Frequently Asked Questions
Why seek professional help from a therapist
People often have an easier time talking to a therapist who is objective and can provide an environment that is confidential, safe, and non-judgmental. Seeking professional help for a problem can be a difficult decision to make. Sometimes family and friends are available to offer support but their support is limited because of their own feelings and involvement in our lives. It is challenging for a family member to remain objective when we talk about our problems. In addition, family and friends are not trained professionals and therefore may not be able to recognize psychological problems or help you make adjustments to cope with them. We understand that the decision to see a therapist can be a hard one, however, acknowledging that there is a problem which has not been resolved despite your best efforts is a step in the right direction.
What can I expect during the first session with a therapist?
During the initial visit, the therapist will inform you of our privacy policy and obtain your informed consent to start therapy. Your therapist will perform a preliminary clinical assessment, which includes collecting information about the nature and history of the problem that prompted you to seek treatment. Your therapist may discuss a course of treatment, what to expect for future sessions and an estimate of the number of sessions and strategies that will be used to help in your treatment. Typically, the first session provides an opportunity for you and the therapist to identify the nature of the problem and build rapport. It is important for the therapist to be able to understand you. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for the development of a strong working relationship. Your therapist can provide a more specific treatment plan, including setting goals, in future sessions.
How long is a session?
The length of each session depends on your needs as a client and is determined by your therapist. Most sessions last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Longer or shorter sessions are dependent on the nature of the problem, treatment plan and progress made during therapy sessions.
Who pays for seeing a therapist?
Therapy services that are provided in a private practice are not covered by provincial health care (MSI). However, you may have health insurance coverage of your own or be part of a group plan through your workplace. Please note that insurance companies negotiate different health plans with each work place. Therefore, it is important that you obtain the necessary information about your particular plan’s limits and extent of coverage. For each visit, the client is responsible for paying for therapy services received prior to the start of the session. Clients who have been referred to Acuity by an agency such as worker’s compensation, the courts, social services or veteran affairs are not required to pay for their sessions. The fees are covered by the agency involved and must be pre-approved. Rates and associated costs are explained at the time the referral is made, and the method of payment is determined.
How can I make a referral or make an appointment for myself?
Acuity accepts referrals from professionals such as physicians, social workers, teachers or clergy as well as self-referrals. We also accept referrals from agencies such as the courts, insurance companies, social services, schools, Victim Services, Veteran Affairs, etc. You can contact our Director of Operations at 902-406-3400 and we will make arrangements to see you or your client at your earliest convenience. You can also use our secure online referral form or send a fax to 902-406-4775. Please take a look at our bios and services for an overview of our therapists’ extensive training and experience to see who might best suit your own or your client’s needs.
People often have an easier time talking to a therapist who is objective and can provide an environment that is confidential, safe, and non-judgmental. Seeking professional help for a problem can be a difficult decision to make. Sometimes family and friends are available to offer support but their support is limited because of their own feelings and involvement in our lives. It is challenging for a family member to remain objective when we talk about our problems. In addition, family and friends are not trained professionals and therefore may not be able to recognize psychological problems or help you make adjustments to cope with them. We understand that the decision to see a therapist can be a hard one, however, acknowledging that there is a problem which has not been resolved despite your best efforts is a step in the right direction.
What can I expect during the first session with a therapist?
During the initial visit, the therapist will inform you of our privacy policy and obtain your informed consent to start therapy. Your therapist will perform a preliminary clinical assessment, which includes collecting information about the nature and history of the problem that prompted you to seek treatment. Your therapist may discuss a course of treatment, what to expect for future sessions and an estimate of the number of sessions and strategies that will be used to help in your treatment. Typically, the first session provides an opportunity for you and the therapist to identify the nature of the problem and build rapport. It is important for the therapist to be able to understand you. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for the development of a strong working relationship. Your therapist can provide a more specific treatment plan, including setting goals, in future sessions.
How long is a session?
The length of each session depends on your needs as a client and is determined by your therapist. Most sessions last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Longer or shorter sessions are dependent on the nature of the problem, treatment plan and progress made during therapy sessions.
Who pays for seeing a therapist?
Therapy services that are provided in a private practice are not covered by provincial health care (MSI). However, you may have health insurance coverage of your own or be part of a group plan through your workplace. Please note that insurance companies negotiate different health plans with each work place. Therefore, it is important that you obtain the necessary information about your particular plan’s limits and extent of coverage. For each visit, the client is responsible for paying for therapy services received prior to the start of the session. Clients who have been referred to Acuity by an agency such as worker’s compensation, the courts, social services or veteran affairs are not required to pay for their sessions. The fees are covered by the agency involved and must be pre-approved. Rates and associated costs are explained at the time the referral is made, and the method of payment is determined.
How can I make a referral or make an appointment for myself?
Acuity accepts referrals from professionals such as physicians, social workers, teachers or clergy as well as self-referrals. We also accept referrals from agencies such as the courts, insurance companies, social services, schools, Victim Services, Veteran Affairs, etc. You can contact our Director of Operations at 902-406-3400 and we will make arrangements to see you or your client at your earliest convenience. You can also use our secure online referral form or send a fax to 902-406-4775. Please take a look at our bios and services for an overview of our therapists’ extensive training and experience to see who might best suit your own or your client’s needs.