Psychotherapist: Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) hold a masters degree in psychology or a related field of study. They must then have at minimum 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision to qualify for the title in Ontario. In Ontario to provide independent psychotherapy services they are to have completed 1,000 direct client contact hours and 150 hours of clinical supervision and adhering to the guidelines set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) while successfully passing an entry to practice exam.

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Social Worker: Social workers must have completed a Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree (BSW or MSW) which includes practicum placements. Regulated by the same college are social service workers who may also provide psychotherapy. Social service workers must have a social service work diploma. In private practice, hospitals, community health centres etc., those providing psychotherapy from this college are most likely to be MSWs. Because psychotherapy training is not a mandatory part of social work and social service work education, a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) who provides psychotherapy must be thoroughly trained in biopsychosocial and psychotherapy theories and models. 

Psychologist: Psychologists in Ontario are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). They hold doctoral degrees in psychology. They require a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised clinical practice and must pass intense written and oral examination in order to become registered. They can provide therapy, assessments, and engage in research or teaching.

Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists in Ontario are medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. In addition to completing the requirements to become a physician, have done additional residencies in psychiatry. Regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), they diagnose and treat mental disorders, prescribe medication, and offer comprehensive mental health care. Not all psychiatrists have received extensive training in psychotherapy, and not all offer this service. Of all of the professionals listed, this is the only professional who is covered by OHIP.

Every individual’s journey and goals are different and so the amount of time required to achieve those can vary. The complexity of your goals and objectives in therapy in addition to the severity of the issues you are working on will factor into the number of sessions that might be needed. Our best answer is to say that you should continue to seek therapy as long as you and your therapist feel there is a need and that you feel therapy is having a positive impact in your life.

Our hourly sessions last a total of 50 minutes. Prior to your first session be sure to complete and submit your consent form, this will allow your therapist to be prepared and will not take away from your session time.

Registered psychotherapists in Ontario do not have the appropriate credentials to provide formal diagnoses of mental disorders. Diagnosing mental disorders is generally the role of licensed professionals such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. Psychotherapists focus on therapy and counseling rather than formal diagnosis. 

At this time, no. You will have to submit your receipts for reimbursement. After you have completed a therapy session you will be sent a receipt which will be stored in your account and a copy will also be sent to your email.

We require 24 hours notice for all cancelled or rescheduled sessions. Without proper notice you will be charged the full fee for your appointment.  If you need to change your appointment please call us or send us an email.

In the event of an emergency or crisis, Stephanie Fuller Psychotherapy and Counselling reserves the right to waive the cancellation fee on a case by case basis.

A key part of any treatment plan is to work within an interdisciplinary team, consulting with your other healthcare providers with your permission for a more comprehensive approach. This will be discussed in your first session and on-going as needed.