Frequent Questions
General Questions
What is a Registered Psychologist
In Ontario, a psychologist is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and is a regulated health professional. A psychologist has completed a doctoral degree in psychology, as well as at least 3,000 hours of training (over 6 to 10 years) under the supervision of another psychologist. They have advanced training in the use of psychological tests for assessment, and in psychotherapy. Clinical Psychologists apply the knowledge about human behaviour to the assessment, diagnosis and/or treatment of individuals with disorders of behaviour, emotions and thought.
What happens in the first session?
During the first session, a full intake assessment will be completed including a semi-structured diagnostic assessment. The goal of this session is to assess your symptoms and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Do I need a doctor’s referral before contacting you?
No. In general, you do not need a doctor’s referral before making the first contact with us.
Nevertheless, if you are covered by an insurance plan, the insurer may require a doctor’s note prior to any therapy session. Please verify with your insurance company for details.
Does OHIP cover psychological services?
Psychological services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, most of our clients have access to extended health benefits through employee and private health insurance plans, which provide full or partial coverage for services provided by a registered psychologist or a registered social worker. Some health insurance plans also offer coverage for services provided by masters or doctoral level clinicians who work under the direct supervision of a psychologist.
You are encouraged to check with your insurer regarding coverage and whether or not your plan requires a physician referral.
Additionally, psychological and social work services are a tax-deductible medical expense.
Do you offer online consultation?
Yes. You can have your consultation, Assessments, and Therapy online. At Naisi Psychology Clinic we put our staff and your health first but you also have the choice of having in-person sessions, if you are not feeling comfortable or easy on online calls.
Assessment Questions
What are psychological assessments?
We perform psychological assessment, treatment and evaluation that can provide comprehensive, objective reports that address legal questions for use in litigation and court cases. These areas of evaluation include:
- Formal diagnosis, discussion of causation, evaluation of contributing factors, prognosis and treatment planning;
- Identification of psychological impairments and evaluation of severity and permanency;
- Evaluation of psychological injuries and impact of trauma on functioning;
- Reports of ongoing progress in counselling for use in court cases.
What is a motor vehicle accident (MVA) assessment and how can it help?
A Motor Vehicle Accident Assessment investigate the existence, nature and degree of psychological dysfunction that may have resulted directly or indirectly from an individual’s car accident.
An MVA assessment could provide the client with feedback regarding their present emotional status as well as treatment recommendations, should they be necessary, that might advance them return to premorbid functioning.
After a motor vehicle accident, psychological assessment and counselling can give you the support needed towards achieving mental wellness and regaining a sense of control in your life.
What type of immigration and refugee assessments do we offer?
The Immigration & Refugee Assessment Service at Naisi Psychology Services provides comprehensive psychological evaluations for foreign-born (i.e., outside of Canada) adolescents and adults who have applied for residency through the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Clinicians in this Service provide comprehensive psychological assessments for those individuals facing Immigration and Refugee Board review to determine eligibility to remain in Canada. These assessments typically evaluate pre- and post-migration experiences (e.g. discrimination, persecution, harassment, war, trauma), the presence of psychological symptoms and disorders (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety), the potential psychological impact of being denied residency in Canada, and the need for procedural accommodations during an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing.