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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might be wondering, in one place.
Getting Started...
You can book an appointment directly online through our secure booking portal. Alternatively, you can reach out to us by completing our appointment request form, calling or texting us at 905-359-9456, or emailing info@wellnesscc.ca. If you need assistance, our intake team will gladly guide you in selecting the right therapist and scheduling an initial session that fits your schedule.
Your first session is a collaborative, low-pressure space to share what is bringing you to therapy, ask questions, and determine if your therapist is a good fit. There is no expectation for you to have everything figured out.
You can browse our team profiles to see each therapist's areas of focus and clinical approach. If you are unsure, feel free to reach out directly, and our intake team will help match you with a practitioner tailored to your needs.
Absolutely. The therapeutic relationship is central to your progress, and finding the right fit is essential. If you feel a different approach would serve you better, please let us know, and we will seamlessly transition you to another member of our team.
No, a referral is not required. You can self-refer and book directly through our online scheduling system at any time.
Your secure video link will be emailed to you approximately 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, allowing you to join your session from a private space of your choice.Please note: If you are using an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), please ensure you open the link using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, as Safari is not supported by our virtual platform.
Yes, there are a few parking options available when you visit us:Free On-Site Parking: There are two free parking spots designated for our building. These are located directly on the building's property and are accessible right off of Geneva Street (please note these spots are on the property itself, not on the street). If one of these spots is open when you arrive, you are welcome to park there free of charge.Paid Downtown Parking: Because our two on-site spots are limited and may be occupied, you best be prepared to use street parking. Downtown parking is $2.65 per hour, but it is free after 6:00 PM and all day on weekends. We suggest downloading the HonkMobile app on your phone ahead of time for quick and easy digital payment during paid hours.
Services & Collaboration...
Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes in duration. If you feel you would benefit from longer sessions, extended appointments may be requested. Please discuss this option with your therapist, and the session fee will be adjusted accordingly based on the additional time.
Our team of therapists takes a person-centered approach to each client’s unique needs and collaboratively creates a tailored treatment plan.In general, most clients begin with a few sessions scheduled close together (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly). Once you have developed effective coping strategies and tools, you and your therapist will typically begin to decrease the frequency of your sessions as you transition toward maintenance and independence.
At Wellness Counselling Centre, our work with children and youth is client-centered and attachment-informed. We recognize that parental support is vital to a child's healing, and we determine family involvement on a collaborative, case-by-case basis.Depending on your child's unique treatment plan, parents may occasionally be invited to join for portions of a session when it is clinically beneficial. To support the therapeutic process, parents can expect regular email updates containing practical strategies to implement at home. Throughout this collaboration, we carefully balance family involvement with protecting your child’s privacy, ensuring their confidentiality is maintained within professional and ethical limits so they feel safe and secure in their therapy.
At Wellness Counselling Centre, we understand that with today’s busy lifestyle, you may periodically need to reschedule your sessions. To ensure the best use of time and the provision of service to as many clients as possible, we require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. You can notify us through your Jane App profile, via email, or by calling our office.If less than 24 hours' notice is provided, you will be charged the full session fee. Exceptions to this policy are made for personal emergencies, sudden illness, and inclement weather.Please note that if you arrive late for your scheduled appointment, your therapist will see you for the remainder of your allotted time, and you will be charged the regular session fee.
The safety of our clients, clinicians, and staff is our top priority. During severe weather events, we offer flexible options so you do not have to put yourself at risk:Transition to Virtual Care: If travel conditions are unsafe, we can easily move your scheduled in-person session to a secure virtual format at your regular appointment time.Rescheduling: If virtual care is not your preference, we will gladly reschedule your appointment for another day without penalty.We encourage you to check your email on the morning of your appointment when significant snow, freezing rain, or other severe weather is forecasted. This is particularly relevant if local schools are closed or if the City of St. Catharines has implemented Sno-Parking restrictions. If you feel it is unsafe to travel, please contact us as soon as possible to adjust your session.
