Q. What is a registered psychologist?
A registered Psychologist is licensed to practice by their provincial college, the College of Psychologists of Ontario. They have completed a Master’s or doctoral degree in clinical psychology, as well as a post-doctoral year of supervised practice and registration examinations. They are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders as well as help people with more everyday issues.
Q. What is the difference between a Psychologist, Psychological Associate, Registered Psychotherapist, and a Psychiatrist?
A Psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who has specialized in the area of psychiatry. In general, they use a medical model to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health problems and have the ability to prescribe medication.
A Psychologist and a Psychological Associate are licensed to provide psychological services (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment) through the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Psychologists have completed a Ph.D. or Psy.D. (doctoral) in clinical psychology and completed a year-long internship before beginning their registration process with the College. Psychological Associates have a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and go through the same supervised practice and registration process as Psychologists.
There is a new regulatory body called the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. It was formed to protect the public from counsellors or coaches from various disciplines that provide services without being regulated by a governing body. The College of Psychotherapists of Ontario ensures that Registered Psychotherapists have sufficient training and are licensed to provide the “controlled act” of psychotherapy in Ontario. They usually have a Master’s degree in psychology. This designation assures you that they must follow the code of ethics, standards and regulations set out by their college and the Psychotherapy Act, similar to the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Most extended health care insurance plans have some coverage for you to see Psychologists and Psychological Associates. Some insurance companies are now covering Registered Psychotherapists. Check with your health insurance provider for your details.
Q. What types of patients do you see?
I am accepting new individual adult patients, age 21+. I do not work with families, couples, adolescents, or children.
Do you perform psychological assessments for diagnosis or to assist with obtaining benefits?
While I do assess my patients actively involved in treatment and occasionally discuss a diagnosis with them, the primary function of my practice is to provide psychological treatment and it does not involve conducting psychological assessments for the sole purpose of diagnosis or to obtain benefits. I do not prepare formal psychological assessments intended to be used by third parties.
Q. Will you do work on my injury or disability LEGAL case?
My work focuses on psychological treatment.
It is my mission to help people recover from mental health difficulties and get on the road to health and well-being. I do not take clients on who are engaged in legal disputes regarding injury or disability compensation. I find that after legal cases are settled clients are better able to engage in the process of getting better. I would be happy to consider you as a client after your legal case has concluded.
If needed, I can respond to requests for information from your employer, insurer, or attorney. I provide treatment for psychological issues that cause emotional distress and problems with behaviour. My goal is to help people improve their thinking and behaviour get on the road to health and well-being.
Q. Can I get a note for my short or long-term disability insurer?
If appropriate, I can write a brief note and complete forms regarding short-term and long-term disability. To do this, I need to have known you long enough to assess issues regarding disability and prognosis. My work focuses on treatment, and I no longer do formal psychological evaluations or assessment. Please feel free to discuss this with me. I can send a brief letter regarding your therapy to your family doctor.
Q. What is psychotherapy, and what are the different types of therapy?
Psychotherapy with a Registered Psychologist is best described as ‘talk therapy.’ It involves open communication between therapist and client, focused on the client’s goals. Through psychotherapy sessions, one can come to:
✓ understand oneself better
✓ reduce symptoms of distress
✓ learn healthy ways of coping
✓ improve communication in relationships
Psychotherapy is a proven alternative or adjunct to medication treatment for anxiety and depression.
Q. What is your fee?
My fee is $225 per 50-minute session. This falls within the guidelines set by the Ontario Psychological Association.
Fees for psychological services are not covered by OHIP but may be reimbursable through your own or your spouse’s Extended Health Care Plans. Ask your insurance company about your coverage for psychological services.
In some instances, psychological services can be claimed as a tax-deductible medical expense on your personal income tax.
Payment
Payment for each session is due at the time of the session and can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, or MasterCard. If you pay by Visa or MasterCard, your card will be billed and you will be emailed a receipt soon after your appointment, typically the day of your appointment. If you pay by cash or cheque, you will receive a receipt at that time.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or change an appointment, you may contact me by email at dr.greg.sweitzer@gmail.com, or voice mail or text at (705) 308-6305.
I require at least 48 hours notice for appointment cancellation. My policy is to charge full regular fees for missed appointments and cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice.
Do you offer a free consultation?
I offer a brief phone consultation to discuss your situation and answer any questions you may have. There is no charge for this.
If this interests you, we can arrange a phone call. We do need to speak before a first appointment can be arranged.
