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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELLING
Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about counselling, appointments, fees, insurance, and what to expect at Anchoridge. If you don’t see your question here, send us a message, email us, or give us a call and our team will be happy to help.
What types of counselling services does Anchoridge Counselling offer?
Anchoridge Counselling offers individual counselling, couples counselling, family counselling, and child and adolescent counselling. We provide in-person therapy in Waterloo, Oakville, and London, as well as virtual counselling across Ontario. Our therapists support a wide range of mental health concerns and use different therapeutic approaches based on each client’s needs.
Do you offer individual counselling in Waterloo?
Anchoridge Counselling offers individual counselling at our Waterloo location, with both in-person and virtual appointments available. Our Waterloo team includes Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists who support concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationships, stress, grief, life transitions, and more.
How does virtual counselling work in Ontario?
Anchoridge Counselling offers secure virtual counselling to clients across Ontario. Sessions are available by secure video or phone, allowing you to connect with your therapist from the comfort of your own space. Virtual counselling is available for individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents, depending on the clinician.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
Yes. Many Anchoridge therapists are currently accepting new clients, although availability varies by therapist, location, specialty, and schedule. We offer counselling in Waterloo, Oakville, and London, as well as virtual appointments across Ontario. You can use our Find Your Therapist tool or contact our intake team to explore clinicians who are currently accepting clients.
How can I book a counselling appointment?
You can book counselling through our online booking system, use our Find Your Therapist tool to explore clinicians based on your needs and preferences, or contact the Anchoridge intake team for support finding the right therapist. Appointments are available in Waterloo, Oakville, and London, as well as virtually across Ontario.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist at Anchoridge?
No. You do not need a referral to access counselling at Anchoridge Counselling. You can contact us directly, book with an available therapist, or use our Find Your Therapist tool to explore your options.
Can I see a therapist in person in Waterloo, Oakville, or London?
Yes. Anchoridge Counselling has clinic locations in Waterloo, Oakville, and London, Ontario. We offer in-person counselling at our clinic locations as well as virtual counselling across Ontario. Availability varies by therapist and location.
What mental health concerns can Anchoridge therapists help with?
Our therapists support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress and burnout, grief and loss, relationship concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, parenting, emotional regulation, and more. Each therapist has different areas of experience, and our Find Your Therapist tool can help you explore clinicians who may be a good fit for your needs.
Do you offer counselling for children and teenagers?
Yes. Anchoridge Counselling has therapists who work with children, teenagers, and families. Areas of support may include anxiety, emotional regulation, ADHD, school-related stress, self-esteem, behavioural concerns, family relationships, life transitions, and other mental health concerns. Age ranges and areas of practice vary by therapist.
Do you offer couples and family counselling?
Yes. Anchoridge offers couples and family counselling for concerns such as communication, conflict, relationship changes, parenting, family dynamics, separation, and other relationship challenges. In-person and virtual options may be available depending on the therapist.
Does insurance cover counselling at Anchoridge?
Many extended health and student benefit plans provide coverage for counselling with Registered Psychotherapists and/or Registered Social Workers. Coverage varies by insurance provider and individual plan, so we recommend confirming which professional designations and services are covered under your benefits before booking.
Do you offer direct billing to insurance?
Yes, direct billing is available for many insurance plans where supported. Eligibility depends on your insurance provider and individual plan. Our administrative team can help you determine whether direct billing is available for your coverage.
Is counselling covered by OHIP?
Private counselling services at Anchoridge are not covered by OHIP. Some clients may have counselling coverage through extended health insurance, workplace benefits, or student benefit plans. We also offer therapy at a range of rates, including lower-cost options.
How do I pay for my therapy sessions?
Payment is due according to Anchoridge’s payment policies and can be made using our available payment methods. If you are eligible for direct billing, we may be able to submit eligible claims directly to your insurance provider. Otherwise, you will receive a receipt that can be submitted to your insurer for reimbursement where applicable.
How do I find the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is personal. Your concerns, goals, preferred therapy style, location, schedule, budget, insurance coverage, and even personality fit can all matter. Our Find Your Therapist tool asks a few short questions and suggests clinicians who may fit your preferences. Our intake team can also help you explore your options.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
Your first session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other, talk about what brought you to counselling, and begin discussing what you would like support with. You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. Your therapist will help guide the conversation and work with you to identify goals for therapy.
What if I don’t feel like my therapist is the right fit?
A strong therapeutic relationship matters. If a therapist does not feel like the right fit, you are welcome to explore another clinician at Anchoridge. Our intake team can help you find someone whose approach, experience, personality, availability, or areas of practice may be a better match.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling sessions are confidential, and protecting your privacy is an important part of therapy. There are limited legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. Your therapist will review these with you at the beginning of therapy so you understand how your information is protected and when disclosure may be required.
Can Anchoridge therapists prescribe medication or provide a diagnosis?
Anchoridge therapists do not prescribe medication. If you are looking for medication assessment or management, you will need to speak with an appropriate medical professional. If you are seeking a formal diagnosis or assessment, our team can help you determine whether the service you need falls within the scope of one of our clinicians or whether another regulated professional would be more appropriate.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Anchoridge requires 48 hours advance notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling, and late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee. Please review your booking information or contact our administrative team if you have questions about the cancellation policy for your appointment.
Do you offer counselling in languages other than English?
Yes. Some Anchoridge clinicians offer counselling in languages other than English. Languages available depend on our current clinical team, so please visit our therapist profiles or contact our intake team to ask about current language options.
Is Anchoridge Counselling inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes. Anchoridge Counselling is committed to providing an inclusive and affirming environment for clients of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. You can also use our Find Your Therapist tool or contact our intake team if you would like help finding a clinician whose experience or approach aligns with what you are looking for.
Is counselling right for me?
People seek counselling for many different reasons. You do not need to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Counselling can provide support with mental health concerns, relationships, life transitions, stress, personal growth, coping skills, and simply having a confidential space to work through what is happening in your life.
What should I do if I need immediate or emergency mental health support?
Counselling at Anchoridge is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or access an appropriate crisis or urgent-care service in your area. Our Community Resources page also includes additional mental health and crisis-support resources.