What is a Registered Social Worker? What is a Pychotherapist? What do they do?
In Ontario, “Psychotherapy” is a controlled act, meaning only certain professionals can provide this service. Social Workers and Psychotherapists (as registered through OCSWSSW and CRPO, respectively) are among this group, along with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Doctors.
Registered Social Workers (RSWs) have obtained either a BSW or MSW in Social Work from an accredited university and are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This is to ensure they follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and engage in ongoing learning through the continuing Competence Program. RSW’s can further identify themselves as Psychotherapists, provided they list their Social Work designation first.
Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) have completed a relevant graduate-level degree, and are members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO); they have additionally completed a registration exam, 450 hours of direct client care and 100 hours of clinical supervision. Practitioners who are still working toward their clinical and supervision hours are identified as Registered Practitioner- Qualifying, or RP-Qualifying. Their services should continue to be covered by most benefits providers.
Psychotherapy is a broad term that describes any therapeutic relationship where support is provided in an effort to bring about positive change or maintain well-being. People generally seek out Psychotherapy to get assistance with memories, thoughts, feelings, moods, behaviour or symptoms that are frequent, intense or problematic enough to cause distress.
Psychotherapy is provided to individuals, families, couples and groups using a variety of strategies and therapeutic approaches. While techniques and approaches can vary widely, it is generally accepted that the most important factor is a positive relationship between client and therapist.
How much do sessions cost and how long are they?
Individual therapy (including child therapy with parents present) and parent coaching costs $155-165 per session, depending on the therapist, their training and experience. (Please see below for information on pricing for student interns and reduced-fee sessions)
Couple/Family therapy Sessions range in price from $175-225, depending on your needs and the number of participants.
Art therapy Sessions cost the same as Individual and Family sessions, plus the cost of applicable materials.
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long. However, under certain circumstances, longer or shorter sessions can be explored as needed and will be pro-rated.
Do you offer a reduced rate/Socially conscious pricing for sessions?
We have a limited number of spaces available to pay a reduced rate for sessions.
When we have Therapy Interns placed with us (Masters level students, typically in their final placement), their sessions will be available at a reduced rate of $70, with some further reduced rates available as space allows, ranging from $20-50.
For more information and current availability, please feel free to reach out.
How do I know if I have coverage through my benefits?
Please check with your insurance provider. Registered Social Workers are covered by most plans that include counselling. Registered Psychotherapists are covered by an increasing number of counselling plans as well.
Students placed with Full Circle will be supervised by a team member, with their name and credentials also showing on your receipt. Most benefit plans will continue to cover these sessions.
NIHB (Non Insured Health Benefits) coverage is now available through most of our service providers.
Do you offer direct billing to insurance?
Full Circle does not offer direct billing, outside of NIHB and ODSP (where available). Exceptions are when insurance companies hire us directly for services, such as return to work plans.
For NIHB (Non Insured Health Benefits) coverage, please contact us before booking an initial session as pre-approval is required.
For clients who have insurance for Psychotherapy, a receipt will be issued upon payment, which you can then submit to your insurance carrier.
Who do you see in Therapy?
Our team sees children of all ages (from birth onward), youth, teens and adults, as well as parents/caregivers, couples and families.
What type of Therapy do you provide?
Our team provides individual, couple and family therapy, as well as parent coaching and support. (For children, especially young children, we typically ask that a caregiver be present during sessions. For youth, this will be discussed at the time of intake)
The team at Full Circle are primarily relational therapists. In a nutshell, this means that we believe that relationships (especially our early ones) are very important, and better understanding the relationships in our past and present hold an important key to better understanding our current struggles. Similarly, finding ways to strengthen our current relationships and sense of connection to others also holds an important key to increased happiness and wellness.
Our experienced team is trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to provide you with the best care possible. This includes EMDR, IFS, IFS-Informed EMDR, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness Art Therapy and Circle of Security Parenting.
What is the difference between Family Therapy and Parent Coaching?
Both Family Therapy and Parent Coaching are interventions to make family life more calm, happy and connected, with parents and caregivers at the centre of supporting children and encouraging positive change. Family Therapy typically includes some degree of participation from all family members with mutual goal setting, while parent coaching involves the adults and typically includes more psychoeducation (teaching).
Family Therapy can take place with families with young children, through to adult children and their parents or other family members.
How are services delivered?
Both in-person and virtual sessions are available.
In what languages are service offered?
Full Circle is currently able to provide service in English, Hindi and Gujarati.
What are your facilities like?
We have ample on-site, free parking, both above and below ground.
Our office building is fully wheelchair accessible.
The fourth floor where we are located has both a men’s and women’s washroom, as well as a gender neutraul/family washroom.
Click here to view a virtual tour of our office space.
Still have an unanswered question?
Please feel free to email or call us, or complete a contact form. We’ll get back you as soon as we can.