Q. Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral from your family doctor to book an appointment with me.
In some cases, your extended health insurance plan may require a referral from your family doctor, but many do not. It may be wise to check first.
I do like to connect with your family doctor. At your first appointment, I may ask if you would like for me to send a basic letter to them outlining your contact with us. If you choose to give consent, I will contact them.
Q. Can I get coverage for treatment?
You may have coverage for Psychologists through your extended medical plan or your spouse’s plan.
If you are a veteran, a member of the armed forces, or a First Nations person, you have coverage for psychological treatment. Also, if you have been in a car accident or have been injured at work, you may have access to treatment at no cost. If you have been a victim of crime, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board will often pay for your psychological treatment.
At the end of each session, you are expected to pay by credit card, debit, cheque, or cash for your session. You will be provided with a receipt you can submit to your insurance company or other provider, who may reimburse you for your payment. I will be happy to help with information on this process.
Q. What should I expect from my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a consultation session to determine if we are a good fit and if I can offer psychological treatment to you. During this consultation appointment, I will be asking you for your personal and health history, current problems, stressors, and supports. We will work to develop a recommended course of action and I may make recommendations to you.
Sometimes, it takes a second session and more information to complete a recommended plan of treatment. We will discuss this during your first appointment.
If you wish, I will wear a mask during our meetings. If you make this request prior to us meeting, I can greet you at the door while wearing a mask.
Q. What should I bring to my first appointment?
It will be helpful if you bring a list of your current medications to your first appointment.
You will be sent a document, “Consent for Psychological Services”, that outlines some of the considerations of receiving psychological services including:
- Confidentiality and limits of confidentiality.
- Benefits and risks of psychological services.
- Privacy, Record Keeping, and Electronic Communication.
- Fees and payment.
- Cancellation policy.
It is recommended that you read this prior to your first appointment. When we meet, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers about these matters. If you decide to enter into treatment or assessment, you will be asked to sign this form.
Q. How long is an appointment?
A typical session is 50 minutes.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
A telephone call to discuss what you are looking for is the first step in finding the change, answer, or assistance you are looking for. You can call me at 705-308-6305 or send an email (include your telephone number) to dr.greg.sweitzer@gmail.com.
Q. What if I need to cancel my appointment?
When patients begin services with me, they are emailed a link to the patient portal. This allows you to make and cancel your appointments online. This is the preferred method of managing appointments as I do not have an administrative assistant. You can also email me at dr.greg.sweitzer@gmail.com, or voice mail or text me at (705) 308-6305.
I require at least 48 hours notice for appointment cancellation. My policy is to charge full regular fees for missed appointments and cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice.
Q. What is confidential and what is not?
Psychological services are confidential by law. Generally, you must provide written consent to discuss or release any information to another individual or external agency. However, there are limits to confidentiality, as follows:
• To determine or verify your eligibility to receive health care or related goods, services or benefits.
• If you pose an imminent risk to yourself or another person, including driving while intoxicated.
• If you disclose that a child is being abused or is at risk of harm.
• If you disclose that you were abused by a regulated health care professional.
• If your file is subpoenaed by a court or you are involved in a current or future legal case or disability claim.
• If a release is required in a proceeding of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
• If a release is required under the Long Term Care Homes Act and The Retirement Homes Act.
If in doubt about disclosing, please feel free to discuss these conditions with me, and I can provide you with guidelines or hypothetical examples.
You should also be aware that The College of Psychologists of Ontario may audit clinical records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards of the profession.
Ontario law allows me to disclose your personal health information to other health care providers within your “Circle of Care” for the purpose of coordinating your health care. This may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, clinical clerks, and employees assigned to your health care. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
Ontario law allows me to disclose personal health information about an injured worker to The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) without the individual’s express consent. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
Ontario law allows me to disclose personal health information for the purpose of determining or verifying eligibility for publicly funded health care or related goods, services or benefits. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
If an insurance company is seeking billing verification, I will only release information related to the participant’s name, treatment date, length of session, and fees paid.
Q. Can I call you if I am in crisis or suicidal?
I am not a crisis or emergency service, and it may take too long for an urgent message to get through to me.
If you are suicidal, you need to call 911 or proceed to your local emergency department. Hospitals have mental health crisis teams working out of their emergency departments and are best equipped to help you.
