Frequently asked questions
Why choose Meadowbrook Counselling & Healthcare Associates (MCHA)?
Sometimes life deals us deep personal pain and confusion. Often pain comes with a sense of aloneness and a belief that there is no one to talk to and that no one will understand. MCHA can help people deal with their concerns in a safe and confidential atmosphere. Our professionally trained therapists offer understanding and insights in an effort to help clients gain clarity and develop coping strategies.
Our goal is to address the total person irrespective of gender, colour, or faith tradition. This means that our therapists are trained to understand the various aspects of our clients’ emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual strengths. We aim to provide a holistic approach to people’s struggles, combining medical, pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, behavioural and spiritual, perspectives.
Psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists – I’m confused by all these terms. What are the differences and similarities among them?
Psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists all are mental health professionals who provide psychosocial counselling or therapy. What makes them professional is:
- they have graduate degrees from accredited universities,
- they are members in good standing of a professional association,
- they are registered or licensed by a regulatory body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Psychologists of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
- Each therapist is responsible to their own professional governing body’s Code of Ethics.
- Psychotherapists and Counsellors can provide psycho-social assessments and administer various therapeutic counselling modalities. Psychologists can provide psychological testing and make mental health diagnoses. Psychiatrists can make mental health diagnoses, prescribe medications, and order laboratory investigations.
What services does Meadowbrook Counselling & Healthcare offer?
Counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric assessments, medication recommendations, education and support groups, workshops and seminars, consulting and supervision. For more detailed information, please visit our services.
Is there any accountability for your counsellors?
Each MCHA practitioner is accountable to his or her profession’s code of ethics.
What happens if I miss an appointment, or cancel it late?
You must notify the office at least 24 hours before the appointment, or you will be charged for the missed appointment.
Dr. Lo’s missed appointment policy requires 48 hours for notification and 72 hours over the weekend.
Can therapy be done over the internet?
Therapy works best when the therapist is able to interact with the client within the confidential setting of MCHA’s offices. However, from time to time, for remote clients arrangements may be made for telephone or e-counselling.
*Note: Due to the current Covid 19 safety recommendations by our local government, we are conducting some of our sessions by phone or through video conferencing platforms at this time.
What about confidentiality?
All of the therapists at Meadowbrook Counseling & Healthcare Associates practice within the boundaries of the new Privacy laws. This means that whatever you disclose in the office, stays in the office. If the counsellor deems it necessary, he or she may discuss your case with a supervisor or with other therapists but will never use your name. The only time that your personal information will be released is when you give your written permission. There are two exceptions to the principle of confidentiality: if someone’s life is in danger or when abuse of a minor is suspected. Please view our privacy policy.
What do your services cost and how can I pay for them?
Standard fees for therapy at MCHA range between $80 and $200 per hour. When clients are unable to pay the full fee, it may be possible to negotiate a lower fee with the counsellor before the work begins.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment may be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer. Clients are expected to pay for each session before they leave the office.
Is counselling covered by my healthcare plan?
Yes, most private insurance benefits will cover services provided by Psychologists, Psychotherapists and MSW, RSW’s. Check your policy to see what kind of coverage you have and discuss this when you contact us.