Policies
Fees And Sessions
Session Fee
The fee for a 50-minute session is $275.
This rate applies to new clients and to returning clients who have not had a session in the past six months. If we have worked together within the past six months, your existing rate continues unless we have discussed a change.
Cancellations
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged in full.
Letters And Reports
Time spent preparing requested letters and reports is billed at my usual hourly rate.
Coverage And Tax Receipts
OHIP
My private-practice psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP.
Private Insurance
Some extended health benefit plans reimburse services provided by a Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist. Coverage varies by plan.
Before your first session, contact your insurer to confirm which provider designation it covers, any annual limits, referral requirements, and the claim process.
Medical Expense Tax Credit
The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes social workers and registered psychotherapists as authorized medical practitioners in Ontario for medical expense tax credit purposes.
Eligible expenses that have not been reimbursed may qualify for a medical expense tax credit, subject to CRA rules and your individual circumstances. Keep your receipts and consult the CRA or a qualified tax professional if you need advice about your claim.
Privacy And Confidentiality
I collect, use, retain, and disclose personal health information only as needed to provide and administer services, in accordance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), and my professional obligations as a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist. I protect records using appropriate safeguards and retain and securely dispose of them according to legal and professional requirements.
Information shared in therapy is confidential and is disclosed only with consent or when permitted or required by law. Detailed information about confidentiality and its limits is provided through my intake and informed-consent process.
You may request access to or correction of your personal health information, or raise a privacy concern, by emailing me@michellefischler.ca to arrange a secure way to communicate. Please do not include personal health information in your initial email. You may also contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Administrative Questions
For administrative questions about fees or policies, email me@michellefischler.ca. Please do not include private health information in a general email.