Frequency Asked Questions
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a regulated healthcare professional specializing in the assessment and treatment of a variety of emotional and behavioural conditions. Being a regulated healthcare professional means that psychologists are legally required to provide their services in a competent and ethical manner. Psychologists receive advanced training through the completion of a doctoral (PhD or PsyD) degree, including extensive research and clinical practica training. This is culminated by the completion of a one-year predoctoral internship/residency program. At the point of completing doctoral training, a psychologist will have accumulated a least 10 years of postsecondary education (four years at the undergraduate level, two years Master’s, and four years Doctoral); however, this is still not enough to practice as a licensed psychologist in Ontario. In order to practice autonomously as a psychologist, one must register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and complete at least one-year of supervised practice, a written licensing examination, a jurisprudence and ethics exam, and an oral examination. Psychologists are subsequently closely monitored by the CPO and are required to complete continuing education requirements yearly in order to maintain their license.
What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a psychotherapist?
Although there are some similarities between psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists, there are also many significant differences. A summary chart of some of these similarities and differences can be found here.
Psychologists obtain a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional and behavioural disorders. Psychologists are the only non-physician professionals who are permitted to engage in the controlled act of diagnosis related to emotional and mental disorders. Although psychologists receive training in the use of medications to treat mental health conditions, they are not currently permitted to prescribe medications in Ontario. Psychologists are the only professionals qualified to administer certain psychological tests, such as those assessing intelligence and neuropsychological dysfunctions. Although many extended health plans provide reimbursement for services provided by psychologists, psychologists in private practice are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). When seeing a psychologist, you can be confident in knowing that this individual has received extensive training and supervision in their area of expertise and is regulated closely by the College of Psychologists of Ontario to ensure strict compliance and adherence to their professional code of ethics and standards.
Although psychologists and psychiatrists receive approximately the same number of years of education and training, the nature of this training is quite different. Psychiatrists complete a generalized medical degree prior to pursuing a specialization in psychiatry. Although some psychiatrists engage in psychotherapy, their practice in Ontario tends to focus primarily on biological aspects of mental illness. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication, and often do so in consultation with family physicians, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Given psychologists’ focus on psychological assessment and treatment of cognitive, behavioural, and emotional aspects of mental health; and psychiatrists’ focus on the biological aspects; they often work together collaboratively in order to provide holistic care to individuals suffering from various mental health conditions. Psychiatrist fees are covered by OHIP and their practice is regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. When seeing a psychiatrist, you can also be confident in knowing that this individual has received extensive training and supervision in their area of expertise and is regulated closely to ensure strict compliance and adherence to their professional code of ethics and standards.
Psychotherapists in Ontario can have varied levels and types of training. They are permitted, by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, to treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioural disturbances by means of psychotherapy. Psychotherapists in Ontario are regulated to ensure accountability and ethical practice. Given the range in the training of psychotherapists, it is recommended that clients research some of these differences to ensure suitability of the approach to their individual needs. Psychotherapist fees are not covered by OHIP but may be covered by some extended health benefit plans.
What is the referral and intake process to see Dr. Jenny?
What should I expect during my first visit?
The aim of the first visit is for you and Dr. Jenny to get to know one another, with the overarching goal of ensuring that you feel comfortable with Dr. Jenny and the therapeutic process. At the start of the session, she will review the clinic policies with you, and you will have a chance to ask any questions you may have. Dr. Jenny will then conduct an intake assessment, where she will ask you some questions in order to better understand your current needs and to ensure that the services that she provides are a good fit for you. This includes discussing your history and some of your current concerns. The information you share will allow you and Dr. Jenny to collaboratively develop a treatment plan that is personalized and aimed at addressing your individual needs. There will also be an opportunity for you to discuss your goals for treatment, and Dr. Jenny will be able to tell you treatment recommendations based on your individualized goals.
Is what I discuss with Dr. Jenny confidential?
Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance, and with few exceptions, the information you share with Dr. Jenny will not be shared with anyone else without explicit consent from you. The exceptions to confidentiality will be discussed with you during your initial appointment and will be documented in the informed consent paperwork that Dr. Jenny will review with you and you will sign. Dr. Jenny will also review her privacy policy with you in your initial appointment.
How long is it going to take for me to feel better?
For most problems, evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy require between 8-20 sessions. Sessions are typically scheduled to take place weekly and be approximately 50 minutes in duration. However, Dr. Jenny’s approach is very individualized and should longer or more/less frequent sessions be required for your particular area of difficulty, this may be accommodated to ensure that your needs are met.
What are the fees and methods of payment?
In Ontario, services provided by a psychologist privately are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) but are often partially or fully covered by extended health insurance plans. If you have extended health coverage through an insurance company, you may be able to receive reimbursement for some or all of your fees paid, and non-reimbursed fees may be claimed on your income tax returns as a medical expense. The amount of reimbursement for services from a psychologist will vary with each extended benefits plan, so it is recommended that you check with your specific provider to determine your coverage. Dr. Jenny’s fees are set in accordance with guidelines established by the Ontario Psychological Association. Payment is due at the end of each session, and can be paid for using cash, etransfer, Debit, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express for your convenience. You will be provided with a detailed receipt upon payment of your fees, which you can retain for insurance or income tax claim purposes, if applicable.
How do I get to the office and where can I park?
Dr. Jenny’s office is conveniently located in the midtown area of Toronto, in Suite 306 of 2409 Yonge Street. This is a medical building a few blocks north of Eglinton Avenue.
If traveling by TTC, the office is located within a short walk from the subway station at Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. There is also a bus stop very close by, at Yonge Street and Montgomery Avenue.
If driving, street parking is available along Yonge Street, and there is ample free 1-hour parking available on many of the surrounding side streets. Additionally, paid parking is available at:
- Impark, 2400 Yonge Street (at Best Buy)
- Target Park, 2401 Yonge Street (underground lot with entrance off of Broadway Avenue)
- Green P parking lot on Castlefield Avenue, just west of Yonge Street