Ross Memorial Hospital is located at 10 Angeline Street N, Lindsay, Ontario. Their phone number is 705-324-6111 or toll-free 1-800-510-7365.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service maintains a hotline at 833-456-4566.
Q. What are suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are warning signs that you need to get to mental health care. They may be fleeting thoughts about wanting to escape or end a situation or despair you are feeling. It may also be a preoccupation with your death, or it may be thoughts that include planning and carrying out a suicide, which is more dangerous.
If you are having any of these types of thoughts, you need to get help.
If the thoughts are strong and urging you to do something harmful, you need to call 911, a local distress centre, or go to your local emergency department.
Ross Memorial Hospital is located at 10 Angeline Street N, Lindsay, Ontario. Their phone number is 705-324-6111 or toll-free 1-800-510-7365.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service maintains a hotline at 833-456-4566.
Q. Do you prescribe medications?
Psychologists in Ontario do not have prescription privileges. Therefore, I am not able to prescribe medication. Your family doctor or a psychiatrist can prescribe medications for you, and I may recommend a medication review with your family doctor.
Q. How long does therapy last?
My services can be as brief as a single session consultation, or they can last for several sessions or even years, depending on the issues involved and how responsive they are to therapy. Many people find they benefit from long-term therapy, while others prefer shorter treatments.
Some people seek help for a specific problem area. In this case, it may only be a few sessions that will get you to your goal, depending on the severity or complexity. Complex or severe difficulties may take longer.
I may make recommendations to you such as reviewing medication with your doctor, engaging in regular physical exercise, adding additional structure to your day, changing your sleep habits, taking an online course for depression or anxiety, or expanding your support network. These recommendations will be tailored to your specific needs.
I will work within what your budget allows, and you can space your appointments out as needed.
Emotional difficulties often affect behavior, including economic decisions and spending habits. For this reason, mental health treatment may be money well spent.
What are your Confidentiality and Privacy policies?
Confidentiality and Privacy Principles at Sweitzer Psychology
CONFIDENTIALITY
All psychologists are bound by principles of strict confidentiality. What you discuss with me during your assessment or treatment is confidential and may not be released to anyone else without your implied or express consent. I may send a consultation note to your referring physician or healthcare provider on the assumption that your consent is implied regarding my communication with other health care providers who are involved with your care. When you require information to be disclosed to someone who is not a health information custodian under the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA,) such as an employer, I will then specifically ask for your express consent to do this, usually in writing.
Ontario law, however, obliges a psychologist to break confidentiality and act without the consent of a patient in the following situations:
* If you are assessed to be in immediate danger of harming yourself, then I am required to take action that will protect your life. This may involve notifying family members, a family physician, or a justice of the peace.
* If during the course of your assessment or treatment, you are assessed to be at risk for seriously injuring another person, then I am required to alert the intended victim and to notify the police.
* If you report past or ongoing sexual abuse by any regulated health professional (e.g. another psychologist, physician, nurse, dentist, chiropractor,) I am required to report this to the appropriate College. In such cases, the College will request that the patient’s name be disclosed, but it is not mandatory that your name be given.
* If there is reason to believe that you are abusing a child, then I am required to notify the Children’s Aid Society (CAS.)
* If the Court subpoenas your psychological records, then I am required to provide them to the Court.
* In an effort to assure the quality of services offered, the CPBAO randomly selects psychologists for assessment or review. This process may include a review of your file. The College assessors are registered providers and are therefore bound by College standards for confidentiality. Unless you inform me otherwise, I will assume that I have your implied consent to release your file to their review.
If you are unclear about any of these exceptions, please contact me, and I would be happy to clarify them for you.
PRIVACY
As a member of the College of Psychologists and Behavior Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO), I am required to:
- Practice according to the regulations, standards and professional guidelines of the CPBAO and the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.
- Practice according to the laws governing health professionals in Ontario.
- Continually update my knowledge, skills, and competency.
I am also required to practice according to the rules set out in the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) regarding the collection, usage, and sharing of your personal health information. All your personal information, whether in hard copy or electronic format, is private and is protected by encryption and kept in locked filing cabinets. Files may, at times, be transported between my Carling Avenue office and my home office (for report preparation, for instance,) but I take all possible precautions to maintain the privacy of your personal information. I collect and record only information which I believe to be essential to your proper care. Please feel free to ask me to address any concerns you might have about the information you are asked to disclose and how that information is protected. For a description of limitations to the privacy of your personal health information, please read the section above entitled confidentiality.
