These are common questions about our psychology practice. For questions about children, please see Dr. Sabbagh’s Q & As.

Do I need a referral?

A referral is not necessary. You may contact us directly by phone or email to make inquiries regarding the type of service you are seeking.

How do I make my first appointment?

You will have a brief discussion about your concerns with one of our therapists on the phone. If it seems like we can help a first appointment will be scheduled for you. Click here to contact us.

Are your services covered?

Fees for psychological services are NOT covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, many private extended health insurance plans provide coverage for the services of a licensed Psychologist. Additionally, many employees have insurance coverage for Psycologist’s fees as part of their employee extended health care plans.

Fees are normally tax deductible. Please check with your accountant or tax service.


What are the methods of payment for your services?

Fees are payable by credit card, cash or cheque. Credit card is the default payment. Invoices are e-mailed within 5 business days of your session.

Clinically related telephone calls, video-calls and letters outside of treatment sessions that require more than 10 minutes will be billed at a prorated hourly rate.

Interest of 2% per month will be charged on overdue accounts. Non-payment of any substantially overdue account will result in interruption in treatment until the account is paid in full.

The above policy also applies to payment for accounts covered by third party insurance plans. It is expected that clients pay directly for each session and receipts will be issued for reimbursement by your insurance plan.

What is your cancellation policy?

Missed appointments and late cancellations will be billed unless notification is received at least 48 hours (2 business days) prior to the scheduled appointment time. Please be aware that insurance companies usually do not cover cancellation charges.

How much does an assessment cost?

The fee for an assessment can vary considerably depending upon the nature of the problem and the referral questions.

Assessments typically include extensive interviews, test administration, scoring of tests, coding and interpretation of assessment material, and possible collateral interviews. Depending upon the types of psychological tests administered, there may be a charge for test material.

The fee for a written report, if requested, will also vary depending upon the nature of the assessment and the type of report required.


How quickly can I see a therapist?

Normally we can provide an initial consultation within 1-2 weeks of having been contacted.

How flexible are appointment hours?

We offer day, evening, and Saturday appointments.

How long is each session?

Psychotherapy sessions, for both adults and children, are typically between 45-50 minutes in duration. Psychotherapy normally involves regular sessions. The frequency of appointments may vary depending upon your own, or your child’s difficulties.

Assessment sessions may vary in length depending on the nature of the assessment.


Are the sessions confidential?

Information you share with your therapist will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent. With children, the degree of confidentiality may vary depending upon their age and the nature of their difficulties. Some limits to confidentiality may apply in life threatening situations or in situations in which children may be at risk.

Are there additional fees for telephone contact?

Brief telephone contacts are not billed. However, should the call be a scheduled contact and/or extend beyond 10 minutes, being of an information-exchanging or problem-solving nature, a charge will apply proportional to the time spent.

The same policy will apply to calls made on behalf of the client to other professionals, schools, lawyers, etc.

How is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist?

Psychologists are regulated health professionals who undergo extensive training and supervision in the understanding and psychotherapeutic treatment of human behavior and emotions. Psychologists can provide extensive assessments that serve to inform the course of treatment.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental illness and are trained to prescribe medication. Some may also provide psychotherapy.