Psychological Services FAQ

Have questions before booking? Here are answers to common questions about therapy, assessments, fees, virtual appointments, service areas, and the clinicians at West End Psychological Services.

Our office administrator will register you with an OWL Practice account prior to your first appointment. OWL is a PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant digital practice service that contains your clinical record, displays your appointments, and allows you to complete administrative forms securely. If you are receiving individual therapy, you will also use OWL to securely attend your virtual sessions.

We use OnCall to provide group therapy and clients will be emailed a link to join the group session.

Our fees are covered by most employee workplace insurance extended-health benefit plans. Please check with your insurance provider to determine how much coverage is provided for the services of a registered psychologist. Our fees correspond to the recommended rates outlined by the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). Psychological services also qualify for a tax break when your receipts are submitted with your income tax return.

A clinical psychologist is a regulated health service provider who has a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, having been trained in research and various forms of psychotherapy and assessment. Psychologists are governed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. A psychiatrist is also a regulated health service provider. However, a psychiatrist is a physician who has completed a medical degree (M.D.) who specialized in mental health (like a paediatrician is an M.D. who specializes in the treatment of children). Psychiatrists have extensive training in the treatment of mental health concerns with medication and some also provide psychotherapy, while psychologists have extensive training in both assessment and psychotherapy (but cannot prescribe medication). The services of psychiatrists are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); the services of psychologists are not, but are covered by many extended healthcare plans.

Psychologists obtain extensive training in the assessment and treatment of most psychological problems. They usually have more formal psychotherapy training than any other mental health professional. Furthermore, in order to be called a psychologist, they must earn a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) from an accredited university, complete a pre-doctoral internship, complete a post-doctoral year of supervised practice and complete licensure requirements through the College of Psychologists of Ontario. The College of Psychologists is a governing body designed to oversee the work of psychologists and ensure that the public is receiving proper services. They ensure that each psychologist practices within her or his scope of practice.

Clinical Social Workers working in private practice are skilled at understanding individual problems in the context of their past and current environment and significant life and relational experiences. Social Workers often use a non-judgmental and collaborative approach drawing from the expertise of the person seeking counselling combined with the knowledge and specialized training of the therapist to achieve therapy goals.

Our social workers are well-trained in evidence-based psychological interventions including CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based therapies.

Clinical Social Workers working in Private Practice often seek supervision as part of their practice and are required to adhere to the code of ethics and standards of professional practice set out by their regulatory body – the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).