I generally maintain files for a period of 10 years after having completed treatment with a patient. For further information regarding your rights and my responsibilities under PHIPA, please consult me or contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. You may also obtain further information regarding standards for professional practice on the website for the College of Psychologists and Behavior Analysts of Ontario.
May I see a copy of your psychological consent form?
For me to provide psychological assessment or treatment, Ontario law requires that I obtain your informed consent about the proposed services. This means that we will have a discussion about the nature of the proposed services you are consenting to, your rights as an Ontario psychology patient, and the limits of confidentiality. Below is the text of my consent forms – for both in-person services and telepsycholgy (phone and video) services. Your payment may vary, depending upon your agreed-upon situation:
CONSENT TO PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES – IN-PERSON SERVICES
Confidentiality and Limits of Confidentiality
Psychological services are confidential by law. Generally, you must provide written consent to discuss or release any information to another individual or external agency. However, there are limits to confidentiality, as follows:
* To determine or verify your eligibility to receive health care or related goods, services or benefits.
* If you pose an imminent risk to yourself or another person, including driving while intoxicated.
* If you disclose that a child is being abused or is at risk of harm.
* If you disclose that you were abused by a regulated health care professional.
* If your file is subpoenaed by a court or you are involved in a current or future legal case or disability claim.
* If a release is required in a proceeding of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
* If a release is required under the Long-Term Care Homes Act and The Retirement Homes Act.
* The College of Psychologists and Behavior Analysts of Ontario may audit clinical records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards of the profession.
* Ontario law allows me to disclose your personal health information to other health care providers within your Circle of Care for the purpose of coordinating your health care. This may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, clinical clerks, and employees assigned to your health care. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
* Ontario law allows me to disclose personal health information about an injured worker to The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) without the individual s express consent. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
* Ontario law allows me to disclose personal health information for the purpose of determining or verifying eligibility for publicly funded health care or related goods, services or benefits. Further information from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario can be found at: https://www.ipc.on.ca/
* If an insurance company is seeking billing verification, I will only release information related to the participant s name, treatment date, length of session, and fees paid.
If in doubt about disclosing, please feel free to discuss these conditions with me, and I can provide you with guidelines or hypothetical examples.
Exclusions
It is my mission to help people recover from mental health difficulties and get on the road to health and well-being. I do not take on clients who anticipate or are engaged in legal disputes regarding injury or disability compensation. I find that after legal cases are settled, clients are better able to engage in the process of getting better, and I would be happy to take you as a client then.
Benefits and Risks of Psychological Services
Psychological therapy can occasionally elicit difficult or distressing emotions or changes that can impact relationships. Conversely, psychological therapy can help individuals find relief and new ways of coping and problem-solving and to experience positive and lasting personal changes.
Privacy, Record Keeping, and Electronic Communication
The storage, retention, and destruction of your personal information comply with existing legislation, privacy protection protocols, and standards of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Your electronic file will be stored in a secured location and kept for at least 10 years after your last date of contact. Electronic communication cannot be guaranteed to be secure, and there are inherent risks in transmitting personal information via the web, texts, or e-mails. Please be aware of the risk of sending personal information through e-mails or texts to Dr. Sweitzer. Please limit your e-mails to scheduling or canceling appointments. I use secure practice management software that allows the scheduling of appointments and automatic appointment reminders through texts and e-mails. It also allows me to e-mail you with invoices and receipts of services. Occasionally, I may provide Teletherapy via a secure, confidential Internet service – if interested, please discuss this with Dr. Sweitzer.
Fees
My fees for psychological services fall within the guidelines set forth by the Ontario Psychological Association. Fees for psychological services are not covered by OHIP but may be reimbursable through your own or your spouse s Extended Health Care Plans. Coverage varies, and some insurance companies require a physician s referral. Fees may also be reimbursable through your own or your spouse s Extended Health Care plans, or they may be covered by some third-party payers such as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Auto Insurance Companies, Veterans Affairs, Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations, or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. It is advisable that you contact your insurance company to ask questions about your coverage for psychological services.
Additional services such as completing reports and forms, or telephone consultations may be billed at the hourly rate. This can be discussed with me if required. The responsibility of payment for all invoices remains with the client, independent of any third-party coverage. You are responsible for inquiring about and managing your coverage. I will provide reasonable assistance required to facilitate your reimbursement of all legitimate costs through third-party coverage.
