How do I book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is quick and easy at Waterloo Psychology Group (WPG). Simply call our main line (226-476-0276) and speak with our office administrator, or email us at info@waterloopsychologygroup.com. Our office administrator will ask a few simple questions to match you with the psychologist that best suits your needs. We can also answer questions related to billing and insurance, or any other questions that you may have. If you have a particular psychologist in mind that you would like to work with, please let us know when you call in and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
How much does each therapy session cost?
Our standard fee is $225 per hourly session, which is below the recommended hourly rate suggested by the Ontario Psychological Association. We accept most forms of payment, including cash, cheque, debit, and credit (Visa and MasterCard).
Please note that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover psychological services that are offered through private practice. However, many of our services will be covered by your workplace benefits. The amount of benefit varies with each plan, so it would be helpful to check with your specific provider to determine the amount of coverage you have for each session and the total amount of coverage you have for each benefit or calendar year. At the end of each session, you will receive a receipt that includes the psychologist’s certificate number, the service provided, and the amount paid and this receipt can be submitted to your insurance company for re-imbursement.
Please note that WPG does not bill your insurance company directly. Any fees that are not covered by insurance can be claimed as a medical expense on your annual income tax return.
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment costs vary depending on the type of assessment that you are seeking (e.g., Psychological (Diagnostic), Neuropsychological, Psychoeducational, Medical-Legal, or Insurance). Our hourly rate for assessments is lower than the recommended rate set by the Ontario Psychological Association. If you are seeking an assessment, please contact our office administrator at 226-476-0276, who can review the assessment process, costs, and answer any questions you may have.
Can I use my student benefits for therapy?
Yes, the student benefit plans at both Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo provide some coverage to work with psychologists in private practice. Below is a summary of coverage that is available to undergraduate and graduate students at each institution.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Undergraduate Students - 80% coverage per visit up to a maximum of $800 per benefit year. Click here for plan details
Graduate Students - $30 per visit up to a maximum of $500 per policy year. Click here for plan details
University of Waterloo
Undergraduate Students - 80% coverage per visit to a maximum of $400 per calendar year. Please note a physician referral is required to receive benefit. Click here for plan details
Graduate Students - 80% coverage per visit to a maximum of $400 per calendar year. Please note a physician referral is required to receive this benefit. Click here for plan details
Do I need a referral?
While we certainly do accept referrals from physicians, lawyers, occupational therapists, and other health professionals, a referral is not needed to initiate services at our clinic. If you are interested in assessment or therapy services, please contact us directly and we will be happy to schedule an initial appointment and answer any questions you may have.
What is “evidence-based” therapy?
Evidence-based therapy, also known as evidence-based practice, includes any therapy that has been researched and has peer-reviewed scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. The American Psychological Association (APA) considers evidence-based therapy to be best practice and the preferred approach for psychological treatment. The goal of evidence-based therapy is to promote the practice of safe and effective psychological treatment, as these therapies have been carefully researched and numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that they effectively reduce psychological symptoms and improve quality of life for sustained periods of time. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most established and heavily researched psychological treatments and has been found to be effective for a wide range of psychological problems. The psychologists at WPG are well-trained in the delivery of CBT and many other evidence-based therapies (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapies). Our psychologists have received extensive training as mental health clinicians, as well as scientists, and we are all committed to providing services that are supported by the most current scientific evidence that is available.
Why see a registered psychologist?
Our psychologists have completed advanced graduate training in psychology and are registered as clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and/or neuropsychologists with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Psychologists specialize in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological conditions and to become a psychologist, one must complete extensive clinical training, as well as coursework in diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and ethics. Psychologists who have received their PhD also complete extensive research requirements in the form of a dissertation, which is beneficial for advancing the practice of evidence-based treatment (that is, treatment that has been researched and found to be effective). When psychologists register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, they must complete at least one year of supervised practice, two sets of written examinations, and an oral examination before being granted the privilege to practice autonomously in Ontario.
The psychologists at WPG are trained to assess and diagnose a wide range of psychological disorders. We use psychometric measures to aid in assessment and treatment planning. Our primary theoretical background is in the delivery of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and related evidence-based interventions to treat a wide variety of conditions affecting mental health and wellbeing.
Psychologists differ from other counselling professions in many ways, including extensiveness of training, college registration, scope of practice, and ability to diagnose. We encourage our clients to research differences between counselling professions before deciding which training model best suits your need. Also, please do not hesitate to ask your therapist about their training and expertise. It is important to us that you feel confident in your therapist’s approach and training quality.
What should I expect for my first appointment?
The first appointment is more of a “get to know you” type of session. The goal of the first appointment is for the psychologist to understand your current concern(s), review our clinic’s policies, and determine whether the services that we provide will be a good fit for your current needs. You will work collaboratively with the psychologist and will have the opportunity to explain your history and current concerns. The psychologist may also ask some questions about problems that people sometimes report experiencing or may ask you to complete some brief symptom measures. All of this information will be used to inform a treatment plan that is tailored for your specific needs. If the psychologist believes the services that we provide are a good fit for your current needs, then you and the psychologist will establish treatment goals and an overview of treatment will be provided. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask, as the psychologist would be happy to answer your questions at any time during your initial appointment.
Is there free parking?
Yes, free 2-hour parking is available in easily accessible city lots (Station Lot and Waterloo Town Square North and South Lots) very near to our clinic. The specific location of these lots is provided in the map below.
Our logo = Waterloo Psychology Group (22 King St South, Unit 401)
P1 = Station Lot (free 2 hour parking)
P2 = Waterloo Town Square North Lot (free 2 hour parking)
P3 = Waterloo Town Square South Lot (free 2 hour parking)