Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a psychologist? +
No. Let It Go does not require a family physician’s referral. However, some extended health carriers do require a physician’s referral before providing reimbursement of fees.
How old does a client have to be to consent to services on their own? +
Clients aged 16 years old and up sign their own consent form for services. Clients 0-15 years old require one (or two as indicated below) parent signatures to proceed with treatment. In the case wherein parents are separated, divorced, or in the process of separation, the clinic requires two separate consent forms signed by each parent consenting for services for their child before the first appointment.
Which psychologist will I see? +
Following a brief telephone intake with our clinic manager, clients are assigned to one of Let It Go’s psychologists for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Assignments are typically based on therapist availability and client characteristics (i.e., age, presenting concerns, etc.). Every effort is made to ensure the best possible psychologist-client fit.
What is the age range seen at Let it Go? +
We offer support to children as young as a few months old, by closely working with the parents in providing them with the appropriate tools for the development of an effective and pleasant parent-child relationship. We work with toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adults. We also work with families of all ages (e.g., an adult parent and an adult daughter), as long as the referral question pertains to offering support to the family dynamics.
Does my child have to come to the first appointment? +
We recommend that if your child is 11 years old or older, that she or he DOES come to the first appointment with a parent (or both parents). If your child is younger than 11 years old, the first session could be quite “boring” or confusing for a young child and may be best if your child does not come and the clinician can cover with you all the important clinic policies, clarifying the limits of confidentiality, obtaining treatment consent, and clearly explaining what CBT is in more detail.
How long is a therapy session? +
Sessions are 50 minutes long. The first session often takes the full hour because there is a lot to cover, and we want to make sure you leave the session with a clear idea of whether treatment is needed, what are the specific treatment goals, the approximate frequency and length of your, your child’s, or family’s treatment, and that you understand what CBT can offer to you.
How long will treatment last? +
CBT is a short-term treatment approach. The number of sessions required will vary depending on the nature and complexity of the presenting symptoms. Some clients experience substantial gains very rapidly (4-6 sessions) while others require longer treatments (12-16 or more sessions) in order to achieve their treatment goals. The psychologist will discuss with clients the recommended number of sessions prior to commencing treatment.
What is CBT? +
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT is one of the most popular supported evidenced-based treatment options for anxiety, depression, and a variety of other common challenges that people of all ages face. “Evidenced-based” means is that is has been demonstrated to work with many different types of people who have many different types of problems. We don’t just think it works, we know it works. In CBT, your psychologist will teach you and your children new skills that you can use for the rest of your life to help you manage strong feelings like sadness, fear, and worry.
How does CBT Work? +
The “C” on CBT comes from “Cognitions” or thoughts and the “B” is for “behaviours” or actions. CBT is based on the understanding that the way you think about a situation influences how you react to it (i.e., how you behave and feel when it happens). The psychologist will show you how situations are not inherently stressful, and that you have the power to learn how to change how you react to situations. Situations can become less upsetting, stressful, or anxiety-provoking for you.
What are the clinic’s policies for Late Cancellations or no shows to an appointment? +
We require 24 hours notice for a session cancellation to be processed during Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Full session fees are charged for missed appointments without at least 24 hours notice. Cancellation messages left on the clinic voicemail while the clinic is closed cannot be processed, so please call during operating hours to avoid paying for a Late Cancellation. An invoice will be sent to the email address on file for late cancellations and missed appointments.
How do I find out whether my insurance covers Let It Go’s services? +
You will need to contact your individual insurance provider regarding policies and coverage. Our services are covered by most extended insurance plans. However, we do not bill straight to the insurance companies and it is the clients' responsibility to contact their respective insurance providers to verify how their plan compensates for services before making an appointment.
Does Let It Go conduct assessments for custody and access? +
No, we do not perform custody and access or parenting capacity assessments. Although we offer support through difficult times of families undergoing a divorce, we request a divorce agreement and that the caregivers involved in the child’s treatment agree on the treatment plan and the steps to be taken. For more information on custody and access assessment visit https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/guides/Parenting_Affidavit_Self-Help_Guide-EN.html