Yes. Consultations are a critical part of the therapeutic process. This is an opportunity for you and your therapist to ask questions about each other and determine whether your therapist’s approach is the right fit for your needs. Remember: not all therapists are created equally; you are deserving of the best care.

Your first visit, otherwise known as an “intake”, will help your therapist develop a general understanding of your unique experiences and presenting concerns. Intakes are 90-minute sessions that are structured akin to an informal interview. Here, you will be asked questions about yourself: your mental health; family history; relationship history; personal strengths; support systems; and your goals for treatment. Note: the client always has the choice to disclose as little or as much as they’d like. There are no obligations, nor are there expectations. We always strive to work at a pace that feels organic.

Sometimes you will feel like you are improving, other times progress can feel stalled. Sometimes you may leave a session feeling better, other times you may have unpleasant feelings. This is all a natural part of healing – the process is never, ever linear. Do not hesitate to disclose these feelings to your therapist or ask questions regarding the pace of treatment.

As often as you’d like! Typically, sessions are booked biweekly. However, weekly and monthly appointments are also an option. Moreover, therapy works best when clients commit to spending time in between appointments working on and thinking about what has been discussed in session. You are encouraged to practice and experiment with any skills or tools considered to be a part of your treatment.

No. Currently, Kristen only offers therapy for individuals (adults 18+). Partners and family members may attend sessions with advanced notice and when believed to be beneficial for the client. Kristen does not offer therapy for children or teenagers under 18 years old.

All clients are required to notify Kristen of a cancellation at least 48 hours before the start time of session. In cases of late/same-day cancellations or missed appointments, clients will be charged a fee in the full amount of their session. Clients are responsible for remembering the cancellation policy and signing the client consent form indicates that you are familiar and in agreement with practice policies.

If you are running late, it is important that you contact Kristen ASAP. If a client fails to provide notice of lateness, sessions will be cancelled after 15 minutes at the client’s expense.

Kristen accepts payment via e-transfer and credit card. E-transfers are to be paid at the beginning of session. In all cases, a credit card is required to have on file.

While psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP, consult your benefits plan to confirm coverage for a ‘Registered Psychotherapist’. An e-receipt will be emailed to you after every session which can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Third party billing is unavailable at this time.

For those without benefits for psychotherapy: receipts can still be submitted as a medical expense for partial reimbursement during tax season.

In exceptional cases for clients who have extremely limited incomes and are paying out of pocket, Kristen offers a “sliding scale” or temporary reduced fee arrangement. Please speak with Kristen about any barriers to treatment during your initial consultation.