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Whether you are seeking information about my services, eligibility criteria, or the support I offer, you are in the right place.
Below is a compiled list of answers to common questions to help guide you through your journey. If you don't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact me.

FAQs
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What are your Fees & Cancellation Policy?Fees: Updated fees are listed on the Owl Practice portal. Fees are subject to change with industry standards. Fees apply whether the session is in-person, virtual or by phone and required on the day of the session otherwise subject to a late payment fee. A therapeutic telephone session is the regular fee regardless of the length of the call. Please use SparrowRecovery@outlook.com which is set up for direct deposit when transferring funds. If your preference is to pay by credit card or bank card, please inform me so that I may process the payment. There will be an additional % added to the transaction when paying by credit card. If payment has not been received on the date of service, the full payment shall be applied to your card on file. You may be charged a nominal fee + any additional administration fees. You will be asked to provide your credit card or bank card at the point of booking. Cancellation Policy: Notice will be provided via written letter, email, or through the portal. You are required to provide 48 hours (2 days) notice to cancel or shift an appointment. If 48 hours is not provided, the full fee is specifically applied to non-attended appointments, and to be discussed with late cancellations, and late rescheduling which is expected on the original date of service. At times I am asked to provide letters or documentation. There is a base fee of $320.00 allocating 2hrs to complete the note plus additional time if required.
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Which insurance companies provide therapy coverage?SunLife, Canada Life (once Great West Life), Manulife, Green Shield Canada, Blue Cross Canada and other insurance companies have been known to provide coverage for clinical social work.
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What type of payment do you accept?Payment is preferred before your appointment, but I also accept payments within 24 hours after the session. I accept various methods, including eTransfer, debit card, credit card, and cash. Please use SparrowRecovery@outlook.com which is set up for direct deposit when eTransferring payment. Direct billing is available through select insurance companies, but please verify the details with your insurance provider before booking a session. Receipts will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes.
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What are your hours?Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 4pm.
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Where are you located?Sparrow Treatment and Recovery 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 300 Burlington, ON L7L 6B2 Canada
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How do I make an appointment?You can send me some information about what you're looking for either through my contact page or email SparrowRecovery@outlook.com , alternately you can also reach me by phone, at 416-564-0082.
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Should I go to the hospital or should I access Fee-For-Service therapy?Private practice offers a flexible structure tailored to your needs. Unlike hospitals and agencies, which impose limits on the number of sessions or have strict timelines, I can see clients on a weekly, biweekly, or even occasional basis. This flexibility allows us to build rapport at your own pace, fostering a therapeutic relationship that adapts to your needs. Over the past 15 to 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals who come and go from my practice. Sometimes, I collaborate with hospitals and family physicians to provide intensive care, and then continue offering ongoing support as needed. While therapy involves a financial transaction, it also represents a deeply personal and sacred relationship between us. It’s a space for genuine connection and support, distinct from any other professional interaction.
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Why should I consult a Social Worker?People consult social workers when they are going through a difficult period in their personal, family and/or work lives. Social workers help identify the source of stress or difficulty, help people to develop coping skills and find effective solutions to their problems. They offer various forms of counselling and therapy, and mediate between conflicts. (Source: Ontario Association of Social Workers)
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Do I need a referral to see a Social Worker, Psychotherapist?No, but you may wish to discuss this issue with your doctor and obtain a referral to help you obtain coverage from an extended health plan. Not all plans require a doctor's referral. Check your plan to see if it is necessary.
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What is Therapy?You might be unsure about what therapy is and what it should be. With so many practitioners and treatment approaches available, it can be overwhelming. From my perspective, therapy and treatment boil down to a fundamental interaction: two or more people having an open and meaningful conversation. Success, for me, is simply determined by whether you feel better and supported. At its core, my role is to listen—to truly listen. Share with me what overwhelms you and help me understand why you think the ice is cracking.
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How do I know you are the right Social Worker for me?Connect with me for a free consultation. Social workers provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. Many Social Workers in private practice provide different types of counselling or psychotherapy, while others specialize in areas like grief counselling, couples counselling, childhood trauma or phobias. It helps to see which RSWs work in your community and what services they offer. When individuals start seeing a registered social worker, they don’t always know what exact services they need. A registered social worker will help them assess the situation and from there, will take the individual on as a client, or refer the individual to another professional.
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What is a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Clinician and Therapist?Social workers are known by various titles, including psychotherapist, clinician, and therapist. Our work spans from policy-making to frontline services, such as the shelter system and hospitals, and extends to agencies and private practices where we provide clinical treatment. We are often trained in multiple modalities and excel in navigating complex, nuanced situations. I take great pride in being a social worker, in my community, and in the transformative work we aim to achieve. Social work, like many professions, has different levels of expertise, including college, undergraduate, and master’s levels. Social workers with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) who are registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (note that the College serves the public, not the individual social worker) are qualified to practice psychotherapy and counseling. A common point of confusion is that while social workers may be available through hospitals at no cost, you may need to pay for their services in community settings. You will find us working in hospitals, agencies, and private practices. As you seek out a clinician, it’s crucial to find a good therapeutic fit. In my experience, I’ve found it valuable to remind those frustrated by frequent hospital discharges that investing in therapy and supportive counseling is as important as spending on personal care or leisure activities. Just as we prioritize visits to the dentist or osteopath, engaging in therapy is a form of self-care, guided by professionals who are dedicated to supporting you through life’s challenges.
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What is a Psychiatrist?A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor that can formally diagnose mental health such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder utilizing the diagnostic statistical manual (DSM). Specifically, Psychiatrists can write psychotropic prescriptions, steer you towards medical stabilization. Media tends to display talk therapy delivered by Psychiatrists, however, in respect to therapy, this is not usually the case. It is the exception, not the rule. Some treatment providers love to do the work, yet most support the community by seeing severely mentally ill clients/patients. To note, within a hospital setting, psychiatry is mostly short term. There is a rare percentage of clients/patients that will see psychiatry for a very long time but that is usually because their mental health is quite severe. Given that psychiatry is a medical field it is covered by OHIP.
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What is a Psychologist?In Ontario, psychologists typically hold a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, which involves approximately 6 to 10 years of university study focusing on human thought, emotion, and behavior. Psychologists with doctoral degrees are entitled to use the title 'Dr.' Their fees often range from $200 to $400 per session, reflecting their high level of training and expertise. While many psychologists are trained in specific modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), their training often includes a range of therapeutic approaches. Psychologists are skilled in delivering evidence-based treatments, but they can tailor their approach to fit individual client needs rather than strictly adhering to a set protocol of sessions. The structure of treatment can vary, with some psychologists following a more flexible approach based on the client’s progress and goals.
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Why can't a Social Worker provide a diagnosis in Ontario?A clinical Social Worker cannot provide a diagnosis in the province of Ontario but CAN in other provinces. That is because we are growing as an intellectual cohort. For more information go here: https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/111-frequently-asked-questions
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