FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
and other general information
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
As a registered social worker, Cassandra is bound to the college to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards, meaning that any information shared is kept private and secure.
Ex: No one can call and find out you are a client without written consent from you the client.
More details are discussed within the consent to service agreement.
IS IT SECURE?
Privacy and security are extremely important for online therapy, which is why we use Noustalk, a private/confidential video conferencing service and personal data storage platform that has an encrypted connection and is PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant.
IS THERAPY COVERED UNDER INSURANCE?
Most Insurance Plans/ Extended Benefits cover a Register Social Worker (MSW, RSW) or Psychotherapist. To determine your eligibility and approved rates of coverage please contact your HR department or your insurance company directly. (Many companies now offer this information on apps so you can view all your benefits at a glance)
Such companies as Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Green Shield Canada, Blue Cross, Manulife, Ceridian, Optima, and ChoiceCare may include coverage as part of extended employee benefits.
Also, as of 2012 psychotherapy services provided by registered social workers are now recognized as an income tax deductible medical expense by Revenue Canada. You will be provided with a receipt which you can claim come tax time!
Services are not covered under OHIP at this time.
CANCELLATIONS
As with industry standards, I require 24 hours or more notice for cancelled appointments. An email will suffice.
A missed scheduled appointment without notice will be billed the full rate.
HOW DO I PAY FOR ONLINE SESSIONS, HOW DOES IT WORK?
Payments can be made securely through the Noustalk encrypted platform prior to our sessions. You can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, and Debit.
Noustalk can also be used to pay for telephone sessions as payment will be required at the time of service.
Receipts will be provided for your records via email, and can be submitted for your insurance or taxes to claim.
WHAT IF I WANT TO STOP COUNSELLING?
Great question! As our counselling services are completely voluntary you have the right to withdraw from services for any reason.
If it is due to financial concern please feel free to connect and we can discuss your options.
If it is due to other personal reasons or you don't feel it is the right time then we can talk about it, or you can simply send an email requesting your withdrawal from service.
Have a question that we didn't answer here? Contact us today, we’d be happy to help.
PRIVACY POLICY
Cassandra Crawford Therapy is committed to providing professional and ethical services in accordance with OCSWSSW guidelines. With regard to collecting, using and disclosing personal information responsibly and only to the extent necessary for the services provided.
Data collected or obtained including personal health information is for the main purpose of providing therapy.
What is Personal Health Information?
Personal health information is data about an identifiable individual. Personal health information includes: • the physical or mental health of the individual (including family health history); • the provision of health care to the individual (including identifying the individual’s health care provider); • a plan of service under the Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994; • payments or eligibility for health care or coverage for health care; • the individual’s health number; or • the identification of the individual’s substitute decision-maker.
We may also collect information about a client’s health history, including their family history, physical condition and function and social situation in order to help assess health needs and to advise clients of their options. A second primary purpose is to obtain a baseline of health and social information so that in providing ongoing health services we can manage needs accordingly. More detail on how information is regulated can be found on the OCSWSSW website.
Do You Have Questions or Concerns? Contact our Information Officer Cassandra Crawford by clicking on the Get In Touch box or the link below. She will attempt to answer any questions or concerns you might have. If you wish to make a formal complaint about our privacy practices, you may make it in writing to our Information Officer via email. She will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, and ensure that it is investigated promptly and that you are provided with a formal decision and reasons in writing.
You also have the right to complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you have concerns about our privacy practices or how your personal health information has been handled, by contacting: Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8 Telephone: Toronto Area (416/local 905): (416) 326-3333 Long Distance: 1 (800) 387-0073 (within Ontario) TDD/TTY: (416) 325-7539 FAX: (416) 325-9195 www.ipc.on.ca
This policy is made under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3.