Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment by contacting us via phone or email.

Q: What is the difference between psychotherapist, social worker and psychologist?

Psychologist (Registered Psychologist): a regulated health professional in Ontario governed by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, usually have a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or equivalent), provide psychotherapy, assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and perform psychological testing. Psychotherapist or RP (Registered Psychotherapist): regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), typically have a Master's level education, help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being, work with individuals, couples and families. Social Worker (Registered Social Worker — RSW): a regulated professional under the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), typically have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW), work with individuals, families, and communities to support well-being and address social/psychological challenges.

Q: How do I cancel an appointment?

You can cancel an appointment by contacting us at admin@kazafamilycentre.com.

Question 1

How do I book an appointment?

Answer

To book an appointment, please contact our clinic by phone or email. A member of our team will be happy to assist you with scheduling and next steps.

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Question 2

How do I get started? Do I need a referral to access services?

Answer

Call or email us to find the right clinician for you. All our clinicians offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and fit.
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A physician/specialist referral is not required to access services at KaZa. We do like to work with other providers to offer consistent and intentional care to our clients. So, should we work together, we will very likely have ongoing conversations with you about collaborating with your other care providers.

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Question 3

What is the difference between therapy and a psychological assessment?

Answer

Therapy focuses on helping individuals develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and address ongoing challenges over time. Psychological assessments involve structured testing and interviews to better understand learning, attention, emotional, or behavioural concerns and result in a written report with recommendations.

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Question 4

What types of therapy do you provide?

Answer

Every clinician has different levels of experience, education and areas of expertise. Please refer to our team profiles to see what suits your needs best.

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Question 5

What is Couple/Relationship Therapy?

Answer

Couple/relationship therapy provides a supportive space to explore your relationship openly, helping partners navigate challenges, take responsibility, and grow together. With compassionate guidance, we uncover underlying dynamics, release unhelpful patterns, and foster a more authentic way of relating. You’ll develop practical skills to strengthen intimacy, improve communication, and move beyond old cycles.

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Question 6

Do you provide in-clinic or online services?

Answer

Both!
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Virtual sessions are held using a secure, easy-to-use telehealth platform (e.g., Zoom, JaneApp).
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Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at 2069 Danforth Avenue (on the second level).

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Question 7

What happens during the first appointment?

Answer

During a first appointment, we will explain the parameters of services and aim to answer any questions you may have.
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One of the most important parts of a first appointment is getting to know one another. It is an opportunity to see if we are a good "fit." That is, it is important that you feel safe and that we can help you with your needs and goals. It is an opportunity for you to share your perspective and it will lay the ground work for our future work together.

Appointments are typically 50 minutes, unless otherwise discussed.

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Question 8

Can I get therapy in languages other than English?

Answer

We have an amazing multicultural team and have clinicians who offer therapy in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Assessments are offered in English and French.

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Question 9

Is therapy confidential?

Answer

In Ontario, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapeutic, legal, and professional relationships. However, there are important exceptions where confidentiality cannot be maintained due to legal or ethical obligations. Some of the limits to confidentiality are around serious safety concerns, either for our clients themselves or for the people they talk about. Confidentiality will be discussed at your first appointment and will be an ongoing conversation between you and our team.

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Question 10

What is the difference between psychotherapist, social worker and psychologist?

Answer

Here’s a clear overview of the differences between psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers in Ontario — including how each is regulated, what training they typically have, and what they’re legally allowed to do:
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Psychologist (Registered Psychologist)
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Who they are:

a regulated health professional in Ontario governed by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario

Education & training:

usually have a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or equivalent)
extensive supervised clinical training — often many years of practicum and residency before independent practice

What they do:

provide psychotherapy (talk therapy)
assess and diagnose mental health conditions using psychological tools and clinical evaluation
perform psychological testing, assessments, and specialized evaluations (e.g.,cognitive testing, ADHD assessments)

What they cannot do:

Prescribe medication (only psychiatrists or medical doctors can)

