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A psychologist is a trained professional who helps people navigate challenges in their mental health, behaviour, and emotions. Psychologists work with individuals, families, groups, and even organizations to provide guidance and support. Not all psychologists offer the same services—some focus on in-person therapy, while others work in research or academic fields like social psychology.

In Ontario, psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario to ensure they meet high standards of practice, training, and ethics. Many psychologists are also members of professional organizations, like the Ontario Psychological Association, Canadian Psychological Association, or American Psychological Association, which help keep them connected to the latest knowledge and best practices.

While psychologists in Ontario cannot prescribe medication, they can collaborate with your family doctor or psychiatrist if medication might be helpful for you. With your permission, they can share relevant information to support a more holistic approach to your care.

Psychologists also focus on staying within their area of expertise, which means they’re continually building their knowledge and skills to provide the most effective support for the issues you’re facing.

You can pay for sessions using Visa, MasterCard, or e-transfer. Payment is due at each visit, and I’ll provide an invoice that you can submit to your insurance provider if needed.

In certain situations, seeing multiple family members together can be helpful—such as during a psychological assessment, where gathering perspectives from family members can create a fuller understanding of a person’s experiences. Family therapists may also work with several family members in the same session to improve communication and foster healing within the family unit.

However, when it comes to individual therapy, the therapist builds a unique, trusting relationship with one person. Seeing another family member (like a spouse, sibling, or child) for individual therapy could create conflicts, especially if sensitive or private information arises that could put the therapist “in the middle.” For example, a therapist seeing both spouses might learn that one is considering a separation while the other believes the marriage is strong. In these cases, it’s best for the therapist to remain committed to one individual’s perspective, allowing each person to work through their issues independently.

Professional guidelines discourage therapists from engaging in “dual relationships”—where a therapist has multiple roles with clients in the same family—because it can affect objectivity and trust. By avoiding these situations, therapists help empower clients to address relationship dynamics directly and openly with each other.

Anxiety is a normal, healthy emotion that plays an important role in motivating us to take action. It helps move us from a relaxed state to one where we’re focused, driven, and able to put in our best effort. For example, a little anxiety before a big presentation can push us to prepare thoroughly and do our best. It’s common to feel nervous in situations like speaking in front of a crowd, meeting new people, or stepping out of your comfort zone.

However, anxiety becomes a problem when it feels overwhelming or starts to interfere with daily life. If feelings of nervousness become intense, persistent, or difficult to control, they can hold us back from enjoying life and accomplishing our goals. Understanding anxiety and learning ways to manage it can make a positive difference.

Your first visit, which lasts about an hour, is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you in. We’ll talk about your reasons for seeking help, and I may ask about your history with the issue, as well as any relevant background information. If you’ve previously seen a psychologist or mental health professional, we’ll also discuss your experience there, including what brought you to therapy and the outcome. Additionally, we’ll review any family history related to your concerns to help shape our approach moving forward.

The length of treatment varies for each person and depends on the issue and personal goals. Some concerns can be effectively addressed in just 2-3 sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. For ongoing needs, we might plan follow-up sessions, such as monthly check-ins, to ensure progress and maintain positive changes even after the initial concern has been resolved.

As a scientist-practitioner, I recognize that medication can be valuable in certain situations. If medication might be helpful, I recommend that clients discuss options with their family physician, who often has experience treating conditions like anxiety and depression. In some cases, a referral to a psychiatrist may be necessary, though it can take time as psychiatrists are in high demand. Typically, psychiatrists focus on symptom management through medication, while therapy addresses emotional and behavioral aspects.

Medication has been shown to help with a range of mental health conditions by improving mood, reducing persistent negative thoughts, and managing symptoms of disorders like anxiety and depression. There is sometimes a misconception that people may become “dependent” on medication, but most mental health medications are not addictive. They work similarly to medications for physical health issues, like blood pressure or diabetes, supporting the body in areas where additional help is needed.

Just as lifestyle changes alone may not fully control high blood pressure, some people find the best results for mental health by combining medication with therapy, which focuses on changing thought and behavior patterns. This approach can provide lasting relief and a higher quality of life.

Psychological services in Ontario are generally not covered by OHIP. While some psychologists work in hospitals where services may be accessible through the public healthcare system, most operate on a fee-for-service basis, similar to other health professionals like dentists and physiotherapists. Fees typically range from $225 to $300+ per hour, depending on the provider and location.

Many extended health insurance plans include coverage for psychological services, typically offering $500 to $1,500 per year. For those seeking community resources, outpatient mental health services are also available through facilities like Southlake Regional Health Centre. These services may require a referral from your family doctor and may have a waiting list.