Question 1

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps individuals understand themselves, face challenges, heal from past experiences, and create lasting change. For more information about psychotherapy, visit the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) website.

At Inner Core Psychotherapy, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy that is customized to each person's unique experiences and goals. To learn more about our approach to psychotherapy, visit our website.

Question 2

What is a Registered Psychotherapist?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is a licensed mental health professional who is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These professionals are trained to offer psychotherapy services that assist individuals, couples, and families in dealing with emotional, psychological, relational, and life challenges.

For more information, you can visit the website of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Question 3

How do I know which therapist is the right fit for me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right therapist is an important step in the therapy process. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, safety, respect, and a feeling of being understood. Finding someone who feels like the right fit can significantly enhance your therapy experience.

We encourage you to take the time to explore various therapists and consider factors such as their education, experience, areas of focus, therapeutic approaches, availability, fees, and the languages they offer. Reading therapist profiles, asking questions, and connecting through an initial consultation can help you learn more about their approach.

In addition to credentials and experience, it's essential to pay attention to how you feel when speaking with a therapist. Do you feel heard, respected, and accepted? Do you sense safety, compassion, and openness? Does their approach align with what you are seeking?

At Inner Core Psychotherapy, we invite you to connect with us to see if we are a good fit for your needs. Ultimately, we encourage you to find the therapist who feels right for you, whether that's with another qualified professional or with us.

Question 4

Do you offer virtual and in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer only virtual therapy sessions, providing a convenient and accessible way for you to receive support from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Virtual therapy offers greater flexibility, reduces barriers to accessing care, and makes it easier for individuals, couples, and families across Ontario to connect with a therapist.

Using a secure online platform, we deliver the same compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach that you would experience in an in-person session.

Question 5

Are you accepting new clients?

Accepted Answer

We are currently accepting new clients.

Mary Jane is available for individual clients who are seeking support with personal healing, growth, and life challenges.

Amarylis is open to working with individuals, couples, families, and those looking for clinical supervision.

We encourage you to explore each therapist's approach and areas of expertise to find the best fit for your needs.

Question 6

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

To begin therapy, the first step is to reach out and schedule a consultation appointment. This session allows us to discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you might have, and determine if we are a good match to work together.

Finding the right therapist is important in this process. A successful therapeutic relationship relies on trust, openness, and the ability to feel comfortable being yourself. If we both agree that collaborating would be beneficial, we will talk about the next steps to start your therapy journey.

Question 7

What can I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

Once we determine that we may be a good fit to work together, you will receive an intake form to complete before your first session. This form helps your therapist begin to understand your background, experiences, and the reasons that brought you to therapy.

During your initial assessment, your therapist will review the consent form and explain the therapeutic framework. This includes discussions about confidentiality, policies, and what you can expect from the therapy process, helping to establish a foundation of safety, trust, and collaboration. The initial assessment is a chance for your therapist to learn more about your story, relationships, strengths, and the challenges you are facing. Through conversation and gentle exploration, your therapist will gain insights into your needs and the goals you wish to work toward in therapy. Together, you and your therapist will collaboratively identify goals that are meaningful and supportive for you. These goals may continue to evolve as you progress through the therapeutic process.

Question 8

What are your fees and session length?

Accepted Answer

Our therapy sessions last for 50 minutes, and payment is required at the time of your appointment. Many extended health insurance plans cover Registered Psychotherapy services. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage and reimbursement options.

Here are the fees for our sessions based on a 50-minute therapy hour:

Individual psychotherapy session: $180
Couples psychotherapy session: $220
Family psychotherapy session: $220
Clinical supervision session: $160

Question 9

What are your hours of availability?

Accepted Answer

Our schedules vary depending on the therapist you choose. Mary Jane and Amarylis both offer appointments on weekdays, including daytime and evening availability.

Generally, appointments are available:

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Please contact us to discuss our current availability so we can help you find a time that works best for you.

Question 10

What languages can I receive therapy in?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Mary Jane Beavis, M.A., RP, CCC, SEP

Languages: English, French

Amarylis Serrano Juárez, M.A., RP, CCC, SEP

Languages: English, French, and Spanish

We believe that feeling comfortable and understood is essential to the therapeutic process. Offering therapy in a language that feels most natural to you fosters inclusive and compassionate care, helping to build a strong therapeutic connection.

Question 11

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of therapy sessions required varies from person to person. The length of therapy is determined by your specific goals, needs, and the issues you want to address.

