Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us via the appointment form to let us know that you are interested in . We will get back to you via email to discuss what you’re looking for and, if you’d like, we can book a 15 minute free consultation to ensure there’s a good fit.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. We are professionally bound to maintain your confidentiality. We won’t disclose anything you tell us to anyone else, and we’ll store your notes in a highly-secure practice management platform. There are a few specific situations when we might need to break confidentiality, in particular if we believe you are in danger to yourself or someone else. Your counsellor will discuss confidentiality with you during your first appointment.
What services do you offer?
We offer ongoing counselling, short-term counselling (6 sessions), and one-off sessions. Counselling can be remote (through Zoom) or in-person at Transense Healing Arts Centre, at Bloor and Spadina.
What are the fees for your services?
The fee per session is 160 dollars. Initial 15 minute consultations are free of charge.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, counsellors are registered with their professional regulatory body in Ontario. For social workers, that means the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Additionally, counsellors have professional insurance.
Do you work with couples?
Yes, we work with couples struggling with a range of concerns. We work with LGBTIQ+ couples and couples of diverse cultural backgrounds. You can discuss your relationship needs during an initial consultation. Both members of the couple will need to be on-board with receiving counselling support.
Do you work with families?
Yes, we do. You can discuss your family’s needs during an initial consultation to ensure that the counsellor is the right fit.
Do you work with children?
Currently we work with individuals ages 16 and up.
Do you provide in-person counselling?
Yes! Arielle is now offering in-person counselling at Transense Healing Arts Holistic Centre in downtown Toronto.
Do you provide phone counselling?
Yes, we are happy to provide counselling by phone as opposed to Zoom if that’s what you prefer.
How do I pay?
Payment is by etransfer following each session. We request that clients pay within 48 hours of their session. In some cases, insurance companies can be billed directly following sessions (this depends on what insurance company a client is with).
What if I don’t know what to say?
That’s totally normal. It can take time to open up to a counsellor, and the act of sharing personal information can feel new or uncomfortable. The counsellor will work with you to focus on what’s important for you, and will ask questions to prompt you. Counsellors are used to working with people who are new to the counselling process, and will not be judging you.
What if I start counselling and I don’t find it helpful?
There is no expectation to continue with counselling if it doesn’t feel right for you. That said, sometimes counselling can feel challenging or bring up tough emotions, which is a normal part of the process. If these things are happening, if possible, raise it with your counsellor. If after all you’d like to end counselling, that’s fine. We can also support you to find someone else who is a better fit.
Can I pay through my insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover counselling with a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Please look at your insurance policy to see if this applies to you. If so, you can submit receipts to your insurance company post-payment and receive reimbursement.
If you have insurance through Green Shield we are able to bill directly on your behalf. Arielle is also registered as a WSIB mental health provider.
What if I can’t make my scheduled appointment?
As soon as you know you won’t be able to make your appointment, please notify your counsellor via email to let them know. We require 48 hours’ notice to cancel/reschedule an appointment. This is so we have time to offer your spot to someone else who is waiting for support. If you are suddenly unwell, please get in touch with your counsellor as soon as you know you cannot make the appointment and the counsellor can discuss options with you via email.
I want to get counselling but I can’t afford your fees. What can I do?
If you are interested in working with one of our counsellors, you can talk with them about having less-frequent sessions (e.g. every two weeks, every month). Additionally, you can explore lower-cost counselling options available through the Affordable Therapy Network or with Hard Feelings.
Here With You doesn’t provide mental health crisis support.
If you are in crisis and require immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. You can also call the Gerstein Centre Crisis Line at +1 416 929 5200.