A clinical psychologist is a registered professional. In Ontario, psychologists are required to complete a doctoral degree as well as an additional year after their doctorate in a supervised practice setting (supervised by a registered psychologist in the areas they wish to practice in once licensed). In addition to these requirements, one is also expected to pass three exams (jurisprudence/ethics, Examination of Professional Psychology Practice (EPPP) and an oral exam with a panel of registered psychologists) in order to register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and consultation regarding psychopathology, behavioural change, personality and general psychological health.

Dr. Chattha has competencies in clinical and rehabilitation psychology. She is also qualified to see both adults and adolescents. She has had clinical experience in various mental health settings (e.g., anxiety and depression services, critical care/trauma, inpatient/outpatient mental health), but also in rehabilitation settings (e.g., neurospinal injury, community services for workplace accident trauma, services for accident benefit claimants). If you or your health care practitioner feel you might benefit from a psychological assessment or therapy, Dr. Chattha would be happy to meet with you. It is important that we discuss your service needs prior to booking an appointment to ensure we provide services for what you are looking for. Dr. Chattha also is an approved provider with Blue Cross (insurance for military personnel, RCMP, first responders) and WSIB. While Dr. Chattha is also able to work with Motor-Vehicle Accident (MVA) claimants, we are not taking new MVA referrals at the present time.

Dr. Chattha first reviews the privacy policy and procedures at the clinic with you before proceeding. Following this, Dr. Chattha collects information and assesses the nature of the difficulties you are experiencing. This typically involves asking you questions about your symptoms, but also getting background information in order to better provide a context to your symptoms. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires at this session. Following this first appointment, Dr. Chattha reviews the information collected and derives a treatment plan. This treatment plan is flexible, however, and can change if your presentation and circumstances change (e.g., new stressors, medication change, motivational issues). But, having a framework for treatment can give you a clearer idea of what you will be working towards with Dr. Chattha. It is important that you feel comfortable and informed about your treatment, in order for it to be effective and meaningful for you. Dr. Chattha actively encourages you to express any concerns or questions not only at your first visit, but at anytime over the course of treatment. Dr. Chattha is committed to supporting your efforts and collaborating with you to make meaningful changes in your life.

Many individuals though work or school have extended health plans that cover psychological services or services delivered by a registered psychologist, which are the services that Dr. Chattha provides. The extent of services covered depends upon the type of plan you have purchased. Direct billing is possible for some insurance providers (normally via the Telus Portal) and details about which insurance companies allow direct billing by psychologists can be found here: https://www.telus.com/en/health/health-professionals/allied-healthcare-professionals/eclaims/faq

We also provide direct billing for Green Shield and Blue Cross. 

Assessments vary in length depending on the referral question and purpose of assessment. General private intakes are about 1.5 hours in length, while therapy sessions are about 45-50 minutes long. After a therapy session, the remaining 10-15 minutes of the hour are needed to complete progress notes for the session and administrative duties pertaining to your case (e.g., documentation).

The information your provide is kept confidential, but there are some limitations which include but are not limited to: 1) you provide information that a child is being abused or neglected, 2) you indicate that you intend to harm yourself or someone else, 3) you indicate that you have been abused by a regulated health professional, 4) a court of law provides a subpoena or court order for you clinical records, 5) an audit of clinical files is required by a licensing body (e.g., The College of Psychologists of Ontario) to review Dr. Chattha’s record keeping practices. Further details regarding limits of confidentiality are provided in our privacy policy.

Of course, unforeseen circumstances sometimes arise and you may not be able to attend your scheduled appointment. We just ask to be provided a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to your appointment, so that we can try to book someone else into your slot (such as those waiting for a cancellation) and to avoid unnecessary charges to your account. Missed appointments without sufficient notice are charged for the regular session fee. If repeated cancellations are made, readiness or need for service will be re-evaluated.

Unfortunately, sessions are not covered by your provincial health plan (OHIP), but should you (or, in some cases, your spouse or parent) have workplace benefits your sessions may be partially or fully reimbursed. However, you would need to contact your insurance provider directly for details regarding reimbursement (e.g., amount, requirements for reimbursement). Sometimes insurance providers have different stipulations regarding referrals, receipts/invoices, services for you to receive reimbursement and we encourage you to become aware of these specifics and inform us so that we can help provide the information you need, if we are able. Please contact us by phone (905-455-7082) or e-mail (info@cpsych.ca) for more details about fees. Fees will depend upon the nature and length of the service required. For individuals with financial challenges, a sliding scale fee may be available. At the end of every appointment, an invoice and receipt will be made out to you. Payment is made at the end of every session by either cash, cheque or credit card. Teletherapy (video or phone) is paid for via credit card.