Most parents do not start looking for a therapist because everything is neatly understood. Usually, something has shifted. Your child may seem more worried, more withdrawn, quicker to anger, or simply less like themselves. You know something deserves attention, even if you are not sure what to call it yet.
Then the practical questions arrive. Who is qualified to help? Will you be part of the sessions? What stays private? How much does it cost? It can feel like a lot to sort through while you are already worried.
You do not need to diagnose the concern before making an inquiry. These ten questions can help you understand the person, the service, and what the first few steps may look like.
1. What does the therapist’s title actually mean?
In Ontario, Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) are regulated titles. You can verify a clinician’s registration and current status through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario public register.
The word “therapist” on its own does not tell you which profession or regulator is involved. It is completely reasonable to ask for the person’s exact title and registration number. A clear answer should make you feel more informed, not awkward for asking.
2. Does this therapist work with children my child’s age?
“Children and youth” can cover a wide range, and not every therapist works with every age. Ask for a specific minimum age and whether the clinician’s experience fits the developmental stage and concern you are bringing.
At Anchor & Bloom, Natalie Besharat, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO #23041, works with children from age 5, youth, adults, and families. She does not see children under 5.
3. Is this therapy, an assessment, or a diagnosis?
These services can sit beside each other, but they are not interchangeable. Booking psychotherapy does not automatically include psychological testing or a diagnosis. If you are looking for documentation for school, medication, or a formal assessment, say that early so you are not sent down the wrong path.
Natalie provides psychotherapy. She does not provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, or medication. If an assessment or another type of service is needed, ask the clinician what an appropriate referral could look like.
4. How will I be involved as a parent or caregiver?
There is no single arrangement that fits every child or family. Age, capacity, consent, privacy, the reason for seeking therapy, and the clinician’s judgment can all affect how sessions are structured.
You can ask whether the first conversation includes a parent, when joint or family sessions may make sense, and how general updates will be handled. You are not asking to control the room. You are trying to understand your role before trusting someone with a person you love.
5. What will stay private?
Confidentiality is a core responsibility for Registered Psychotherapists. The CRPO Professional Practice Standards require clinicians to explain confidentiality and its legal limits.
Privacy and consent for a child are more nuanced than one simple age rule. Capacity and the circumstances of the care can affect who makes decisions about personal health information. Ask how the therapist balances a young person’s privacy with family involvement and safety. Do not assume that every detail will automatically be shared, or that parents will be kept completely outside the process.
6. What happens in the first conversation?
A brief consultation is usually a place for practical questions and an initial conversation about fit. It is not a diagnosis, a full assessment, a treatment plan, or a crisis appointment.
You can begin with what you have noticed: a change in mood or behaviour, school stress, bigger feelings, family tension, or something else that has become harder lately. “I am not sure what is going on, but this is what I am seeing” is a perfectly useful place to start.
7. Can appointments be in person, online, or by phone?
Ask about the specific clinician rather than the practice in general. Different people in the same clinic may offer different formats, locations, or schedules.
Natalie offers virtual, telephone, and in-person appointments in Mississauga. A free 15-minute consultation is available virtually or by phone.
8. What will it cost, and how long is a session?
Ask for both pieces. A fee without the session length does not tell you very much, and family appointments may be longer or priced differently from individual sessions.
With Natalie, individual psychotherapy is $160 for 50 minutes. Family therapy is $220 for 50 minutes or $300 for 80 minutes. The 15-minute consultation is free.
9. Will my benefits cover it?
Coverage depends on the plan, the clinician’s exact credential, and the service being claimed. Before the first paid appointment, ask your insurer whether services from a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) are eligible and whether a referral is required.
A receipt does not guarantee reimbursement. If you can, get the answer directly from your insurer and keep a copy. Our insurance and claims guide has the exact questions worth asking before you book.
10. What happens if this is not the right fit?
A consultation should leave room for an honest answer. Sometimes the most responsible response is that another professional, assessment, program, or level of care would fit better. That is useful information, even when it is not the answer you hoped to hear.
Anchor & Bloom is not a crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In Canada, call or text 9-8-8 for suicide crisis support at any time.
You can begin without having it all figured out
Choosing support for your child is not a test of whether you ask the perfect questions. The goal is to know who you are meeting, what they offer, and whether the next step feels clear enough to take.
You can read about child and youth therapy at Anchor & Bloom, review Natalie Besharat’s credentials and areas of support, or book her free 15-minute virtual consultation through Jane. If you are still unsure what to choose, the consultation is a good place to ask.
This article provides general information for Ontario families. Consent, privacy, clinical fit, and family involvement depend on the individual circumstances and should be discussed directly with the treating clinician.