Payment
Payment for each session is due at the end of the appointment. The method of payment is Cash, Cheque, Visa, and MasterCard. As part of the intake process, you will be asked to complete an Authorized Payment Form with credit card information, and you will be charged for missed appointments without 48 hours notice. Your completion of this form authorizes me to process payment via secure software for services rendered. There will be an additional charge of $50.00 for NSF cheques. Upon receipt of payment, you will be provided with a printed or e-mail receipt, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have extended health care coverage. Please note that failure to pay for two consecutive therapy sessions will result in a suspension of therapy until your account is settled.
Cancellation Policy
I require at least 48 hours of notice for the cancellation of an appointment. My policy is to charge full regular fees for missed appointments and cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice. If you need to cancel or change an appointment, you may leave a message by email at dr.greg.sweitzer@gmail.com, or voice mail or text at (705) 308-6305.
I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information contained in this document. I understand that I can ask questions about any of these topics at any time, and I voluntarily agree to participate in psychological therapy. I understand that the fee per 50-minute session is $225.00. This fee for psychological services falls with the guidelines set out by the Ontario Psychological Association.
Name of Client(s):
____________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Client
____________________________________________________________________________
Date:
____________________________________________________________________________
CONSENT TO TELEPSYCHOLOGY (PHONE AND VIDEO) SERVICES
Definition of Services
Telepsychology services (also known as teletherapy) is a type of psychological service provided via secure internet technology. It can also occur by telephone. Telepsychology services has the same purpose or intention as psychotherapy or psychological treatment sessions conducted face-to-face at Dr. Sweitzer’s office. However, due to the nature of the technology used, telepsychology services may be experienced somewhat differently than face-to-face treatment sessions. Telepsychology involves arranging an appointment time with the client at their computer and the psychologist interfacing from their computer via the internet.
Client Requirements
You, the client, need to be a resident of Ontario. Most telepsychology sessions need to be conducted while you are in Ontario. If you are vacationing or visiting outside of Ontario, you can use telepsychology services to have 2-3 sessions, but no more. For example, if you winter in Florida but see your therapist at other times of the year, you can have sessions during your stay in Florida.
Please be aware that I may request that you attend 1-2 sessions in person prior to proceeding with telepsychology sessions.
Clients who are actively at risk of harm to themselves or others are not suitable for telepsychology services. If this is the case or becomes the case in the future, speak to me, and more appropriate services will be provided or recommended.
Technology Requirements
You will need a computer with internet access and webcam ability. You will also need access to a telephone in the same room.
My Telepsychology Service Provider
I use Jane practice management software for video teleconferencing, which contains integrated video capabilities. This software is compliant with Ontario regulations for protected health information. If you wish, please feel free to ask questions.
Risks and Rights in using Telepsychology
You have the right to withdraw consent for Technology Services at any time. It will not affect your right to further treatment.
I have the right, at any time, to determine if telepsychology sessions are not appropriate for your evaluation and treatment. Should this be determined, I will continue with face-to-face services or provide referral information to other services if that is your wish.
The laws and professional standards that apply to regular psychological services apply to telepsychology services. See www.cpbao.on.ca for further information.
There are exceptions to client confidentiality policies that exist for regular therapy; these also apply to telepsychology services. If you need more information on such exceptions, please consult the Consent to Psychological Services form you were provided prior to beginning therapy, or you are welcome to speak with me directly.
Potential Risks of Telepsychology
For video, despite best efforts to ensure high encryption and secure technology, there is always a risk that the transmission be breached and accessed by unauthorized persons. Conversations by telephone of any kind are also potentially vulnerable to these security concerns.
There is a risk that services could be disrupted or distorted by unforeseen technical problems.
There is a risk of being overheard by anyone near you if you do not place yourself in a private room. You, the client, are responsible for creating a comfortable, safe environment on your end of the transmission. It is the responsibility of the psychological treatment provider to do the same on their end.
You should confirm with your insurance company that the video or telephone sessions will be reimbursed; if they are not reimbursed, you are responsible for full payment.
Due to the nature of the interaction, there may be quality differences that are experienced when compared to face-to-face services. Let me know if you find the quality of telepsychology services insufficient for your needs.
I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information contained in this document. I understand that I can ask questions about any of these topics at any time, and I voluntarily agree to participate in telepsychology services.
Date: ________________________________________________________________
Your Signature: ________________________________________________________
Print Name: ___________________________________________________________
Psychological Treatment Provider: Gregory Sweitzer, Psy.D., C.Psych.