Virtual Therapy

Effectiveness of Online Therapy

Psychological services delivered online and virtual counselling options have increased in popularity in recent years. However, nothing has accelerated the need more for online services than the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary research conducted suggests that both video and phone therapy services can be effective. In our experience, we have found it to be effective for many people. We find that the patients we see for online therapy in Ontario often opt for a hybrid model, which allows for a mix of both in person therapy at our Brampton or Toronto location and online therapy sessions.

There are drawbacks and limitations (e.g., limited observation of non-verbal behaviours, especially with phone/VOIP services) as well as benefits (e.g., time savings, convenience). You can read more about the reasons you might want to do virtual therapy here.

Ultimately, fit is an important consideration before proceeding with online therapy services in Ontario. In our practice, both phone/VOIP and video therapy options are available and online therapy for Ontario. In other words, we are able to see anyone who lives in Ontario if the service is for virtual psychological or neuropsychological services.

Security Features

We know that security of information is a concern, and rightly so. We take provisions to minimize security risks for both voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) and video sessions, as we use a Virtual Private Network for VOIP sessions and a platform with end-to-end encryption for our video sessions. Our security features are outlined in more detail within our clinic documentation.

Please feel free to contact us if you have specific questions about our online therapy and assessment services. We’d be happy to answer any questions. Prior to your first online appointment with us, you will receive details about our security and confidentiality protocol. If you live in Ontario and opt for online therapy with us, you will receive detailed information about our online process as well as the risks/benefits of online therapy services should you wish to review this.

Online Assessment

We have taken measures to increase our capacity for providing online assessments, while paying attention to security and process.  At the present time, we are able to do intake assessments, WSIB CMHP assessments as well as some personality, psychodiagnostic and other assessments online. Our psychological or neuropsychological assessments are available for anyone in Ontario, or in person assessments in Toronto or Brampton are also possible.

While the above noted assessments might be possible to deliver online, we have have to review the suitability of online assessment on a case-by-case basis. For example, some of the measures we select for your particular assessment might not be available securely. Furthermore, if you require special assistance during testing, a virtual assessment may not be ideal. We encourage you to contact us regarding your particular situation.