Psychology
common questions
1. How do I make an appointment at New Perspectives Psychology?
Please phone 416-500-4411, or email drshecter@nppsychology.com to make an appointment.
2. Do I need a doctor referral?
A referral from your family doctor is not needed, however, always welcomed. Many clients refer themselves or their family member. However, your insurance provider may require a doctor referral prior to your first appointment, so please inquire ahead of time.
3. What should I expect at the first appointment?
The initial session at New Perspectives Psychology is used to get to know you or your family. This typically involves information gathering to help obtain a better understanding of your concerns. At the end of the session, treatment options will be discussed, and together a treatment plan will be developed. This treatment plan will review the interventions that will be used, and provide some structure in regards to the number and frequency of sessions.
If your child is under the age of 12, parents are recommended to attend the first appointment alone. This provides an opportunity for parents to get to know their child's clinician, and to speak freely while describing their concerns and goals.
4. Do I need to attend the session with my youth?
That is completely up to you and your youth. Sometimes it is recommended for you to be present in the session, other times your youth may wish for you to attend. For elementary school-aged children, it is beneficial for parents to be available during treatment to share how things are progressing at home and discuss strategies worked on in session that may be useful for you to review and practice with your child at home or school. Many adolescents may prefer to meet individually. In these cases, it will be discussed with your adolescent how to best involve you in treatment.
5. Are services at New Perspectives Psychology confidential?
All personal information a client discloses will be treated with great care and respect. Anything shared over the course of treatment will be kept strictly confidential and will not be released without the client's consent (or that of a legal representative/guardian). There are, however, certain circumstances where it may be required by law to break confidentiality for safety reasons. These include:
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If client's records are subpoenaed by a court order.
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If there is any reason to believe that a client is at serious and imminent risk of physically harming him/herself or another person. This usually means telling others about the threat, for example, the police or a parent.
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If there is any reason to believe that a youth has been, or will be, abused or neglected, it is required to report this to authorities.
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If there is any reason to believe that an individual has been sexually abused by another regulated health professional, it is required to report this to his/her governing body.
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If the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) requests access to a therapist's files for the purposes of assuring quality of care, we are obligated to allow them that access. The CPBAO is bound by its own strict confidentiality rules.
These limits of confidentiality will be reviewed at the first appointment and an opportunity for any questions will be provided. A client will also be asked to sign a form consenting to these limits.
If communication is made via unencrypted email, please be aware that email is not completely confidential or secure. Although unlikely, please be aware of possible risks to your privacy if you communicate personal information over email. Any email received, and any responses that are sent, will be kept in the clinical record.
6. Are the fees covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, psychological and psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP. However, many people have extended health benefits through their employer or that they obtain themselves that offer coverage for these services. Many companies offer plans that cover individual family members for a certain amount per year, which often significantly helps with the costs of treatment. Please contact your insurance provider to determine what your coverage entails. The cost of psychological and psychotherapy services can be deducted as a medical expense on your income taxes.
Payment for service is due at the end of each session and you will be provided with a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement to your insurance company.
7. What if I have to cancel an appointment?
Your appointment time is set aside specifically for you. Should you need to cancel an appointment, please provide as much notice as possible. If you cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours notice or if you miss a scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full fee of your session.
Please feel free to email with any additional questions to: