What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist?

If schizophrenia or brain damage is suspected, you may need a diagnosis from a psychiatrist.  If your condition is complicated and requires medication your family doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist. You will need a referral to see a psychiatrist and his fee is generally covered by OHIP. Only a few psychiatrists do psychotherapy.

A psychologist can diagnose, does not prescribe medication and often does psychotherapy.  Psychologists’ fees are significantly higher than most psychotherapists and are not covered by OHIP.

There is a great deal of overlap between psychotherapy and counselling.  They both include counselling for emotional and relational problems, are not covered by OHIP but may be covered through your workplace extended health benefits.

Reta Faye Walker is a certified as a Psychotherapist and Counsellor and is a member of OACCPP, Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists. She is also a psychological associate and supervised by a psychologist.

Are your services covered by OHIP or by my health benefits?

Counselling or Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP. Many Extended Health Plans insures Psychologist or Professional Counselling Services.

Check your benefit booklet and let’s talk about it. Payment for your counselling session is your responsibility. I will provide receipts.

 Why do some people stay in therapy for a long time while others need less time?

When a person has a specific issue or problem or needs help to refocus, therapy can take 6 sessions or less. Others with long standing problems such as childhood traumas, phobias and chronic depression will need more sessions. A few people stay in therapy to facilitate life change, cope with challenging roles or enhance their personal growth.  In this case therapy makes a subtle change to life coaching.

Reta has specialized training as a Life Coach and clients who access this service find that they make better decisions, have a more balanced life, gain a clear focus and have more energy.

What happens in a counselling appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity to meet your counsellor, discuss credentials and confidentiality.  In this first appointment the counsellor asks you questions about your past and present situation and may need you to fill out a questionnaire.  After you  tell your story and identify what you need, the counsellor, with your input, sets goals and outlines how these goals will be met.  Subsequent appointments will focus on meeting your goals and reviewing your progress.

Therapy with Reta may include a psycho-educational component, behavioural training, life skills training, analysis as well as experiential exercises.  Some times clients are asked to complete home or field work to enhance the counselling process.  Counselling appointments, although oriented toward meeting goals, are client focused.  Should the client have a crisis or present difficulty that he/she wants to discuss, this becomes the session focus.

What are your fees and cancellation policy?

Sessions are 50 minutes in length and are $90.00 per session.  This varies with Extended Health Insurance Plans.

When you have to cancel an appointment, Reta requires 24 hours notice.  Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time will be charged at the full fee of the scheduled service.

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