosis), 
• an adverse reaction to treatment (eg. panic attacks), 
• a risk of harm to you or others (eg. severe suicidal risk), or 
• if the impacts of trauma are overwhelming at times. 

Other factors that will be regularly assessed to ensure online therapy is appropriate, include: 

• the nature of the therapeutic relationship, 
• the nature of the client's concerns, 
• anticipated shifts in the depth and focus of therapy, 
• the client's ability to access the necessary technology in a safe and private setting,
• the client's overall capabilities, comfort, and familiarity of the technology, 
• the client's capacity to access, and participate in, local supports.

If you're unsure if virtual therapy is appropriate for you, let's chat and we can review your options together!

Online services are more convenient to schedule and attend for many individuals. There is no commute time, and there is an inhibition that comes with receiving therapy in a setting of your choice. 

It can make it more difficult to include non-verbal communication skills, yet there are a number of ways to compensate, such as moving the camera further away from you to show your body language during a video session. Finding a safe and quiet space where you can talk freely also helps, as does the use of headphones. There is the possibility of technical difficulties and errors, yet contingency plans are put in place ahead of time. 

Online therapy has been shown to be effective with a variety of diagnoses and issues, including depression and anxiety and building resilience. We encourage all clients to do their own research to determine what they believe will be a good fit for them. If you'd like to discuss your concerns and possibilities with a therapist, head over to the "Contact Us" page to get in touch!

And if you'd much prefer in-person services, then give it a try! 

Clients who benefit most from counselling are present and engaged in-session, and are willing to put in additional effort out-of-session. Nonetheless, if you aren't even sure what exactly you'd like to work on, much less where to start, that's ok! Together, we can figure it out. You are the expert on your life. Your psychotherapist is merely there to come alongside you and assist you as you navigate the highs and lows of your unique circumstances through therapy.