FAQ

Who can benefit from therapy?

Therapy is for anyone looking for outside feedback and support. Many people seek out a mental health professional for a specific mental health problem, like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or addiction. Therapy can be a vital key to managing mental health problems, disorders, and general health upkeep, but therapy an be a tool for anyone! A therapist can also help you navigate life's stressors like moving, changing jobs, becoming a parent, improving your habits, and more.

What are the benefits of in-person counselling?

When you attend therapy in-person, you can come to a safe space that’s just for you. Some people also find in-person interaction makes it easier to communicate because of nonverbal communication cues and tone that can be missed online. You have also more intense mental health needs that remote therapy can’t address due to the types of therapies that you may need. Technical issues such as a poor internet connection can sometimes make online therapy less reliable than in-person therapy.

What are the benefits of virtual counselling?

Virtual counselling creates an accessible platform that is simple and comfortable. Clients login to a secured online platform that they may access from the comfort of their own home, or private space. This platform allows for flexibility to schedule appointments after regular work hours or school hours, and does not restrict you to stay within your geographical area if there are travel or physical limitations. Virtual counselling also allows you to select a therapist who would be the best fit for you, regardless of where you or they live.

Need help with troubleshooting?

For more information about the virtual platform used by our practitioners, and to prepare for virtual sessions, please review our Virtual Counselling Client Support Guide here. We  recommend reading Jane's technology troubleshooting document here. For more information, you may also contact our in-take coordinator.

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychological assessment evaluates thinking, learning and behaviour. The assessment may include interviews, observation, testing and consultation with other professionals involved in the student's care. Testing often includes pencil and paper tasks, puzzles, drawing, and games. The assessment covers many skill areas, such as general intellectual level, language, memory and learning, problem solving, planning and organization, fine motor skills, visual spatial skills, and academic skills (reading, math, spelling and writing). It also includes an examination of behaviour and emotions and can identify any clinically significant mental health concerns that may be occurring.

Why is an assessment helpful?

A psychological assessment is helpful in identifying strengths and weaknesses and will lead to recommendations for both academic and behavioural intervention. By detecting problems, an assessment can be used to assist in planning a student's school program, to identify needs for special services in school, and to help them access resources in their community.

Do I need a referral to receive psychological services?

While you do not require a referral to book an appointment, we do accept them from physicians or general practitioners, counsellors/psychotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, etc.

Are psychological services covered by OHIP?

While psychologist’s fees are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP), all or part of the fees can be covered by:

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Group benefit plans
• Private extended health insurance
• Disability insurers, for those receiving disability benefits

Any out of pocket expenses for Psychological Services can often be claimed on your taxes as a health expense.

How long will the assessment take?

A comprehensive psychological evaluation takes approximately 5-8 hours to administer, often more. More focused assessments may take less time. The assessment is separated into two or more days, depending on the client. Test interpretation and report preparation requires additional clinical time.

How should I prepare my child for an assessment?

It is important to talk to children about what will happen before any new activity. Children feel less anxious when they know what to expect. Be sure your child knows that there will be no physical exam, so no needles or medicine. For younger children, you may wish to emphasize the play aspect, focusing on the puzzles and games. For older children, it is often helpful to describe both games and school-type work, but there are no marks or grades given. Psychological tests are not pass/fail. The tests merely show where a child ranks among their same age peers. They measure different levels of ability and can give insight into a child's strengths or weaknesses. The best way for any child to prepare for an assessment is to get a good night's sleep, try to eat a good breakfast, and take all medications as usual (unless otherwise instructed by a medical professional). 

What should I bring on the day of the assessment?

If you (or person being assessed) wear glasses, contact lenses, or a hearing aid, please make sure to bring these to the assessment. If possible, bring copies of recent report cards and any reports of previous assessments of any kind (e.g. psychological, psychiatric, speech and language, OT). If you have an IEP (Individual Education Plan), please bring a copy of this as well. You may also bring water and snacks. Breaks will be provided throughout the assessment.

What can I expect after the assessment is completed?

The psychologist will meet with you for feedback to discuss the results. A diagnosis (if applicable) will be communicated to you at this time. A written report will be completed, outlining the results of the assessment and the recommendations for intervention. You will receive a copy of this report. A copy is also placed in your client record at A Well Mind.

Will a copy of my child's report be shared with their school or another professional?

A psychological assessment is completely private and confidential within the limits of the law. If you require a copy to be sent from our office to another professional involved with you such as your family physician, therapist, or your school, you will be required to sign written consent to our office to release your records. Sharing of reports and results is always your decision. Children over the age of 12 will be made aware of their rights to privacy as identified by Health Information and Privacy Act.

