Why see a Registered Mental Health provider?
Individuals registered with their respective regulated health professional bodies are required by law to provide professional services in a competent and professional manner. They are required to meet a certain professional standard in their education and training. To be registered in Nova Scotia, the individual must meet rigorous professional entry requirements. They are required to follow ethical principles and standards of professional practice as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, legislated by the Province of Nova Scotia. They must also participate in quality assurance activities to continually improve and update their knowledge and skills.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
We do not require a physician’s referral and many clients refer themselves. However, some extended health-benefit providers do require a physician’s referral before providing
reimbursement of fees. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is the case for you.
What is a formal assessment?
The word “assessment” may mean different things, depending on your needs. An informal assessment, usually undertaken when one begins to see a therapist, involves a conversation between you and the therapist about your background and your goals of therapy. These meetings do not always involve diagnosis, and some therapists are not included in the range of health professionals who can offer a formal diagnosis.
A formal assessment differs and is usually recommended by your medical practitioner, school, government organization, or insurance company. This type of assessment involves an interview, as well as testing. The results of a formal assessment and recommendations for intervention are presented in a detailed written report and, depending on the referral sources, may involve a feedback session.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
The initial session is usually dedicated to informal assessment and treatment planning. This generally involves information gathering through a detailed interview, followed by an overview of a proposed treatment plan, tailored to the individual’s needs.
How long will therapy last?
This depends on a number of factors, including your goals, the severity of your symptoms, your financial situation or coverage for treatment, and how much effort is put into change. Some clients are seeking help for specific issues or problems, and in such cases, goals could be reached in a matter of 8-12 sessions or fewer. There is an emphasis on learning and practicing new skills, both in session and in day-to-day life.
In other cases, goals are set that require longer-term treatment. In these cases, there may be more pervasive or long-lasting patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving, which require the development of greater understanding and insight over time. Efforts are made to set tangible goals, such that progress can be measured in an ongoing fashion.
An emphasis is placed on goal setting from the outset of therapy, and clients will be advised as to a reasonable course of treatment depending on their presenting problems.
Are your services confidential?
Client confidentiality and privacy are fully assured. Information is not released without the
consent of the client or a legal representative or guardian. Privacy practices are set in
accordance with both federal and provincial legislation. There are limits of confidentiality required under exceptional circumstances, which will be carefully reviewed with you as part of the informed consent process during your first visit.
Do you prescribe medications?
As registered psychologists and other therapy-related health professionals, we do not prescribe medications. We are fully respectful of individuals’ decision to use or not to use medications and we are happy to work collaboratively with family physicians and psychiatrists in this regard. Occasionally we may feel that a client may benefit from medications, and we can help in the referral process.