General FAQ
Do you offer direct billing?
Exhale Therapy does not offer direct billing to third parties. Once you have paid for your session in full, we will supply you with a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company or employer for reimbursement. The same policy applies for sessions covered under public institutions such as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB).
Please be advised that our services are not covered under OHIP. For more information on OHIP-covered counselling services, please contact your primary care provider and ask about the availability of Family Health Teams.
Do you offer group counselling?
Our group counselling schedule is under construction at this time. We hope to offer more group counselling sessions in the future and encourage you to check back with us soon!
What if I can't afford it?
While we firmly believe that investing in your mental wellness is one of the bravest things that you can do, we recognise that in the presence of financial uncertainty, some folks may struggle to access the support that they so desperately need.
In an effort to provide high quality mental health services to the entire community, our clinicians reserve a fixed number of sliding scale sessions for folks who do not have access to counselling benefits and are experiencing financial hardship. With a limited number of spots available, there may be a wait time for sliding scale services. However, please don’t let that deter you from reaching out! We’re happy to reconnect as soon as a spot opens up.
In addition to offering sliding scale services, Exhale Therapy is proud to offer subsidised support services through our Pay in Kindness program. Click here to learn more about this grassroots initiative.
How long will therapy take?
The length of your therapeutic journey will vary depending on your goals and personal circumstances. After completing an intake and assessment with you, your clinician will be able to offer information and recommendations related to frequency and duration of sessions.
Remember, healing is not linear. While some counselling goals can be addressed using brief interventions, others will require greater time and effort. Wherever you are on your journey, know that healing is possible.
Do you have a waitlist?
Although we make every effort to book clients in at the time of their enquiry, the growing demand for high-quality mental health services may require us to place you on a waiting list. The wait time for each clinician will vary depending on the specialised services they offer.
If you are in crisis and require immediate support, please call 911, visit your local emergency department, or contact HERE 24-7.
Should I take medication?
If you’re curious about the use of medication as it relates to mental health, we recommend contacting a medical doctor in the community.
There are many paths that lead towards mental wellness. Making an informed decision about the use of medication can feel very empowering.
As a team of Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists, Exhale’s clinicians are not able to prescribe medication.
Can you diagnose?
As a team of Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists, Exhale’s clinicians are not able to provide formal assessments or diagnoses.
Only medical doctors and Registered Psychologists can make a diagnosis.
If you are seeking a formal assessment or diagnosis, you may wish to contact your family doctor.
What’s the difference between RP, RSW, and RP(Qualifying)?
The terms “therapist”, “counsellor” and “clinician” are often used interchangeably.
Our team is made up of Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) and Registered Social Workers. All of our clinicians have received specialised training in various therapeutic modalities and are qualified to work with clients in mental health settings.
Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifting) are governed by the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
In order to move from a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) to a Registered Psychotherapist, clinicians must complete a period of clinical supervision and sit a written exam.
Understanding the difference between these two designations is particularly important as it relates to insurance coverage. If you are unsure whether your provider covers one or both of these designations, we strongly recommend contacting them directly as every company is different.
Registered Social Workers are governed by the OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers).
Registered Social Workers will hold either a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) or a Master’s of Social Work (MSW). If you are unsure whether your provider covers one or both of these designations, we strongly recommend contacting them directly as every company is different.
When will I receive reimbursement from my insurance company?
Exhale Therapy will issue session receipts once payment has been made. Please allow two business days for payment to be processed.
Assuming you have private coverage, you can then submit receipts to your provider for reimbursement. Unfortunately, we cannot offer timelines for reimbursement from your insurance provider. You may wish to contact them directly to get a better understanding of their processes.
What can I expect my first session to look like?
In person: upon arriving at our office, you will head up to the main floor and be greeted at the door by a member of our administrative team. Once we’ve checked you in, you’re free to take a seat and sip on a warm beverage (we recommend one of our frothy lattes or a warm tea)!
Virtual: login to your virtual portal using the provided username and password. Then, click on “My Account” followed by “Begin Session”. Sit back and relax: your therapist will arrive shortly.
The first session is all about introductions! You can expect your clinician to thoroughly review the limits of confidentiality; go through our policies and procedures; explain the therapeutic process; and enquire about your needs and goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your therapist any questions and provide feedback about what works well for you.
It’s important to build a strong foundation in therapy which means slow and meaningful introductions that allow your clinician to understand your unique experiences, needs, and goals.
How much does it cost?
50-minute individual sessions with a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying): $170
50-minute couples or family sessions with a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying): $185
Documentation: from $50 per letter
Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit, credit, e-transfer
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
In the event that you need to cancel and reschedule your upcoming appointment, please call our office (226-647-1710) or send an email to info@exhaletherapy.ca. We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to reschedule appointments. Anything less than this and the full session fee will be charged.