Psychotherapist or RP (Registered Psychotherapist)

Who they are:

in practice, psychotherapist refers to someone trained to provide talk therapy and is regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

Education & training:

Registered Psychotherapists typically have a Master’s level education in a relevant field and supervised clinical hours before registration with CRPO

What they do:

help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being; Registered Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples and families in individual and group settings

What they cannot do:

make formal diagnoses (unless they have another regulated role permitting that)
prescribe medications

Social Worker (Registered Social Worker — RSW)

Who they are:

a regulated professional under the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Education & training:

typically have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) plus supervised practice

What they do:

work with individuals, families, and communities to support well-being and address social/psychological challenges
many RSWs like those who work at KaZa have additional clinical training to provide psychotherapy/therapy and can perform the “controlled act of psychotherapy” in compliance with standards
their approach often includes understanding social context, support systems, and practical life challenges

What they cannot do:

traditionally, they do not independently administer formal “psychological testing” or focused diagnostic assessments the way psychologists do

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Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Answer

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. We require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients providing less than 24 hours notice, or who miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee.

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Question 12

How do I cancel an appointment?

Answer

To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please email us (admin@kazafamilycentre.com) as soon as possible. This allows us to update our schedule and offer the appointment time to another client.

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Question 13

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Answer

Children and youth may benefit from therapy if they are experiencing emotional distress, behavioural changes, difficulties at school, challenges with peers or family relationships, or changes in mood, sleep, or behaviour. Therapy can also be helpful during transitions or stressful life events.

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Question 14

Can therapy help with school-related concerns?

Answer

Yes. Therapy can support emotional regulation, attention, anxiety, social skills, and coping strategies related to school challenges. Therapists may also collaborate with parents or schools when appropriate and with consent.

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Question 15

How old does my child need to be for therapy?

Answer

Talk therapy is generally most effective for children about 8 years or older, as they are better able to engage in conversation-based sessions and reflect on their thoughts and feelings. That said, some of our providers are highly skilled in providing therapy that is not so dependent on talk; play and art based therapies are offered at KaZa.

We encourage parents or caregivers to contact us to discuss their child’s situation so we can determine whether therapy would be an appropriate fit or recommend

Question 16

What should I tell my child about coming to see a therapist?

Answer

Using matter-of-fact language can be helpful. Analogies, like “we go to the doctor/nurse for our physical health, and therapists for our mental health” can be helpful for kids. It can be good to remind kids that they won’t have any needles; some children (especially those with needle fears) equate appointments with needles, and they might benefit from your reassurance that there will not be any needles administered.

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Question 17

Are parents involved in their child’s therapy?

Answer

Parent involvement varies depending on the child’s age, needs, and type of service. Parents or caregivers are often involved in intake sessions, goal-setting, and receive general updates, while still respecting the child’s privacy. We discuss parental involvement throughout therapy, with both you and your child(ren).

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Question 18

Will my therapist testify for me in court?

Answer

If you are looking for a therapist to testify on your behalf in court, there will be comprehensive conversations about that and most of our therapists will work to avoid appearing in court. Providing court testimony is not within the scope of our clinical services and is not our area of specialty. Our therapists focus on providing therapeutic support rather than legal or forensic services. We also take protecting your clinical record very seriously and will try to avoid releasing it based on legal grounds.

If you require court-related support, we can assist by helping you find or referring you to a professional or service that specializes in assessments or testimony for legal purposes.

None of our therapists offer custody/access assessments.

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Question 19

How do I know what kind of assessment my child needs?

Answer

Determining the right type of assessment can feel overwhelming. The best place to start is by discussing your child’s concerns, such as learning difficulties, attention challenges, emotional or behavioural concerns, or developmental questions.

An initial consultation or intake appointment can help clarify your goals and determine which assessment is most appropriate. During this process, the clinician will review your child’s history, current concerns, and any previous reports to recommend the most suitable assessment or next steps.

If an assessment is not indicated, alternative supports or resources will be suggested.

