Question 1

What kind of services can registered social workers offer?

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/(https://owlpractice.ca/)

Question 4

What is online/virtual therapy?

Accepted Answer

Online, or, 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 comfortable. It is ideal to use a device hands-free so that you can relax during our session and even 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?

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’.

It is important to me that your treatment plan is centered on your personal goals and that we work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I often tell clients that therapy should feel challenging yet manageable!

Question 11

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.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It is very important to me that clients are well-matched with a therapist who is competent in their area of need. If you are struggling with something that falls outside of my skill set, I will do my best to refer you to alternative services that are a better fit, whenever possible.

If you would like to learn more about my clinical experience, training, and areas of practice, please ask! I am always happy to set up a free consult call to discuss.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Yes! A strong therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is essentialand my approach and style will not be for everyone. I do my best to help clients connect with other resources in the event that I am not the right fit.

Please email me a phone number where you can be reached and we can schedule a quick chat.These calls are free and usually take between 10-15 minutes and are a great opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether we would work well together.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

I look forward to working with you! Once you have settled into a comfortable and confidential space, please ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in and your internet is stable. It is also helpful to check that your microphone and webcam are working properly.

The videoconferencing platform I use is called OWL Practice – if you are new to this platform, you will need to have a client portal set up. Instructions on how to create a profile will be sent to you once you have booked an initial session. Users report that OWL video calls work best using Chrome as your web browser so having this installed is also strongly recommended.

Upon booking your first session, I will send a short intake form to complete as well as my consent form to review and sign. These documents are important to submit before we start our work together so that you fully understand what to expect and can clarify any questions or concerns you might have.

If we are having technical difficulties, I will call the phone number you’ve provided in your intake form so that we can troubleshoot together.

Question 15

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Clients are asked to kindly reach out within 48 hours of their appointment to cancel or change their session - late cancellations and changes are subject to my full fee.

REBECCA ORSINI MSW, RSW COUNSELLING SERVICES, ONTARIO

Frequently Asked Questions