Terms of Service

Professional Qualifications

• Licensed mental health counselor in Ontario, Canada
• Adherence to College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) standards
• Ongoing professional development and continuing education requirements
• Professional liability insurance coverage

Scope of Services

• Individual psychotherapy and counseling
• Couples and relationship counseling
• Treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders
• Sex therapy and intimacy counseling
• Crisis intervention and safety planning

Session Duration & Scheduling

• Individual sessions: 50 minutes
• Couples sessions: 80 minutes
• Sessions typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly
• Appointment times held for 15 minutes past scheduled time

Cancellation Policy

• 24-hour notice required for cancellations or rescheduling
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee
• Emergency situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Repeated late cancellations may result in service termination

No-Show Policy

• No-show appointments will be charged the full session fee
• Payment required before scheduling future appointments
• Multiple no-shows may result in termination of services

Fee Structure

• Individual therapy: $150 per 50-minute session
• Couples therapy: $200 per 80-minute session
• Initial consultation: $175 per 60-minute session
• Fees subject to annual review and adjustment

Insurance & Billing

• Direct billing available for most major insurance providers
• Client responsible for verifying coverage and benefits
• Receipts provided for insurance reimbursement claims
• Client responsible for any uncovered portions or deductibles

Payment Options & Plans

• Payment due at time of service unless other arrangements made
• Accepted payment methods: cash, credit card, e-transfer
• Payment plans available for financial hardship situations
• Sliding scale fees considered on case-by-case basis

Technology Requirements

• Reliable high-speed internet connection required
• Device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
• Secure, private location for sessions
• Updated browser or telehealth app as specified

Platform Usage & Security

• HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms used exclusively
• Sessions are not recorded by the practice
• Client responsible for ensuring privacy on their end
• Technical support available for platform issues

Crisis Intervention Protocol

• Safety planning developed collaboratively with clients at risk
• Emergency contacts identified and documented
• Referral to appropriate emergency services when necessary
• Follow-up contact within 24-48 hours after crisis intervention

Duty to Report

Confidentiality may be breached in the following circumstances as required by law:

• Imminent risk of harm to self or others
• Suspected child abuse or neglect (under 16 years)
• Court-ordered disclosure of records
• Professional misconduct investigations

Active Participation

• Attend sessions regularly and punctually
• Engage honestly and openly in the therapeutic process
• Complete assigned homework or therapeutic exercises
• Communicate concerns or questions about treatment

Safety & Disclosure

• Inform therapist of any safety concerns or suicidal thoughts
• Disclose all relevant medical and mental health history
• Report any changes in medication or health status
• Maintain confidentiality of other clients if in group settings

Professional Boundaries

• Respect professional boundaries and therapeutic relationship
• No gifts or personal favors to therapist
• Communicate only through professional channels
• Respect office policies and staff

Treatment Outcomes

• No guarantee of specific treatment outcomes or results
• Therapy effectiveness depends on client engagement and circumstances
• Some clients may experience temporary increase in distress
• Alternative treatments may be more suitable for some conditions

Professional Liability

• Professional liability insurance maintained as required
• Liability limited to direct damages from professional negligence
• No liability for actions taken by clients outside of sessions
• Client responsible for following safety plans and recommendations

Client-Initiated Termination

• Clients may terminate services at any time
• Advance notice appreciated for proper closure
• Final session recommended to discuss progress and referrals
• Records maintained according to professional standards

Therapist-Initiated Termination

Services may be terminated by the therapist in the following circumstances:

• Client needs exceed therapist's scope of practice
• Repeated violations of session policies or boundaries
• Non-payment of fees or violation of payment agreements
• Threatening or inappropriate behavior toward staff

Complaint Process

• Concerns should first be discussed directly with the therapist
• Formal complaints may be filed with CRPO if unresolved
• Mediation services available through professional associations
• Documentation of complaint process maintained

Legal Jurisdiction

• Agreement governed by laws of Ontario, Canada
• Disputes subject to jurisdiction of Ontario courts
• Professional standards governed by CRPO regulations
• Consumer protection laws apply as applicable