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.

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.

I work with individual adult patients, age 21+. I do not work with families, couples, adolescents, or children.

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.

My work focuses on providing psychological treatment for 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.

My practice is focused on psychotherapy. I do not conduct psychological assessments or independent disability evaluations.

I do not provide documentation for the purpose of obtaining leave authorization, disability certification or benefits, workplace or academic accommodation, or to support legal claims unless I have established a sustained therapeutic relationship of at least six months with regular attendance. Requests of this nature should be directed to your health care provider or a provider who conducts formal independent evaluations.

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.

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.

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.

I do not offer free consultations. When you call to enquire about my services, we will briefly discuss your situation and my services prior to your first appointment.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. Confidentiality and limits of confidentiality.
2. Benefits and risks of psychological services.
3. Privacy, Record Keeping, and Electronic Communication.
4. Fees and payment.
5. 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.

A typical session is 50 minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.