Frequently Asked Questions

Psychologists are regulated health professionals with extensive graduate-level training (typically a Ph.D) in human behaviour, mental health, assessment, and evidence-based therapy. In Ontario, psychologists are uniquely qualified to conduct formal psychological assessments, provide diagnostic clarification, and deliver evidence-based treatments for complex conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma-related disorders, and more.

One of the key benefits of seeing a psychologist is their advanced expertise in both assessment and treatment, allowing them to accurately identify what’s happening, tailor a precise treatment plan, and monitor your progress using validated clinical tools. Psychologists do not currently prescribe medication in Ontario.

Therapists (including Registered Psychotherapists, Social Workers, and other clinicians whose training includes psychotherapy) offer therapy to help with emotional, behavioural, and relational concerns. Training varies by discipline and program, but all must meet standards set by their regulatory college. Psychotherapists provide valuable support and evidence-based counselling but do not provide formal psychological assessments or diagnoses.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. In Ontario, psychiatrists typically offer consultation and medication management rather than regular weekly therapy.

 

We specialize in evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD/operational stress injuries, stress-related difficulties, and various other concerns. You can learn more about our treatment services here.

Yes! We provide specialized assessment and treatment for police, fire, corrections, paramedics, military/veterans, and other individuals with WSIB mental-health claims (e.g., nurses, bus drivers).

We offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), behavioural activation, and other evidence-based approaches. Please click here for more information.

No referral is needed to book an appointment; you can contact us directly. If seeking WSIB-funded therapy, please let us know during the consultation call so we can coordinate with your case manager.

Psychological services are not covered by OHIP, but most private insurance plans, employee benefits, WSIB, and Veterans Affairs Canada typically provide coverage.

We offer secure virtual therapy across Ontario and in-person appointments at our clinic locations in Midtown and Downtown Toronto. Due to interprovincial regulations, we are also able to provide virtual services for individuals residing in Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

It depends on your goals and the type of therapy. Many evidence-based treatments range from 8–20 sessions, while complex concerns may require longer-term care.

Your psychologist will review your history, current concerns, goals, and symptoms, then create a personalized treatment plan with you.

You can book a free consultation call with us here. If you decide to proceed with services, you and your therapist will schedule your sessions.

Yes. We offer diagnostic assessments for anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, return-to-work evaluations (including WSIB), and treatment planning.

Yes. Your privacy is protected by Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and professional ethical guidelines, except in circumstances where we are required by law to disclose information. Your therapist will review the limits of confidentiality before proceeding. For more information about our Privacy Policy, click here.

At this time we only offer services for adults.

Evidence-based therapy refers to treatments proven effective through scientific research. At Pillar Mental Health Group we offer treatments that have been shown to be effective.

Yes. We support individuals experiencing chronic stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, sanctuary trauma, moral injury, and other work-related mental-health concerns.

Yes, we can offer guidance and resources for partners and families supporting someone with mental-health challenges.

We offer all patients a free consultation call so they can see if they feel like our therapists are a good fit. We are more than happy to navigate you to a different provider if you are not satisfied with services.

We require 24 hours notice to cancel in order to avoid a charge, allowing us to offer the appointment to someone else waiting for services.

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