New Perspectives Psychology
Questions
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How do I make an appointment at New Perspectives Psychology?
Please phone 416-500-4411, or email drshecter@nppsychology.com to make an appointment.
Does my youth need a doctor referral?
A referral from your family doctor is not needed, however, always welcomed. Many clients refer themselves or their family member. However, your insurance provider may require a doctor referral prior to your first appointment, so please inquire ahead of time.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
The initial session at New Perspectives Psychology is used to get to know you or your family. This typically involves information gathering to help obtain a better understanding of your concerns.
If your child is under the age of 12, parents are recommended to attend the first appointment alone. This provides an opportunity for parents to get to know their child's clinician, and to speak freely while describing their concerns and goals. At the end of the session, treatment options will be discussed, and together a treatment plan will be developed. This treatment plan will review the interventions that will be used, and provide some structure in regards to the number and frequency of sessions.
Do I need to attend the session with my youth?
That is completely up to you and your youth. Sometimes it is recommended for you to be present in the session, other times your youth may wish for you to attend. For elementary school-aged children, it is beneficial for parents to be available during treatment to share how things are progressing at home and discuss strategies worked on in session that may be useful for you to review and practice with your child at home or school. Many adolescents may prefer to meet individually. In these cases, it will be discussed with your adolescent how to best involve you in treatment.
Are services at New Perspectives Psychology confidential?
All personal information a client discloses will be treated with great care and respect. Anything shared over the course of treatment will be kept strictly confidential and will not be released without the client's consent (or that of a legal representative/guardian). There are, however, certain circumstances where it may be required by law to break confidentiality for safety reasons. These include:
1. If client's records are subpoenaed by a court order.
2. If there is any reason to believe that a client is at serious and imminent risk of physically harming him/herself or another person. This usually means telling others about the threat, for example, the police or a parent.
3. If there is any reason to believes that a youth has been, or will be, abused or neglected, it is required to report this to authorities.
4. If there is any reason to believe that a youth has been sexually abused by another regulated health professional, it is required to report this to his/her governing body.
5. If the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) requests access to a therapist's files for the purposes of assuring quality of care, we are obligated to allow them that access. The CPO is bound by its own strict confidentiality rules.
These limits of confidentiality will be reviewed at the first appointment and an opportunity for any questions will be provided. A client will also be asked to sign a form consenting to these limits.