You and your therapist will regularly discuss your progress and collaboratively decide on the most effective approaches for you. Psychotherapy is a joint process, and each person's experience is unique.

Question 12

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral from a doctor to start psychotherapy with us. You can contact us directly to schedule an appointment. However, some insurance providers may require a physician's referral to reimburse psychotherapy services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage requirements.

Question 13

Do you offer direct billing?

Accepted Answer

We offer direct billing to your health insurance provider whenever possible to make the payment process easier. This service aims to reduce paperwork, minimize credit card fees, and simplify your transactions.

Coverage varies based on your individual insurance plan, so we recommend checking your psychotherapy benefits with your provider. If direct billing is not available, we will provide a receipt for you to submit for reimbursement.

Question 14

Can I obtain coverage for psychotherapy services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RPs). The level of coverage can vary based on your specific plan, whether it is through an employer, a private insurance provider, or another source. We recommend that you check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage details and reimbursement options.

Question 15

Can psychotherapy be claimed as a medical expense for income tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, psychotherapy services offered by a Registered Psychotherapist may qualify as a medical expense for income tax purposes in Ontario. We recommend consulting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines or speaking with a tax professional to confirm your eligibility and understand the specific requirements.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that unexpected situations can happen. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide us with at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible.

Giving advance notice respects your therapist's time and allows us to offer the appointment slot to another client who may be waiting for care.

Please note that appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee. This fee will be charged to the credit card we have on file. If your insurance provider is billed directly, they will also be charged for the session, and any remaining balance will be charged to your credit card.

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and accessible therapeutic space for everyone.

Question 17

Can I manage my bookings and cancellations online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can easily book and manage your appointments online using our secure booking system.

Question 18

Is online therapy secure and private?

Accepted Answer

We offer online therapy through Jane, a secure and privacy-focused healthcare platform designed for healthcare professionals. Jane facilitates confidential communication, online appointments, secure documentation, and payment processing, all designed to protect your personal health information.

Before starting online therapy, your therapist will provide you with details about the platform and what you can expect. We also recommend choosing a private space and using a secure internet connection to ensure your confidentiality during virtual sessions.

Question 19

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept the following payment methods for psychotherapy sessions:

Visa,
Mastercard,
American Express, and
E-transfer

A receipt will be sent to you after each session for your records and insurance reimbursement purposes.

Question 20

What is the difference between psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors?

Accepted Answer

Mental health professionals come with varying areas of training, education, and scope of practice. Understanding these differences can help you choose the type of support that best fits your needs.

Psychotherapists are trained to provide psychotherapy, which involves helping individuals, couples, and families explore their emotions, thoughts, experiences, relationships, and patterns that may impact their well-being. In Ontario, Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) are regulated healthcare professionals who have completed specific educational and clinical training requirements set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Psychotherapy can address issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, and they have the authority to prescribe medication when necessary. While some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy, many focus primarily on medical assessment and medication management.

Psychologists are mental health professionals with doctoral-level training who offer psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. In Ontario, psychologists are regulated healthcare professionals who often specialize in areas such as psychological testing and complex mental health issues.

Counsellors provide emotional support and guidance for a broad range of life experiences and concerns. The term "counsellor" can refer to various professionals with different levels of education, training, and regulation, depending on their designation and location.

The most important factor in choosing a mental health professional is to find someone whose training, experience, approach, and personality resonate with you. Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, safety, and respect is a vital part of the healing process.

Resources & Support | Inner Core Psychotherapy in Ottawa and Online Across Ontario

Helpful mental health, crisis, and community resources to support you when you need additional care

Emergency and Crisis Support

If you need urgent help, support is available.

Immediate Support & Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate support, these resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National Suicide Crisis Line

The Mental Health Crisis Line

Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region

Youth Services Bureau (Walk-in Clinic)

Hope For Wellness Helpline (Indigenous peoples across Canada)

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

Fem'aide

Community Resources

Local organizations and services that provide additional support, connection, and community-based care.

Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario

ConnexOntario

Community and Social Supports in Ontario

Ottawa Walk-In Community Clinic

Kind Space

MAX Ottawa

Rideauwood Addiction And Family Services

Community Legal Services Of Ottawa

Jewish Family Services Ottawa

Bereaved Families of Ontario

Champlain Healthline

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization

The journey's better when we carry it together.

Start your healing journey with Inner Core Psychotherapy. Book online or contact us to learn more about how we can support you.