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Question 20

How do I prepare my child for an assessment?

Answer

You can prepare your child by explaining the assessment in simple, reassuring language. Let them know they will be meeting with a professional who wants to learn more about how they think, learn, and feel. Emphasize that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers and that the assessment is not a test they can fail.
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It is helpful for your child to get a good night’s sleep, eat a regular meal beforehand, and bring any required items (such as glasses or hearing aids). Try to keep the day calm and avoid framing the assessment as something to be worried about.

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Question 21

Can I get evening or weekend appointments?

Answer

Many of our therapists offer evening appointments, and weekend appointments may be available depending on clinician schedules. Availability can vary, so we recommend contacting us to inquire about current options.

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Question 22

Are therapy and assessments covered by OHIP?

Answer

Our services are not covered under OHIP but may be covered by your extended health insurance provider should you have one. Please consult with your insurance provider to determine coverage eligibility.

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Question 23

What are your fees?

Answer

The cost of your therapy services will depend on your clinician and the services needed. Assessment fees can be found here.

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Question 24

What forms of payment are accepted?

Answer

We accept e-transfer and credit card payments. Payment is required at the time of service.

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Question 25

Given that you have clinicians working with children, adults, couples, parents, and families, under whose name are receipts issued?

Answer

Invoices/receipts are issued in the name of the recipient of services; if there are multiple clients in a session (as is often the case of couple and family work), we ask that you and your clinician discuss whose name(s) will be on invoices/receipts, both generally and on a session-by-session basis. Couple and family work is often dynamic in terms of who attends sessions, so it is important to have an ongoing understanding of how the billing will reflect that dynamism.
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If you are seeking parenting support, the parent(s) receiving services will be named on the receipt. Invoices may detail that services were provided to [parent(s) name(s)] re: the treatment of their child [child's name].
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Our administrative and clinical team members are happy to discuss the specifics of receipt requirements for your clinical services.

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Question 26

For my child’s assessment, can some of the fee be billed under one or both parents?

Answer

All receipts for assessments must be in the client’s name (the person being assessed). For times when parents are present (e.g., intake and feedback sessions), receipts can detail the names of those present but cannot exclusively be billed under parents’ names.

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Question 27

What if I can’t pay the full fees?

Answer

We at KaZa Family Centre believe mental health support should be accessible to everyone. If there are reasons you are unable to pay the full fee for therapy or an assessment, please discuss this with your clinician. There are a limited number of sliding-scale or reduced-fee options.

Question 28

What is EMDR Therapy?

Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from the emotional impact of traumatic and distressing life experiences. Rather than focusing on talk therapy alone, EMDR helps the brain process painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelmed or stuck in the present.
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EMDR is based on the idea that the mind has a natural ability to heal – much like the body does after physical injury. When difficult experiences overwhelm this system, memories can remain “unprocessed,” continuing to cause emotional distress. EMDR gently helps restart this healing process.
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This approach has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related concerns,helping clients experience relief, clarity, and renewed emotional balance.

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Question 29

How does EMDR work?

Answer

Activating the brain’s natural healing system:

When a traumatic experience overwhelms your ability to cope, the brain’s natural processing system can become blocked.
EMDR helps clear these blocks so healing can resume.

Reprocessing unhealed memories:

Unprocessed memories can be easily triggered by present-day experiences, leading to anxiety, emotional reactivity, or distress.
EMDR targets these memories directly, helping the brain make new, adaptive connections.

Creating relief and resilience:

As memories are processed, emotional intensity decreases, negative beliefs loosen their hold, and a sense of relief and stability emerges.
Many clients report feeling more grounded, empowered, and at ease.

Bilateral stimulation:

A key component of EMDR is bilateral stimulation – most commonly through eye movements, but also through sounds or taps.
While recalling a distressing experience, this rhythmic stimulation supports the brain in processing memories more effectively, allowing them to be integrated without the same emotional pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Children & Teens

Billing

EMDR Therapy

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