FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELLING
Below you will find the answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked. If your question is not here, please send us a message, email or give us a call and we will get back to you in a timely manner!
Are your services covered under OHIP?
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Unfortunately, counselling is not currently covered under OHIP. For more information, visit our Insurance & Benefits page.
How will I know if the counsellor is the right fit for me?
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If for any reason, you don't feel comfortable sharing with your counsellor, they are likely not the right fit for you. Finding the right counsellor can be a lengthy process at times, but having someone you feel understands you can be enormously impactful in your recovery process. Find more information on this in our blog post - How Do I Find The Best Therapist For Me?
Is counselling right for me?
Counselling is right for anyone and everyone who is interested and is willing to put in the time and effort to develop the skills to deal with and overcome their issues.
Are you inclusive to the 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals?
Absolutely! All of our counsellors and administrators are either allies or members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and will work to make you comfortable. Our offices are all equipped with gender-neutral washrooms and a pride flag on the door to let you know you are safe.
Do I need a referral?
You don't! We do not require a referral to use our services. However, we accept referrals in need of high-quality care.
How do I book an appointment?
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- You can book a free intake consultation directly online by clicking any of our 'Book Online' buttons.
- Email us at info@anchoridgecounselling.com (Waterloo), london@anchoridgecounselling.com (London),
or oakville@anchoridgecounselling.com (Oakville/Milton)
- Fill out the form at the bottom of our Contact Us page here.
Where are you located?
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Please visit our 'Contact Us' page for our office locations. Alternatively, you can view our 'Office Tour' page for photos of each of our offices.
Are your services covered under my insurance?
We have Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Social Workers and Canadian Certified Counsellors, so if your insurance lists any of those you should be covered in some way. You can find more information on our 'Insurance & Benefits' page or on our blog titled How Do I Know If I Have Insurance Coverage For Counselling? However, we DO NOT offer direct billing. It is always best to talk to your provider before starting treatment to discuss if you have coverage.
Are your services covered under my student benefits?
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To find out more about insurance coverage through student benefits you can find links on our 'Insurance & Benefits' page, but also please check your student benefits for more specific information on coverage
How much does it cost per session? Do you provide services at a reduced rate?
You can view our 'Rates & Services' page for more information about session costs, or individual counsellors profiles for their individual rates.
How do I pay?
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Payment is due at the beginning of each appointment - we accept credit card, debit, or e-transfer. Please note that while your insurance may provide the reimbursement, payment is due in full prior to your appointment and a detailed invoice will be emailed immediately after payment is processed.
Is counselling confidential?
Absolutely. During your first appointment, your counsellor will explain the confidentiality agreement that will be in effect for the duration of your time with Anchoridge Counselling. This agreement will explain that the only exception to a confidentiality agreement is when you, the client, represent a danger to yourself and/or others. Please find more information about confidentiality in our blog post titled 'What is Confidentiality and Informed Consent in Counselling?'.
Can you provide medication or a diagnosis?
Our counsellors are psychotherapists and social workers, and as such, are not able to provide medication or a diagnosis.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Life gets in the way. Emergencies happen. We completely understand and allow clients to reschedule up to 48-hours before their appointment. Cancellation after that point will require you to pay the full session fee. If a personal and unforeseen emergency arises within the 48-hours that causes you to miss your appointment, the fee can be discussed. We appreciate that you call or email ahead to inform your counsellor.
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
Yes we do! All of our clinicians provide services in English, as well as Mandarin (Lolita Shmalenberg), Turkish (Ebru Ekmen) and Yoruba (Lola Edwards).
Is there a waitlist?
Currently, only a few of our clinicians have a short waitlist. This being said, we do always strive to ensure we are available for new clients as they reach out.
What do I do in an emergency?
Please contact 911, your nearest urgent care centre, the "Here 24/7 Crisis Support Line" at 1-844-437-3247 (Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin) or Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (or text them at 45645) if you require urgent assistance - your safety matters to us!