Question 1

Do I need a referral to connect with services?

Accepted Answer

We are here to help. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Monarch Therapy and Wellness Centre, simply contact the clinic at: info@monarchtherapy.ca or 365-887-2500.   Note that while it is not necessary to have a referral from a physician, some insurance providers do require this for you to obtain reimbursement of fees paid. Please inquire with your insurance source for further information and details.

Question 2

What can I expect from my first session?

Accepted Answer

We realize that reaching out for support can be challenging. We want to be transparent about the process to help ease some of your warranted fears. While the first session will vastly differ from ongoing therapy, it is equally important. At your initial appointment, the session will focus on learning about you, and also ensuring that Monarch Therapy and Wellness is the best fit for you and your goals.   During the assessment, focus will be on gaining information about your current needs. This will cover your dilemmas and sources of distress. It will entail learning about your symptoms such as duration, frequency and severity. We will capture background information to complete a comprehensive understanding of you as a person. Finally, by the end of the session, we will establish therapeutic intentions.

Question 3

How long are sessions and how frequent will they need to be?

Accepted Answer

Each session will be 50 minutes in length. The frequency will depend on many factors including presenting concerns, symptom severity, personal goals, and individual needs.   It is recommended that at least initially, sessions are held weekly or bi-weekly while working on therapeutic rapport and to discern response to therapy interventions.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Much like many things, there is no one size fits all model for therapy. Hence, the number of sessions may vary depending on your personal factors. Short-term therapy usually ranges from 6-12 sessions. Longer-term therapy can span anywhere from 12-20+ sessions. You are always in control of the therapeutic process and have the right to discontinue treatment at any time.    It is common that with life’s changing circumstances, clients may feel the need for “booster” sessions, and/or choose to return for a different reason once they have completed their course of therapy. This is not only productive but also demonstrates a healthy understanding of when to reach out for additional support and guidance.

Question 5

How does teletherapy work?

Accepted Answer

Monarch Therapy and Wellness is committed to ensuring you receive the best and safest care possible. Research and personal experience have demonstrated that virtual care is just as effective as in-person treatment, and even eliminates some of constraints such as distance from the treatment centre, travel, parking, time off school or work, etc. This is why we are currently offering telehealth services to anyone in Ontario from a secure virtual platform.   Rest assured. We use software with secure end-to-end encryption, which meets requirements for the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). The same limits of confidentiality would apply in virtual therapy as in-person therapy (which will be discussed in session) and sessions would never be recorded.   If you opt to use our virtual platform, it is important to use a personally secure internet connection to ensure confidentiality. In the rare instance that we experience technical issues, we will contact you on your preferred phone number to complete your session via telephone.

Question 6

Will my information be shared?

Accepted Answer

Privacy of personal information is of utmost importance to us at Monarch Therapy and Wellness Centre. All personal information you disclose will be treated with great regard and will be kept strictly confidential. It will not be released without your consent.    There are, however, certain circumstances where it may be required by law to break confidentiality for safety reasons.   These include: 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 entails speaking with parents if it is a child/youth and/or contacting your emergency person or the police or 9-1-1 for additional support.  If there is any reason to believe that a child, youth or elder has been, or will be, abused or neglected, it is required to report this to the authorities. If there is any reason to believe that a client, regardless of age, has been sexually abused by another regulated health professional, it is required to report this to his/her governing body. Your information will not be shared without your consent. If a client's records are subpoenaed by a court order. If a client’s chart is selected during a Quality Control and Assurance Audit by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, it may be peer reviewed by a fellow psychologist selected from a panel.   Given that Monarch Therapy + Wellness Centre functions as a clinic, all group members will have limited access to patient information, such as full name, as well date and time of session. Additionally, if a therapist is functioning in a student role, their supervisor will have full access to a client's chart. Finally, consultations are often conducted within the clinic, and a client's information may therefore be shared between therapists for quality of care.   Client’s may also provide written consent for their information to be shared within their circle of care providers. This might include family members, teachers, family doctors, psychiatrists or other professionals working with the client.    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.   These Limits of Confidentiality will be reviewed at your first appointment and an opportunity for any questions will be provided. You will also be asked to sign a form consenting to these limits.

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9200 Bathurst Street, Unit 27A, Thornhill, ON, L4J 8W1