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What to Expect from Your First Online Therapy Session

Oct 16, 2024

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What to Expect from Your First Online Therapy Session at Resilience Centre in Ontario

Making the decision to start therapy can feel like a big step, and when it’s online therapy, you might have a few extra questions. Let's break it down and take some of the mystery (and anxiety) out of your first online therapy session. Here's what you can expect, from the initial consultation to follow-up, and we'll even touch on pricing, insurance, and some region-specific rules.


The Process of Online Therapy

Let's walk you through what to expect, step by step:


  1. Choosing Your Therapist and Reaching Out


  • Once you've decided to start online therapy, directories like Psychology Today can be a great place to explore available therapist options. Platforms like this allow you to search with filters of therapists that offer online therapy, are currently taking new clients, as well as what concerns the therapist specializes in.

  • It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what professional category of therapy they cover (psychotherapist, psychologist, etc), as this will help you search for one that meets their requirements.

  • You can then reach out to your chosen therapist by email or phone to move forward. Most therapists provide a complimentary 20 min initial consultation to answer any questions you may have, as well as to meet to see if you would be a good fit. It is up to you if you would like to schedule this first, or jump straight into scheduling your first intake therapy session (see more information about this below).



  1. Initial Consultation *Optional

This brief video or phone consultation will give you a chance to meet your therapist, ask any questions you have, as well as to determine if you would be a good fit.

  • Ask Questions: Prepare any questions you have about the therapist's approach, their experience, or the therapy process itself. This helps build rapport and ensures you're comfortable with the therapist's methods.

  • Evaluate Compatibility: Be open to the idea that you might need to try a few therapists to find the right fit. It's important that you feel comfortable and understood by your therapist.


  1. Setting Up Your Tech and Consent Forms

Before your intake session, your therapist will provide some instructions on how to join the video or phone call as well as what paperwork needs to be submitted prior to your intake session.

  • Device: All you will need is a stable internet connection, a quiet private space where you feel comfortable, and a device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone). Your therapist will send you information as to how to login to your account and join your therapy session. It's a good idea to test out the platform beforehand to ensure everything is working smoothly.

  • Forms: Ensure you have submitted required forms (often an intake form and service agreement) prior to your session. Often these forms are sent and submitted electronically.


  1. Your First Session: Intake

The intake session generally is 50-75 minutes long, depending on the therapist you work with. It is a chance for the therapist to get to know an overview of your life, this includes information about important relationships, family of origin, mental health history, lifestyle behaviours, and key past life events. This session will also be a chance to set goals for subsequent therapy sessions.

  • Be Prepared to Share: Being open and honest can facilitate a more productive conversation.

  • Know Your Limits: You don’t have to share everything in the first session. It’s okay to take your time and disclose information at your own pace.

  • Set Clear Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in therapy. Identifying specific goals or issues can help guide your sessions and make the process more effective.


Pricing and Insurance

Many online therapists offer a range of pricing options based on their qualifications, experience, and the length of sessions. For example, typical fees in Canada range from $90 to $250 per session, depending on the therapist's expertise. When it comes to insurance, many insurance providers in Canada cover counselling and psychotherapy (which can be delivered in-person or online). It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what they cover, paying close attention to the different professional categories (psychotherapist, psychologist etc).


Some therapists also offer sliding scale fees based on your income, so don't hesitate to ask about flexible payment options. This ensures that therapy remains affordable for everyone, no matter their financial situation.


Do You Need a Therapist from Your Own Province?


In most provinces in Canada, regulations require that you work with a therapist who is licensed to practice in your province. This is mainly to ensure that therapists adhere to the local laws and regulations regarding mental health care. Here’s a quick breakdown:


  • Ontario: Therapists must be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

  • British Columbia: Clients need to work with a therapist registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

  • Alberta: Therapists must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).

  • Quebec: You will need a therapist who is registered with the Order of Psychologists of Quebec (OPQ).

  • Manitoba: Therapists should be registered with the Psychological Association of Manitoba (PAM).

  • Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador: Each of these provinces has its own licensing bodies, so make sure your therapist is registered with the relevant provincial organization.


Why does this matter?  Psychotherapy is a regulated profession, meaning that specific education, training, and continued licensing is required to work as a therapist. Specific rules and guidelines for their province to offer the best possible care and ensure your privacy and rights are protected. Luckily, many provinces make it easy to find therapists online who are licensed in your area.


Final Thoughts


Your first online therapy session is a chance to take control of your mental health from the comfort of your own home. From setting up the initial consultation to working out the details of pricing and insurance, online therapy offers a convenient and accessible option for people all across Canada.


If you have concerns about technical issues, don’t worry—therapists are flexible and accustomed to making virtual therapy work smoothly. And remember, in most provinces, you'll need to find a therapist licensed in your province, so be sure to check before you book. Online therapy is growing in popularity for a reason: it's a flexible, effective way to take care of your mental health.



Oct 16, 2024

4 min read

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Additional Support Resources
 

The Resilience Centre Online Psychotherapy is not a crisis centre and the team is not available 24/7
If you are in danger or an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1

 

If you are in distress and need immediate support, please contact:​

The Suicide Crisis Help line: 9-8-8

London Mental Health Crisis Service: 519-433-2023 

Ottawa Distress Line: 613-238-3311

Ontario Mental Health Helpline (call, chat, email): 1-866-531-2600

Kid’s Help Phone (5-20 years old): 1-800-668-6868

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