FAQs
How much does therapy cost?
Private counselling is an investment and we do our best to ensure you get great value. The hourly per session rate for Bloom Psychotherapy ranges between $160 and $185. While there is a set hourly rate, you can speak to the therapist about adjusting your appointment frequency to meet your counselling monthly budget.
Services are not covered by OHIP, however the services that we provide will be covered, for the most part, by your extended health benefits if they include coverage for psychotherapy or social work services.
If you have only minimal coverage, keep in mind that even short-term therapy can be of great benefit in helping you to find new ways of managing your difficulties to improve your quality of life.
We do have a 2-business day cancellation policy. Providing you give 2 business days’ notice, you will not be charged for cancelled appointments. We ask that you respect the therapist’s time, just as the therapist respects yours. If you fail to attend your appointment and do not provide sufficient notice, the therapist will charge a full session fee.
How will I know how to pick the right provider for me?
Choosing the right provider is much like trying on a piece of clothing to make sure it fits and is comfortable. What is known from years of research about the process of psychotherapy, is that the relationship, or "fit" between you and your psychotherapist is one of the most important factors impacting the process of change. So, when you choose someone to begin this kind of work with, it is best to go with what feels right to you. Call potential providers, and get a sense of them during that initial contact. Ask questions. We encourage you to contact us, so that we may help to answer any questions that you may have and provide you with a sense of comfort and ease that taking this step will be of benefit to you.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, you do not need a referral. You can call to set up the appointment yourself. At your request following an initial appointment, we would be happy to send a consultation note to your doctor to help them document and guide the course of treatment.
How do I pay for each session?
You can pay by e-transfer or credit card at the time of the session.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Bloom Psychotherapy offers a brief phone consultation to discuss what you are experiencing, notify you of all of the necessary information for your first session, and answer any questions you may have. When you meet with us by video for the first time, this is an initial appointment and payment will be collected upon arrival.
What if I live far away and can’t always make it in person?
Bloom Psychotherapy provides counselling by phone or video conference to anyone whose primary residence is in Ontario or Nova Scotia.
Is therapy confidential?
Everything discussed within the context of this relationship is confidential and no information is released without your consent. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality when:
1.
It is believed that you are at serious and imminent risk of harming yourself or others.
2.
It is believed that you or someone you know is placing a child at risk for physical or sexual abuse.
3.
It is believed that another regulated health professional has sexually abused you.
4.
A court of law subpoenas your records.
How long does therapy last? What can I expect?
The answer to both of these questions depends mostly on the difficulties that you want to address in therapy. Some more specific problems respond very well to a shorter course of treatment, while problems that are more generalized such as "I am so unhappy and I have no idea why, or how to change it", may take a longer time to address since there are many things that make you and your experiences unique. For that reason, it may take time to explore the issues to generate a deeper understanding.
What you can expect is that if you are motivated and willing to look at your life with a new perspective, then you can make positive change, no matter how big or small.
What would I expect from my first session? How often do I have to meet with you?
In your first meeting, we will begin by reviewing policies around topics such as confidentiality. Then we will begin to discuss the issues that have brought you to therapy. We will listen and ask questions to gain a preliminary understanding of your concerns. If possible, by the end of the first session we will have generated a list of goals that you have for yourself - things that you would like to achieve through therapy that we can work toward together.
Most often when clients are beginning therapy, it is helpful to meet on a weekly or biweekly basis to begin to address the issues and symptoms that are most distressing. For other clients, meeting less often suits their needs. The frequency of sessions is something that will be discussed with you on an individual basis after consideration of your particular circumstances.
What are your hours of operation? Can I get an evening appointment?
Sessions are offered during the regular business day, with occasional evenings. Call to inquire about your particular needs.