Not at all. Even if a therapist seems like a good match based on recommendations or background, it doesn’t guarantee a strong connection. It’s important to recognize that each therapist has a unique style, and sometimes it may differ from what you expected or feel comfortable with. This is not a reflection on you or the therapist—it just means the fit may not be ideal.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your current therapist, please inform our administrative team. We will do our best to accommodate your request by connecting you with another therapist. However, please note that not all our therapists may be available to take on new clients. If necessary, we will assist you in finding a suitable therapist within our clinic or help you explore other options outside our practice. Your comfort and ease are crucial for a successful therapeutic outcome.

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and all information shared between you and your therapist is strictly confidential, as governed by the laws and regulations here in Ontario. However, there are specific circumstances where confidentiality may be legally or ethically breached:

• If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
• If a child discloses any form of abuse.
• For clients involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), progress reports may be required by the insurance company.
• If your doctor, lawyer, or insurance company requests case notes.*
• If you request that we share information with an external agency (e.g., Children’s Aid Society).
• If you are a returning client and would like your new therapist to access your previous records to avoid repeating your history.*
• If your therapist needs to consult with another therapist within our practice to provide you with more comprehensive care.*
• If your file is subpoenaed by a court due to legal proceedings.

*Please note that we require your signed consent before sharing notes or discussing your file with others.*

Each insurance policy is unique. We highly recommend reviewing your benefits package or contacting your provider directly to determine the specific types of counselling services covered under your plan. Please note that having the same insurance provider as a friend or family member does not necessarily mean your coverage will be identical. Some plans may cover a broad range of counsellors or psychotherapists, while others may only provide coverage for services rendered by an MSW, Psychotherapist, or Clinical Psychologist.

Referrals are not required if you are paying privately, as we are not covered under OHIP. Please note that if you have extended benefits, we may not be able to directly bill some insurance companies. In such cases, you will need to pay upfront and submit your receipts for reimbursement.

If an EAP provider will be covering your sessions, whether or not a referral is necessary depends on your specific EAP provider, as requirements may vary. Please contact your HR department or call the number listed in your employee handbook. They will send a referral to us and inform you whether it is your responsibility to contact us or if we will reach out to you to schedule the appointment.

Direct billing to your insurance provider depends on your specific policy. While some mental health practitioners, such as clinical psychologists, may offer direct billing, registered social workers and psychotherapists typically do not.

If you have extended health benefits, you will need to pay upfront and submit your invoice for reimbursement. The therapist’s name, credentials, and registration number are included in the upper right-hand corner of the invoice.

We may be able to directly bill certain insurance companies through the following portals:

• Telus Health
• Blue Cross
• Provider Connect

We will complete the same intake process as above. However, to see children under the age of 12, we are required to have the signed consent of both parents before the child is seen. The only exception to this is if the child lives in a single parent home where that parent/guardian has sole custody.

Just as you would seek a dentist for a toothache or go to the hospital for a broken arm, seeking support for mental health is equally important and deserving of care. We understand that some individuals may feel uncomfortable about others knowing they are receiving mental health support, and we respect that. If you encounter us in a public setting, such as on the street or at a grocery store, we will respect your privacy and not acknowledge you unless you choose to make the first contact. Our priority is to ensure your comfort, and we will not be offended if you prefer not to engage in conversation. Additionally, if we are with family members or others, we are bound by strict confidentiality laws and will not disclose any information about your status as a client.

Payment can be made via e-transfer to associatefidler@gmail.com. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and debit at our Simcoe location. Alternatively, you can add your credit card information to your secure online account on Jane App, our booking system. For cash payments at the Simcoe office, please bring the exact amount, as we do not keep change on-site.

If you book an appointment by phone, our staff will only collect your full name, phone number, and email address. All other information, including your address, date of birth, and primary reason(s) for seeking counselling, will be gathered through the intake form sent to your email by our booking system, Jane App. The same rules apply if you are a new client booking an appointment through email. If you do not have an email address, you may complete the intake form & consent forms in the office. If you have a phone or video appointment, staff will collect all relevant information from you via phone.

For couples or family counselling, we require this information for each participant.

Additionally, we will inquire if you are comfortable with us leaving messages at the provided phone number and your preference for appointment reminders (text or email)

Sessions are typically an hour long and are billed at an hourly rate of $130 for individuals and $150 for couples and families. Sessions are tax-free.

Sessions are available for individuals, couples, and families. To accommodate your needs, we offer flexible session formats, including phone, video, and in-person appointments. Whether you prefer the convenience of remote sessions or the personal touch of face-to-face meetings, our therapists are here to support you. Please be aware that neither of our offices is wheelchair accessible, so if you have mobility issues, we suggest that you take advantage of remote sessions if possible.

Our therapists are currently registered as providers under the following Employee Assistance Programs:

• • Asperia/Humanacare
  • Arete
  • Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic Catholic District School Board
  • CAS
  • Carebridge
  • Catholic Family Services
  • Criminal Compensation Board
  • ComPsych
  • Fanshawe College
  • Freudenburg
  • Grand Erie School Board
  • Homewood Human Solutions
  • Medavie Blue Cross
  • NIHB
  • Stelco
  • Workplace Options