Question 1

What kind of services can registered social workers provide?

Accepted Answer

In Canada, social work services are provincially regulated – in Ontario this is through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) under the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (www.ocswssw.org). As a Registered social worker (RSW) with a Masters Degree (MSW), I am trained to provide  the controlled act of psychotherapy. I do not diagnose or prescribe medications but can certainly help you connect with a professional who does, if you feel it would be helpful.

Question 2

Are social work services covered by Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance plans will cover psychotherapy by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) – please review your policy carefully. My services are not insured through OHIP. Psychological services are considered a health expense and may be deductible on your income tax.

Question 3

Can I meet with you in-person?

Accepted Answer

My services are virtual-only for Ontario residents. The secure video platform I use is called  Owl Practice. Once you are booked, I will send instructions on how to create your client profile and connect to each session. If you would like to learn more about Owl Practice please visit https://owlpractice.ca/

Question 4

What is online/virtual therapy?

Accepted Answer

Online/virtual therapy is the process of engaging in psychotherapy through the use of some form of technology, such as; video conferencing and/or telephone call.

Question 5

Why choose online/virtual therapy?

Accepted Answer

Virtual therapy has become more common following the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained popular for several reasons. Clients can:  - Enjoy sessions from the comfort of a chosen, confidential space - Save time on travel to/from appointments - Save money on parking/public transportation - Schedule sessions more easily within their existing routines - Choose from a wider range of mental health professionals – not limited by physical location

Question 6

What do I need to participate in online/virtual therapy?

Accepted Answer

To get the most out of virtual therapy, you will need a reliable internet connection and computer, tablet, or mobile phone with webcam and microphone. It is also very important to have a confidential space where you feel at ease. I recommend using a device hands-free so that you can relax during our session and take notes, if you wish!

Question 7

Can you see clients anywhere in Canada?

Accepted Answer

No. As a registrant in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, I am licenced to work with residents of Ontario only.

Question 8

What are your fees? Do you offer sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

My individual therapy fee is $185/50 minute session. Parent consultation is $210/50 minute session. At this time, I do not offer sliding scale fees.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Fees must be paid immediately after each session by e-transfer to r.orsini.sw@gmail.com or by credit card. You can securely upload your credit card details in the client portal and I will manually charge it after each session and issue your official receipt. Instructions on how to set up your client portal will be sent once we have booked our first session.

Question 10

What can I expect from a therapy session with you?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes. During our first meeting I will gather some background information about you and guide the session with questions that will help me understand your history and needs so we can create your treatment plan. Please do not worry if you are not sure what to talk about or focus on – that will be my job! Follow-up sessions will focus on addressing your areas of concern and collaborating on/reviewing between-session ‘homework’.

Question 11

How many sessions will I need? How often should we meet?

Accepted Answer

The length and frequency of therapy always depends on your specific challenges, goals, and resources. This is something we will talk about during our first session. In general, I recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions at the beginning of therapy so that we can make a plan and build some momentum, with sessions being further spaced out once you feel ready. Scheduling and finances are common barriers to therapy.

Question 12

My employer/insurance is requesting documentation from a mental health professional – can you provide this kind of service?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I recommend clients begin by discussing their situation with their Primary Care Provider (eg Family Doctor) as I am unable to provide diagnostic or prognostic information as a registered social worker. With written consent, I am happy to provide brief letters of support that indicate the general reason for therapy, dates and length of sessions, and clinical impression, based on my scope of practice, and complete any accompanying forms that may be required. Fees for documentation services are pro-rated based on my individual therapy fee.

REBECCA ORSINI MSW, RSW COUNSELLING SERVICES, ONTARIO

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of services can registered social workers offer?

Are social work services covered by Insurance?

Can I meet with you in-person?

What is online/virtual therapy?

Why choose online/virtual therapy?

What do I need to participate in online/virtual therapy?

Can you see clients anywhere in Canada?

What are your fees? Do you offer sliding scale?

What payment methods do you accept?

What can I expect from a therapy session?

My employer/insurance is requesting documentation from a mental health professional – can you provide this kind of service?

I’m looking for help with an issue that isn’t listed on your website – what can I do?

Can we talk before I decide if I'd like to work with you?

I’m ready to book! How can I prepare for my first virtual session?

What is your cancellation policy?