Getting Started
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Expect in the First Session?
After the first session or two, you and Jyotsna will discuss whether she is able to meet your needs. If, for whatever reason, it is determined that a match is not possible, she will provide you with several referrals whom you can contact. It is important to note that you have the right to terminate therapy at any time.
Jyotsna discusses a variety of counselling options during your initial assessment, leading to a mutually agreed-upon treatment plan. During the assessment and early treatment phase, she encourages you to meet on a weekly basis. Research shows that clients are more successful in achieving their goals when they have weekly sessions at the beginning of their treatment and later appointments are spaced out to once every two weeks. This approach gives you deeper understanding about yourself and allows the real therapy to begin between sessions, enabling you to apply what you learn about yourself, your significant other, or your family to everyday situations.
5What is the cost for counselling sessions?
$200 for 60-minute individual intake sessions
$200 for 60-minute individual counselling session
$250 for 60-minute couple intake
$250 for 60-minute couple sessions
Rates for the Mediation services:
An average cost of my mediation settlement is $5000-7000 depending on the complexity of the case.
Jyotsna’s rates are customized based on your unique needs.
What is Intergenerational Mediation and Geriatric counselling:
Initial assessment, MMSE and MoCA assessment, Geriatric scale for depression. The assessment can be shared with your primary physician after obtaining a consent from you.
Rates will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending upon the complexity of the case, the level of expertise required, or the amount of time and resources involved.
Additionally, educational sessions are offered to older clients, family members/ POA to discuss and guide about Retirement Home Process, how to apply to Long Term Homes, and role of Home and Community care services in applying for LTC home and getting other home services. Issues about estate, powers of attorneys, Substitute decision makers, new marriages and step relative issues. The consent and capacity board and Public Guardian Trustee, Financial issues, end of life planning, palliative care and decision making. (Rates are customized based on your unique needs.)
Jyotsna can attend a one-time virtual meeting with a primary care physician, hospital staff, nursing home and or community care representatives and other professionals if necessary.
Note: For seniors who are unable to participate virtually, Jyotsna can see them in person- provided it is safe and practical to do so.
Are the Counselling Services Covered Under My Health Insurance?
Most of the health insurance companies cover the cost of counselling with registered social worker/psychotherapist through their plan benefits. Jyotsna does not offer direct billing to insurance companies and encourages you to check with your insurance provider prior to initiating services with her. Please make sure you know the amount per year that will be covered. Any fees that are not covered by your health insurance can be applied to your income tax, as services provided by a Registered Clinical Social Worker/ /psychotherapist are also considered a medical expense tax credit for income tax purposes in Ontario. After each session, please pay for the service via e-transfer. Following receipt of payment, an invoice will be e-mailed that can be forwarded to your insurance company.
At this time, Jyotsna will only be accepting e-transfers sent to councelling@jyotsnasaraf.ca. Full payment is due at the end of each session.
Note: Psychotherapy is not covered by your Ontario health card (OHIP)
For mediation, it is expected to pay 50 percent of the applicable mediation fee in advance. Due to the pandemic, currently, Jyotsna primarily conducts virtual mediation.
Cancellation Policy
All sessions must be cancelled at least 24-hours prior to the session to avoid any cancellation fees. If a session is not cancelled with notice, the full session fee may be charged for the missed session.
Confidentiality
As a Registered Social Workers and Psychotherapist, Jyotsna strictly adheres to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice outlined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Jyotsna has a duty to protect her clients and ensure safety.
Your clinical record is strictly confidential and will never be released to any third party without your written consent. There are a few situations in which a therapist is legally obliged to break confidentiality to protect the safety of a client or another individual. These include:
- Risk of harm to self or another person.
- Additionally, during the session, if there is a reason to believe that a client is at risk of harming themselves or others, Jyotsna may need to take action to ensure their safety and well-being, which may include contacting emergency services or a designated emergency contact.
- Suspected child abuse or neglect for a minor under the age of 16 or elder abuse or neglect.
Consultation
Jyotsna consults regularly with other professionals regarding clinical questions. However, each client’s identity remains completely anonymous, and confidentiality is fully maintained.
Non-Professional Settings
It is possible that a therapist may encounter a client in a social setting. Jyotsna chooses not to acknowledge knowing a client in order to maintain client’s privacy and confidentiality. This is inline with ethical principles and helps to maintain the trust and integrity of the therapeutic relationship.
Jyotsna believes it is important for therapists to maintain strict boundaries and to protect the confidentiality of the clients even in the digital realm. She does not accept friend requests from current or former clients on social networking sites, such Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. This helps to protect client’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
Client’s Right to Review and Access Records
As a client, you have the right to review or receive a summary of your records, except in limited or emergency circumstances when it is determined that releasing such information might be harmful in any manner. It is important to note that the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers requires Social Workers/ psychotherapists to keep records for at least seven years after the end of counseling therapy, after which Jyotsna will inform you of her intention to shred your records.
If you have any concerns about your records or would like to review them, please let Jyotsna know, and she can arrange for you to access them. However, it is important to note that in certain situations, she may need to withhold certain information in accordance with her professional and ethical obligations if she determines that releasing such information may cause harm. In such cases, she will explain her reasoning for withholding any information and will work with you to find a resolution that respects your rights and best interests. Please rest assured that Jyotsna is committed to upholding professional standards of confidentiality and will make every effort to ensure that your rights are respected.
Limitations on Litigation and Testimony
To ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the therapeutic process, it is agreed that in the event of any legal proceedings, such as divorce, child custody, injuries, assaults, or lawsuits, the client, their lawyer(s), or any other party will not contact Jyotsna to testify in court or request a disclosure of psychological records unless a separate agreement has been reached. This agreement is intended to protect the client’s privacy and to maintain the trust and confidentiality necessary for an effective therapeutic relationship.
It is important to note that the therapeutic process often involves full disclosure of matters that may be confidential in nature, and any attempt to use such information in a legal proceeding may compromise the therapeutic relationship and confidentiality.
By agreeing to this limitation on litigation and testimony, we can ensure that our work together remains focused on your well-being and that your privacy is protected to the fullest extent possible.
Emergency Procedures
Jyotsna does not offer crisis services. In case of mental health crisis, please contact the following numbers:
Durham Mental Health Crisis Services: 1-800-742-1890
Emergency Medical Services: 911 Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
It is hoped that the information provided above has given you a clear understanding of Jyotsna’s psychotherapy practice and approach. She is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore their concerns and work towards their goals. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for considering Jyotsna’s services, and she looks forward to the possibility of working with you.
Tel: (647) 931-1231 or Email: counselling@jyotsnasaraf.ca.