How do I start therapy with Anchor & Bloom?
The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. We talk about what is happening, what you want therapy to help with, and whether the fit feels right. There is no obligation after the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Plain answers to common questions.
The questions below come up often in consultations. If yours is not here, ask in the consultation or write to info@anchorbloom.co.
Starting therapy
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to see a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario.
How do I pick which clinician to work with?
You can read about Katelyn, Daniella, Julia, and Natalie on their bios. Julia also offers care in Russian and Ukrainian, and Natalie works with children from age 5, youth, and families, including trauma and addiction. If you are unsure, mention what you are bringing in the consultation request and we will help you decide. Many clients work with whichever clinician has availability that fits.
What can I expect in the first session?
A real conversation. We talk about what is happening now, what you have already tried, and what you hope therapy can help with. You ask questions about how the clinician works. The first session is not about diagnosing or starting deep work. It is about whether you want to keep going.
About the clinicians
What is a Registered Psychotherapist?
A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is a regulated mental health professional in Ontario, licensed by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). RPs hold a Master's-level education in counselling or psychotherapy, complete clinical training hours, and meet ongoing professional standards.
What is the difference between RP and RP (Qualifying)?
A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) has completed all CRPO requirements and is authorized for independent practice. A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is registered with CRPO and is completing the remaining requirements toward full registration. Both are bound by the same regulatory standards and professional conduct expectations.
How is an RP different from a psychologist or social worker?
Psychologists in Ontario are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and can perform formal psychological assessments and diagnoses. Social workers are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Registered Psychotherapists focus on psychotherapy as their primary practice. Most extended health benefit plans cover all three professions, though specifics vary. If your plan only names a psychologist, read what that wording means.
Sessions and platform
Are sessions online or in person?
Sessions are available online across Ontario through Jane, a Canadian-built, PHIPA-compliant platform. In-person appointments are available in Mississauga by appointment when clinically appropriate and available. The office is staffed during published hours. Clients still need to book. It is not a walk-in clinic.
How long are sessions?
Individual sessions are usually 50 minutes. Couples sessions are 50 or 80 minutes.
How often will we meet?
Weekly is the most common frequency for the first 6 to 12 weeks. Many clients shift to biweekly as patterns settle. You set the pace with your clinician.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on what you are bringing. Short-term work can be 6 to 12 sessions. Longer work for trauma or relationship patterns often runs 6 to 12 months or more. We talk about pacing throughout.
Where do I have to be during a session?
Somewhere private where you can talk freely. Most clients are at home. Sessions in a parked car, an empty office, or a quiet outdoor space are also common.
Fees, insurance, and payment
How much do sessions cost?
Individual sessions are $160 to $180. Couples sessions are $200 (50 minutes) or $290 (80 minutes). Fees are subject to change with notice.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The 15-minute consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Most extended health benefit plans in Canada cover services from a Registered Psychotherapist. Coverage varies by employer and plan. Confirm with your insurer before booking. Katelyn can direct bill many TELUS eClaims plans. Jane receipts are provided otherwise. See the insurance and claims page for plan-by-plan details, HSA notes, and the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
Is psychotherapy covered by OHIP?
Psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice is not covered by OHIP. Most extended health benefits plans through employers do cover RP services.
Do I have to pay HST on therapy?
No. As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapy and counselling therapy services in Canada are exempt from GST/HST under Bill C-59. Anchor & Bloom does not charge HST on therapy sessions.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced fees?
On a limited basis, yes. If the standard fee is a barrier, say so when you book and we will tell you what is available. Students are usually accommodated. Spaces are limited, so it depends on what is open at the time. If nothing is, the Canadian Mental Health Association and local community health centres in Ontario maintain lists of subsidized counselling options.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations require at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee. This policy is shared in your client paperwork before the first session.
Privacy and confidentiality
What is PHIPA?
Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) is the law that governs how health information is collected, used, stored, and shared in Ontario. Registered Psychotherapists and the platforms they use are required to comply with PHIPA.
Is what I share in session confidential?
Yes, with a small number of legal exceptions outlined in your consent paperwork. These include risk of imminent harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, and court-ordered disclosure. Your clinician reviews these with you before sessions begin.
Where are my records kept?
Clinical records are kept securely in Jane, a Canadian, PHIPA-compliant platform.
Crisis and safety
What if I am in crisis?
Anchor & Bloom is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to midnight ET). Call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call the Distress Centre of Greater Toronto at 416-408-4357. Or go to your nearest emergency department.
What if I am unsafe at home?
Call the Assaulted Women's Helpline at 1-866-863-0511. For immediate danger, call 911.
Who Anchor & Bloom is and is not for
Do you offer therapy in Russian or Ukrainian?
Yes, with Julia Malynka. She offers care in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, online across Ontario. Katelyn, Daniella, and Natalie offer care in English. Read the language page for details.
Who is the practice a good fit for?
Adults 18 and over, teens working with Julia, children from age 5 and families working with Natalie, and couples. We work most often with people navigating anxiety, trauma, attachment and relationship patterns, ADHD and neurodivergence, 2SLGBTQIA+ identity and life, fertility and postpartum, and significant life transitions.
Who is the practice not the right fit for?
Children under 5. Clients in acute crisis or needing higher levels of care, including psychiatric hospitalization. Clients seeking psychological assessment, formal diagnosis, or medication management. We are happy to point you toward the right kind of help if we are not the right fit.
Do you treat addictions?
Addiction is one of the areas Natalie Besharat works with, and she is a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor. That certification is separate from her CRPO registration. If addiction is part of what you are bringing, the consultation is the right place to talk about whether we can support it or whether a specialist referral is the better path.
Still have questions?
The 15-minute consultation is the easiest way to ask anything specific.