Accessing Our Services
How do I make an appointment and what will happen in the first session?
If you are ready to book an appointment please contact us by phone at 289-684-3581 or email dundascbt@gmail.com and we will find an appointment time that works for you.
If you have questions or are unsure if we can help with your situation we can arrange to set up a time to speak with you by phone. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to determine if we can help. If we do not have the expertise for your specific problem we will suggest another counsellor or service that might be better suited to you.
Sessions are 50 - 60 minutes long. In the first session consent and confidentiality will be discussed so that you are fully aware of how we will keep your information private and also the limits to confidentiality that all professionals adhere to. We will give you a copy of the confidentiality policy during the first session. This will be the beginning of us ensuring that you can talk in a safe and open environment. We will ask you questions about yourself, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you are hoping counselling can help you with. It is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions about our experience, our possible approach in helping you and any other queries you may have. This first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin to formulate a plan for moving forward in addressing your particular circumstances.
Do you accept referrals from health professionals or health organizations?
Yes, we do. Please contact us by phone at 289-684-3581 or email dundascbt@gmail.com.
Self-referrals are accepted.
Are your services covered by OHIP?
Social Work and Psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP. Many insurance companies cover the cost of treatment with Registered Social Workers (RSW) or Registered Psychotherapists (RP). Some benefit plans provide coverage up to a specific dollar amount per year while others pay a percentage towards each visit. It is up to you to explore your insurance coverage to determine if you have coverage. It is also possible to claim Social Work fees as a medical expense on your Canada Revenue Tax Return if your medical expenses are over a specific amount during the tax year. It is up to you to explore this option. We will provide you with a receipt with the therapist’s name, designation and registration numbers that you can submit to your insurance company or use for your income tax purposes.
What is the fee and method of payment?
At Dundas Counselling and CBT our session fees align with what is suggested by the Ontario Association of Social Workers and with other therapy providers in our community which is $150 to $200 per hourly session. Our fee is $160 - $175 per hour depending on the therapist you see. (There is no HST charge added to the fee as social work services are HST exempt). Please contact us at 289-684-3581 or email dundascbt@gmail.com to discuss the current rates of our therapists.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you and so not available to others. If you must change or cancel an appointment please notify your therapist as soon as possible. The cancellation policy requires at least 24 hours notice otherwise you will be billed for the cancelled or missed session. Occasionally, exceptions may be made such as if there is a family emergency. In such situations we can discuss the possibility of waiving the session fee.
What should I do if I am currently in crisis?
Here are some resources that may be helpful to you.
Emergency Department at St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Ave. 905-522-1155
The following organizations offer 24 hour crisis support:
· COAST Hamilton Crisis Line 905-972-8338
· Barrett Centre for Crisis Support 905-529-7878
· Salvation Army Suicide Crisis Line 905-522-1477
· Interval House (Women’s Shelter & Crisis Line) 905-387-8881
· SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre) 905-525-4162
· Brant County Mental Health Crisis Line 519-752-2273
· CAST Haldimand and Norfolk 1-866-487-2278
· COAST Halton 1-877-825-9011
· COAST Niagara 1-800-263-3695
· Suicide Prevention Hotline 905-522-1477