Policies

Confidentiality:

All discussions within your therapy sessions are kept strictly confidential and may not be shared with another party without your consent, unless required by law. I will hold all client information in strict confidence and comply with the confidentiality ethics according to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Worker.

https://www.ocswssw.org/wp-content/uploads/10-Principle-V-Confidentiality.pdf

Exceptions to confidentiality includes but are not limited to the following: duty to report any risk to self, or others, or if a file is subpoenaed by law.  In cases where a risk to self or others is identified, it is my duty to contact either the police or the Children’s Aid Society. 

Appointments:

Initial appointments are 90 minutes in length and follow up appointments are 50-60m in length.  If we go over time, the fee will reflect an extended session. 

Cancellation and Rescheduling:

 I understand that plans can change unexpectedly. However, to manage my schedule effectively and accommodate all clients fairly, I kindly request that you notify me at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Please be aware that cancellations made less than 24 hours before your scheduled session will incur a cancellation fee of $25 of the session cost. This fee compensates for the time that had been set aside specifically for you. 

No Show:

If you do not show for your appointment, you will be charged for ½ of the session fee, $90 for initial assessment, and $65 for follow up appointments. 

Payments & Fees:

 ​Fees are in accordance with the recommended fee range for social workers in private practice established by the Ontario Association of Social Workers http://www.oasw.org/. Clinical services provided by a social worker are HST exempt.

​Private social work counselling services are not covered by OHIP. However, there are extended health care companies who offer full or partial coverage for mental health services when administered by a registered social worker. Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine coverage prior to our first meeting. Susie Hamilton Counselling & Psychotherapy is a recognized billing provider through Non-Insured Health Benefits Indigenous Services Canada, WSIB, Greenshield and direct billing available through Telus escripts to many insurance providers (i.e. Manulife, Canada Life). follow up session will not be scheduled until payment is made.  Lack of payment will result in termination of counselling.

Record keeping, accessing, retention and destruction policy:

Session and intake records are kept electronically, and will only be accessed myself, and only released with written permission by the client. Session and intake records are retained for 10 years after the last interaction.  All paper notes are shredded and disposed of with a confidential shredding company. 

Emergencies:

If you are in crisis at any time, please go to the nearest hospital emergency department to seek help or call 911 to seek for immediate assistance. Please do not email, text, or try to connect through social media for urgent care from me as I am not always available.  You may also try Crisis Response at 807-346-8282.