How will I know if Sparrow Psychology is right for me?

It is very normal for it to take a few tries before you find the right therapist. If you’re not quite sure whether I’m the right therapist for you, you can contact me by phone or e-mail and request a free 15-minute phone consultation. We will have a brief chat about what kind of support you are looking for, and try to see if we might be a good fit for each other. There is no obligation to book a session after the consultation. If you decide that you would like to proceed with Sparrow Psychology, I will send along an intake package for you to complete. Or, if we are not quite right for each other, I can send you some names of other therapists/practices that might be able to provide you with the services that you want and need. My main concern will always be getting you the care that you need, even if it is not with me.

How do I get started? Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to start therapy, though referrals from other healthcare providers are welcome.

If you are ready to begin therapy right away, I invite you to call or send an e-mail and request an intake package. I will send you a consent form to review, and get you booked in for your first session. If I do not have any current availabilities, I can place your name onto a wait list and contact you as soon as a spot opens up.

Will you prescribe medications?

No, psychologists do not prescribe medications. I can provide general education about medications that are commonly used to treat things like anxiety, depression, and OCD, but specific questions about medications are better to be directed to your family doctor or psychiatrist.

What are the session fees and cancellation policy? How can I pay?

Services provided by psychologists in private practice are not covered by OHIP. Many school and employee extended health benefits do cover some portion of the cost. The amount of coverage can vary widely, so be sure to check with your own insurance plan to see how much coverage you may have. You will want to look for what coverage your plan offers for sessions with a psychologist, which may be different than the coverage offered for other mental health care providers, such a psychotherapists or social workers.

Session fees are $250 per 50-minute session. This can be paid by credit card or e-transfer. Clients are required to provide 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment, otherwise the full cost of the session will be charged. Insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of “no-show” sessions.

Do you offer in person/virtual/phone sessions?

Yes! You cannot match the convenience of virtual/phone sessions. You also cannot match the richness of live, face-to-face communication. All of these formats have been found to be effective ways of delivering psychotherapy, so the option that you choose mainly comes down to personal preference and location. You are welcome to attend sessions in person, by phone, or virtually via Jane, which is a secure video conferencing platform that is compliant with all relevant privacy legislation for psychologists. Virtual and phone appointments are available to adults anywhere in Ontario. If you wish to attend in person, the office is located at 690 Dorval Drive, Suite 200, in Oakville, Ontario. There is plenty of free parking available on site and the building is easily accessible from Highway 403 if you are coming from anywhere in the GTA.

What are your hours?

Monday-Friday

9am-3pm

I have a loved one who is struggling. Can you help me to find ways of helping them?

It can be so difficult to see a loved one going through a hard time. You might find yourself feeling both helpless and somewhat responsible for solving the problem. It can be especially challenging when they might not be in a place to recognize the problem themselves. In situations like these, I can offer you the care and support that you might need to help you cope with this painful situation. I can also provide helpful resources and education that you might be interested in sharing with them. But, I cannot be their therapist by proxy, or teach you how to be their therapist. If you are seeking therapy because a loved one is experiencing something hard or upsetting, then you are my client, and your wellbeing will be my primary focus.

How do you protect my privacy?

Your privacy is of the utmost importance. Click here to see Sparrow Psychology’s privacy policy.