Frequently asked questions.

We know you likely have questions about Hope Harbour Centre and how to get started! Here are some common ones that we get asked but feel free to contact us if you have ones not covered here.

You can also schedule a free 15-minute Meet and Greet to learn more about us and how we can support you!

What type of therapy do you provide?

Our Psychotherapists have been trained in various types of therapy, with the use of CBT, DBT, Emotional Focus Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Couple Work and Solution Focus Therapy, to name a few. We do have a special interest in working with those struggling with

  • Trauma Recovery

  • Survivors of sex trafficking

  • Families of incarcerated

  • Abuse

  • ADHD

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Grief and Life Transitions

  • Insomnia

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

  • Compassion Fatigue

  • Secondary Trauma and Burn Out

  • Parenting and Family Issues

  • Work and Life-Related Stress

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can book an appointment to meet with Pamela, our Clinical Director, either by video or by phone through our secure online site at https://hopeharbour.janeapp.com. You will receive an email with Hope Harbour’s policy documents and a questionnaire. To provide you with the best experience, please complete these documents before your initial consultation meeting. This initial consultation which will take no longer than 15 minutes of your time, helps Pamela determine which of our Team will best meet your needs or refer you to someone who would be a better fit.

What happens in the first session?

At your first session, we want to hear more about you and what brought you to reach out for support. Your therapist/coach will ask about your current concerns, symptoms you’re experiencing (if appropriate), some history and health questions.  This meeting is designed to gather as much information as necessary to help your therapist/coach make the best recommendations for you.  We will also discuss your counselling options, goals and answer any questions you may have. 

What is Measurement-Based Care?

Measurement-based care (MBC) systematically evaluates a client’s symptoms before, during and after psychotherapy. Using evidence-based assessment tools helps to identify the extent of the symptoms and problems. This helps the client and therapist to create a unique treatment plan. Regularly tracking progress leads to better client engagement, improved communication and reduced outcome bias in therapy.

In other words, Measurement-Based Care is when a therapist asks a person questions about how they are feeling before, during, and after therapy to create a special plan that will help them feel better, and they keep checking to make sure it's working.

MBC is not used for diagnosis or intended to substitute for clinical judgement or replace a therapist’s decision-making method. Instead, it supplements and supports the traditional process with additional objective information.

Do you provide low-cost counselling?

Yes! Our Interns provide services at a lower cost under the close supervision of Pamela Young, who has many years of experience in psychotherapy and working with clients of all ages. She can meet with you first and determine if your needs are suited to each Intern’s background and experience. Once you begin working with your Intern Therapist, Pamela will help to facilitate your therapy to ensure that your needs are being met and progress is made through regular discussions with your Therapist and occasional observation of your sessions.

Pamela’s primary aim is to provide high-quality service to Hope Harbour clients, which includes high standards of ethics and confidentiality, which are always maintained. As part of her commitment to providing excellent services, she wants to look for learning experiences for newer Psychotherapists to help them develop professionally. As such, the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) utilizes a learning model that encourages Intern Therapists to observe and contribute to client sessions with experienced Psychotherapists. We appreciate your willingness to consider providing consent for an Intern Therapist to work with you. In return, you will have a lower fee and, under Pamela’s supervision, provide the Intern with an important part of completing the qualifications towards registration for independent practice.

Do I need a referral from a Doctor?

No. You don’t need a referral, and OHIP does not cover us.

Do you do direct billing with insurance companies?

Yes! We may be able to deal directly with your insurer.  If you have insurance coverage, please email info@hopeharbourcentre.com to see if we can do direct billing with your insurance provider. If not, you are required to pay the full fee at the time of your session.  You will receive an official receipt to submit to your insurance company for the designated reimbursement. 

I have another question that is not answered here!

Sure! We know that finding a good fit is important! Please fill out the form below with your question, and we will get back to you with an answer. Thanks!