Will my child be prescribed any medications?

Psychologists are not trained or licensed to prescribe medications. However, we often work with your other healthcare providers (e.g. family physician or psychiatrist) who are prescribing and managing your medications. 

Can assessments be used for custody & access and/or legal purposes?

Assessments are completed for the purposes of educational and vocational planning only and are not intended for use or interpretation outside of this frame of reference. Therefore, we do not complete assessments for medical or legal purposes (i.e., forensic, worker's compensation, motor vehicle accidents, parenting capacity, custody and access cases).

How does Reading Remediation work?

We offer a scientifically-based program that teaches students the foundational literacy skills required to be a strong reader. Reading remediation works by exercising the brain circuits that are most important for reading. Brain-imaging studies before and after reading intervention programs provide strong evidence for neuroplasticity (or "re-wiring" of the brain) to improve reading speed and accuracy and to enhance reading comprehension.

How is the program delivered?

The individual program is offered in-person or virtually through Jane App (HIPAA, PIPEDA, PHIPA and PIPA compliant).

What is the difference between a Learning Disability and Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a term used widely in many countries and by many educators and clinicians, especially in the United States, to describe a learning disorder that involves a difficulty in reading. In Canada, psychologists and psychological associates diagnose Learning Disabilities - specifically a 'Learning Disability in Reading' - rather than use the term Dyslexia. 

How does the Literacy for Life (Reading Remediation) program differ from tutoring?

Our program is individually tailored to the unique learning needs of each student. It is an intensive reading remediation program rooted in brain science and research. Each lesson is provided by a registered psychological associate or a trained interventionist who will employ a structured literacy approach consistent with the science of reading. While tutoring can be an effective teaching method for many students, it may be less effective for students with more severe Learning Disabilities who often require more targeted and intense intervention.

By what grade should a child be a strong reader?

By the end of Grade 2, reading should be solid to avoid academic frustrations and challenges. In Grades 1 and 2, students are learning to read and by Grade 3, students are reading to learn – this distinction is important! By Grade 4, reading is expected to be solid. That means students are expected to learn many things independently by reading on their own. Students who struggle to read in Grade 3 are going to fall behind quickly. Strong reading skills are the foundation for life-long learning.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a computer-assisted, non-invasive method designed to enhance brain flexibility, stability, and functionality. Sensors in an armband controller measure brainwaves through the skin. A computer analyzes these brainwaves in real time, allowing you to control cognitive exercises using your mind alone. Over time, this process helps the brain learn to stay focused naturally, thereby reducing brain-based symptoms.

What ages can benefit from Level Up?

Level Up can help adults of any age and children as young as five.

How many sessions are usually needed?

The number of sessions varies, but most clients benefit from 10 to 20 sessions, depending on their individual progress and goals. We continuously assess progress and needs and adjust the plan accordingly, with regular participation being key to achieving the best results.

Can I participate in Level Up  if I'm taking medication?

Yes! It’s important to continue taking any medications recommended by your physician. 

Can I do Level Up if I'm also participating in therapy?

Yes! Level Up can complement psychotherapy but is not a replacement for it. As neurofeedback helps the brain function better, emotional and behavioural issues can become easier to resolve with psychotherapy.

Should I participate in Level Up if I am already participating in ADHD Coaching?

Level Up integrates several aspects of ADHD coaching, providing a comprehensive approach to improving executive functioning. As such, we recommend focusing on one program to maximize benefits and achieve more consistent results. 

What additional activities does Level Up include beyond neurofeedback?

Level Up integrates balance and physical movements to boost brain function. These exercises engage your senses, making it easier for your brain to stay focused and think clearly.  Level Up also incorporates mindfulness practices to help you pay attention and feel calm, improving both your thinking skills and emotional health.

How do I know if this will work?

Every person is unique, but the Level Up program is designed to improve focus, self-regulation, and executive functioning. Based on the information provided in the intake questionnaire, we tailor the program to your needs. During the sessions, we monitor progress and adjust the approach as needed. 

Can parents participate in sessions?

The program is designed for one-on-one interaction. However, for children under 12, parents are encouraged to attend the first session to observe the program and be involved in treatment planning. For subsequent sessions, we encourage children to attend independently, as this allows them to explore strategies and discuss things in a safe, supportive space.

Is the office wheelchair accessible?

Given the historical age of our building, the front door, hallways and washroom are not wide enough to accomodate wheelchair access. Please contact our office if you require special accommodations. 

Can I drop-in?

We are available by appointment only and do not accept drop-ins. Please contact our office we’ll make every effort to get you an appointment as soon as possible.

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