The Centre for MindBody Health does not require a referral from a physician or from any professional, you can self-refer. To schedule an appointment, contact us or book a no-cost short intake call here.
Our services are covered under most extended health insurers and do not require a physician’s referral for coverage. We encourage you to check with your benefits provider to determine the scope and amount of your coverage.
Unfortunately, our services are not covered under OHIP.
The purpose of the initial sessions are to give you and your therapist a chance to know each other better. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for your therapist to understand your current situation and what led you to pursue psychotherapy. Your therapist will complete an assessment so that you can receive a clear statement of impressions and recommendations for treatment that includes goals and an approximate time frame to achieve them. These initial sessions are also an opportunity for you to determine if your therapist is a good fit for the work you hope to do in treatment. We want you to feel comfortable and safe to talk about your concerns and that requires a comfortable relationship with your therapist.
Individual sessions are usually 50 minutes long and typically occur once each week. Initial sessions may benefit from being 80 minutes to gain a more in-depth understanding of your difficulties, your needs and how to help. Weekly sessions help to develop a strong therapeutic relationship and establish momentum towards your treatment goals. Session frequency may be tapered as you become more comfortable applying in your day-to-day life what you have learned in therapy.
This is a reasonable question and difficult to predict. Research shows that the duration of therapy is variable and is influenced by the specific interventions, the strength of the relationship with your therapist, as well as factors specific to you. These may include your goals, personal characteristics, the nature, severity, chronicity, and complexity of the problem(s) you are experiencing, other things that are happening in your life and your available social support, and the comfort you develop in making changes. Depending on your specific needs and goals, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or longer-term to deal with recurrent life patterns or a desire for more in-depth personal growth.
We understand that a good fit between client and therapist is essential to therapy. The clinic director will review the information you provide to us during your intake interview and you will be referred to a therapist who has training and expertise in the specific areas of your life for which you are seeking support. Another factor to consider is the fit between your schedule and the therapist’s availability. If there is a particular therapist with whom you would like to work, feel free to let us know during your conversation with our staff.
Certain therapeutic modalities are recommended for certain presenting problems. For example, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is the gold standard of treatment for BPD or high-risk emotional dysregulation. Emotion Focused Therapy is often recommended for depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and trauma. Most of our therapists are trained in multiple approaches and could recommend an integrative approach that combines from various approaches. Your therapist will be very well informed on what approach/skills are suitable for you. This will also be evaluated in an ongoing way to ensure that you continue to thrive with the very best that the right treatment offers.
All three provide psychotherapy. The difference lies in their licensing body and educational background. Psychologists can offer comprehensive assessments yet all therapists are highly trained in providing counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists at CMBH meet regularly with the Clinic Directors and engage in professional consultations for continued development and oversight.
Psychologist: Typically has a PhD in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). They can complete a psychological assessment and provide a diagnosis according to commonly accepted diagnostic manuals.
Social Worker: Typically has a master’s degree in social work and are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Our social workers are clinical social workers with extensive training in psychotherapy.
Registered Psychotherapist: Typically has a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy, Counselling Psychology, or Counselling and are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO).
Confidentiality is a core principle in psychotherapy and is the responsibility of the therapist. Client information is kept strictly confidential except for rare circumstances where disclosure may be required by law. Whether your therapist is a Psychologist, Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist they will discuss adhere to all professional standards around confidentiality and can review the specifics with you during your first meeting.