Fees & Coverage...
Our session fees vary depending on the therapist's level of experience and credentials:Individual Sessions: $150 – $165 per sessionCouples / Family Sessions: $180 – $195 per sessionGraduate Student Rate: $100 per session (if you have benefits coverage) or $35 – $50 per session (if you do not have benefits coverage)We also offer a limited sliding scale for clients experiencing financial barriers. Please contact us to inquire about current sliding scale availability.
As accredited mental health professionals, the services of the therapists at Wellness Counselling Centre are recognized by many insurers. Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to verify with their insurance provider if their specific benefits plan includes coverage for our services.It is particularly important to check if your benefit plan coverage includes the services of a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Helpful questions you can ask your insurance provider to verify your coverage include:Do I have mental health insurance benefits for services provided by therapists at Wellness Counselling Centre?Does my plan cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?What is my deductible, and has it been met?Does my plan cover a certain number of sessions per year, or is there a maximum annual dollar limit?What percentage of coverage do I receive per therapy session?All services provided at Wellness Counselling Centre are tax-deductible. An official receipt is issued for each session after payment has been received, which you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
We offer limited direct billing options with Green Shield, Sun Life, and Blue Cross for select therapists on our team.If your benefits are not with one of these carriers, or if your specific therapist does not offer direct billing for your provider, payment is required at the end of each session. You will receive an official receipt immediately after payment is processed, which you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. If you are unsure about your coverage, please review the question "How does insurance and benefits coverage work?" for some helpful direction.
Yes. Wellness Counselling Centre does offer a sliding scale, on a limited basis, to assist clients who do not have insurance and require a reduced rate. Please feel free to speak to your therapist or our intake team to see if this is applicable and/or available to you.
Our Affordable Therapy Program offers sessions at $50 with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)—a therapist who has completed their formal psychotherapy education and is actively working under clinical supervision toward full registration. We also offer a limited number of pro-bono (no-fee) spaces within this program for individuals experiencing financial barriers to therapy. Please message us at info@wellnessc.ca and we would be happy to connect you with our therapist who is offereing these services.
Payment is due at the end of each session and will be processed through the Jane App credit card system, e-transfer to payment@wellnesscc.ca, or cash (please note we do not carry change in the office).Once payment has been received, a receipt will be sent to you via email. This receipt is what you will submit to your insurance company, and/or keep for year-end tax deductions.Please note that payment will need to be made for any balance owning before the next session can take place.
Our Therapists...
In Ontario, a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is a regulated mental health professional registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Psychotherapy is defined by the CRPO as the treatment of cognitive, emotional, or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship. RPs are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, helping clients improve their mental health and well-being through evidence-based talk therapies.Please note that it is not within the scope of practice for an RP to prescribe medication or formally diagnose mental health disorders. However, we work holistically and collaboratively; when appropriate, your therapist may recommend when to consult a medical professional (such as a family physician or psychiatrist) for diagnostic, medical, or other supportive services.
A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)—or RP (Qualifying)—is a member of the CRPO who has met the educational requirements for registration and is in the process of completing their post-graduate clinical experience. This includes completing a minimum of 450 direct client contact hours and 100 hours of clinical supervision.At Wellness Counselling Centre, all qualifying therapists practice under the direct clinical supervision of our Clinical Director, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.
Therapeutic fit is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. We recommend reading through our team bios to see whose approach, specialties, and background resonate with you. If you are unsure, our intake coordinator can match you with a therapist who best aligns with your specific goals, preferences, and availability. Many on our team also offer free initial consultations so you can connect with a therapist briefly before committing to a full session.
I have more questions...
Something on your mind that isn't answered here? Reach out — we are glad to help you figure out the next step.
Your move from hurt to hope
can begin today.
A real human on the other end, holding compassionate, non-judgmental space for whatever you bring. In person in St. Catharines or virtually across Ontario.
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