Frequently Asked Questions

Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for services offered by Registered Psychotherapists. Coverage may be listed under Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist, Mental Health Services, Counselling, or Marriage Counselling, depending on your provider and plan. We recommend reviewing your benefits or contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage details, including any annual limits or reimbursement requirements. After each session, you will receive a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement. If your current benefits do not include psychotherapy coverage, you may wish to speak with your employer or HR department, as many plans can be reviewed or updated over time.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process where a trained therapist helps you explore and address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. It involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe environment. How it works: Initial Assessment: Your therapist gathers information about your challenges and goals. Therapeutic Techniques: Based on your needs, the therapist uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy (NT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and more. Ongoing Sessions: You'll work together to identify patterns, develop coping skills, and set goals for personal growth.

In your free 15-minute consultation, we'll have an introductory chat about your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any initial concerns. This is your chance to ask questions about the therapy process, understand your therapist's approach, and see if it's a good fit. It's a relaxed conversation to help you decide the best way to proceed with your therapy journey.

Each session is typically 50-minutes in length. We also offer extended 75-minute sessions for those who would appreciate a little more time and space to slow down, explore concerns more deeply, or engage in more in-depth therapeutic work. Longer sessions can be particularly helpful when working through complex challenges, processing significant life experiences, or learning and practicing new skills. If an extended session may better support your goals, your therapist will be happy to discuss whether it might be a good fit for you.

Consistency is crucial, especially at the start. Most clients benefit from weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong foundation. This frequency supports steady progress and keeps you focused on your goals. As you advance, the frequency can be adjusted based on your needs. You and your therapist will collaborate to find the best schedule moving forward.

The number of sessions you'll need depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and your preferred meeting frequency. On average, clients see progress after 15-20 sessions. Some may benefit from longer-term support, especially for deeper issues or complex goals. Initially, your therapist will help you set goals and evaluate progress. Together, you'll decide the best course of action and adjust as needed.

Many people wonder if they're "ready enough" for therapy. The truth is, you don't need to be in crisis, have a clear goal, or know exactly what you want to talk about to benefit from therapy. Something brought you here, and that might be enough of a reason to start the conversation.

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, and no information is released without your consent. However, there are ethical and legal situations that require your therapist to breach confidentiality. These include the following: If there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person. If a child under the age of 18, or a vulnerable adult, is believed to be in need of protection from physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. If your therapist receives a court order requiring the release of information from your file. If you disclose that you have been sexually exploited by a regulated professional or someone in a position of trust or authority (e.g., a physician, teacher, therapist, etc.). Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you during your first session and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. This allows us to offer the time to someone else. Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a fee. We'll do our best to accommodate a new time if you need to reschedule. Notify us of changes by emailing info@atriapsychotherapy.ca or calling/texting (647) 233-6169.

Payment is collected at the beginning of each session. Many clients choose to keep a credit card securely stored on file, allowing session fees to be processed automatically after each appointment without needing to think about payment during or after their session. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. E-transfers are also accepted and can be sent to info@atriapsychotherapy.ca before each session . Following your session, a receipt will be emailed to you for your records and insurance reimbursement purposes. If you ever need another copy, simply reach out and we’ll be happy to resend it!

Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for services offered by Registered Psychotherapists. Coverage may be listed under Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist, Mental Health Services, Counselling, or Marriage Counselling, depending on your provider and plan. We recommend reviewing your benefits or contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage details, including any annual limits or reimbursement requirements. After each session, you will receive a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement. If your current benefits do not include psychotherapy coverage, you may wish to speak with your employer or HR department, as many plans can be reviewed or updated over time.

Yes. We do our best to offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments for those who may be facing financial challenges. Availability can vary depending on demand and whether there’s a waitlist for reduced-fee spots. If cost is a concern, please feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to talk through your options and see how we can support you.

Technology doesn't always cooperate, and that's okay. If technical difficulties arise during your session, your therapist will work with you to reconnect as quickly as possible. If the issue cannot be resolved, your therapist will discuss alternative options, such as continuing by phone, providing an alternative secure platform to continue the session, or rescheduling the remaining time when appropriate.

Getting ready for a virtual therapy session is simple and meant to feel easy. Try to find a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax and speak freely. If you can, limit distractions and make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection. There’s no need to prepare anything special. Just come as you are—we’ll meet you there and take things one step at a time, together.

Yes. Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, and more. At the heart of this effectiveness is the therapeutic relationship—the sense of trust, safety, and connection you build with your therapist. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals experiencing severe psychiatric crises, such as psychosis or situations requiring immediate medical attention, may need in-person, urgent care to ensure their safety and receive the appropriate level of support.

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Prior to your session, you'll receive a secure link that allows you to join with just a few clicks—no special software required!

Technology doesn't always cooperate, and that's okay. If technical difficulties arise during your session, your therapist will work with you to reconnect as quickly as possible. If the issue cannot be resolved, your therapist will discuss alternative options, such as continuing by phone, providing an alternative secure platform to continue the session, or rescheduling the remaining time when appropriate.

Absolutely. As long as you’re in a private, stationary space where you feel safe and comfortable speaking openly, you’re welcome to join your session from wherever works best for you. Many people choose to attend from their workplace, a parked car, or another quiet spot when home isn’t an option. Before your session, it can be helpful to take a moment to make sure you’ll have enough privacy to relax and fully engage. We want you to feel at ease so you can get the most out of your time.

If your benefits do not include psychotherapy coverage, you're still welcome to access therapy as a self-paying client. Many individuals choose to invest in therapy even without insurance coverage, while others may be able to use a Health Spending Account (HSA) if available through their employer. If cost is a concern, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'll be happy to discuss available options and resources with you.

Your receipt includes all of the information typically required for insurance reimbursement, including the date of service, therapist's name and professional designation, session fee, and payment details. Receipts are issued electronically following payment and are designed to be submitted directly to most insurance providers.