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Women’s Counselling Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Are psychotherapy and counselling the same?

No, there are some clear differences between psychotherapy and counselling.
The practice of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by therapeutic methods within a therapeutic relationship. People seek psychotherapy for a variety of reasons, and the goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for growth and healing.
Counselling would include but not be limited to advising, providing instruction, assisting in improving coping strategies, problem solving, and safety planning, etc.
Are Psychotherapy sessions covered by insurance/ OHIP?

The cost of Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP. However, many private health insurance plans do cover psychotherapy services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Fees for psychotherapy sessions can also be on a sliding scale based on household income and the number of dependents. The cost of services of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario is considered to be a medical expense by the Canada Revenue Agency and receipts may be submitted with your taxes.
How many psychotherapy sessions will the Women’s Counselling Centre provide, and what is the cost?

Twelve free sessions of psychotherapy are provided. Thirteen (13) additional sessions would be available for a per-session fee determined by a sliding scale based upon income and family size.
All other services at the Women’s Counselling Centre are free with the exception of psychotherapy.
How do I book an appointment?

You can call us to make sure you meet our parameters for service by completing a telephone screening with one of our staff members, which may last for 20 minutes or so. You would then be placed on our wait list. When a psychotherapist is available they will contact you to book your first session. (Please note that you must meet our parameters for service in order to be added to our wait list.)
What are our parameters for service?
Do I need a referral to use your services?

Where can I park my vehicle?
Is the Centre easily accessible by public transit
Are your premises easily accessible, is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes. We have a wheelchair-accessible entrance; it is step-free, with a very short and low ramp.
Accessible parking is on a firm, slip-resistant surface, located not far from the entrance. We have an accessible washroom for the convenience of our clients.
We follow the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA). Our offices are wheelchair accessible.
How long will the sessions last?
How often are these sessions?

At the beginning, psychotherapy sessions may be held once a week to ensure consistency and support during acute crises. Eventually, sessions may be scheduled once a week or every two weeks; however, the frequency is typically discussed and agreed upon with your therapist.
Is it possible to access your services remotely?

Dial 9-1-1

For Police, Fire or Ambulance

Suicide Helpline

Dial 9-8-8 or text 9-8-8

Shelters for Abused Women and Children

Family Life Resource Centre – Residential shelter for women and children fleeing abuse. 24 hour crisis line (905) 451-4115

Homeless Shelters

Central Intake for access to any homeless shelters in Peel Region
905-450-1996

Crisis Lines

Mobile Crisis Line (24/7 Peel Crisis Support)

24 hour crisis line for people struggling with mental health issues – in some cases, staff will see clients in their home (905) 278-9036

Distress Crisis Line

24 hour crisis line for people struggling with mental health issues (905)-278-7208

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Share your thoughts and struggles with our extended team of multilingual volunteers who can connect with you in 8 languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. (416) 408-4357 (GTA) or (905) 459-7777 (Peel) https://www.dcogt.com/

Talk Suicide Canada

Call 1-1-833-456-4566 toll-free, anytime – or text 45645 between from 4 pm to midnight EST.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

24 hour crisis line for women living in Ontario – (416) 863-0511 or 1 (866) 863-0511

The Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel

24 hour crisis line (905) 273-9442 or 1(800)810-0180

Women’s Counselling Centre