Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Acorn & Anchor's Therapeutic Approach?
Our therapists take a relational, trauma-informed approach that emphasizes early attachment experiences. We know that conventional therapeutic methods can be ineffective (or even harmful) when rigidly applied to our unique client population. That’s why we personalize therapy for each individual, integrating elements of Polyvagal theory, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Cognitive and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT & CBT), Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Mindfulness. These methods are brought to life through talk therapy, play-based techniques, creative arts, movement, and our unique, trademarked, Brain Animals model.
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At AATC, we want to ensure that you have the best, most effective therapy possible!
In alignment with our catered-to-you (your child/teen) approach, we provide regular, consistent times for ongoing sessions from the start, a regular comfortable space to meet - whether in-person or online, and we take the time to build a therapeutic relationship with each unique individual we see. These elements are so important to successful therapy!
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Getting Started
Do I need a physician’s referral?
No, a professional referral is not required. However, we do welcome referrals from healthcare providers, educators, and other professionals. To make a referral or if you have questions, click on the contact button on our website. Please provide a brief description of the support you’re looking for. Some insurance companies may require a referral from a physician on record in order to provide coverage - Please check with your policy provider.
How do I know which therapist is the right fit?
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming! Our Client Care Coordinator can help match you with a therapist based on your needs and preferences. You can use our contact form for more information!
If you already have someone in mind from our team page, feel free to mention their name in your contact form, we will let you know their availability!
Once you have been matched, our Client Care Coordinator will guide you through setting up your secure account on Owl Practice, our secure, private, practice management platform (see below for more info) and arranging bookings. You will be offered support every step of the way!
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What about ​Ongoing Bookings?
Our booking process ensures that your therapist is consistently available to you, and that there is no conflict with room- bookings at our busy centre. In order to provide the best care possible we will always, tentatively, pre-book ongoing weekly sessions so that you and your therapist can get to know each other, build trust, and create more cohesiveness in sessions (so that deeper work can be more accessible in a timely manner). We will do our best to accommodate any barriers to attending weekly sessions right away and before your intake appointment so that this is transparent and you are fully informed!
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You may also ALWAYS discuss your session bookings with your therapist and any barriers that may arise in time.
Our comprehensive cancellation policy allows you to cancel or reschedule sessions in advance if needed (with 48 hours notice), or in the case of emergencies, so there is no pressure on you if things come up at some point!
If there are ever other issues with your bookings, the room you are booked in, or the therapist match, we are happy to help!
For more info about the value of regular sessions click on the link below.
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More about "the right FIT":
We understand that it can be challenging to address issues with "fit" directly with a therapist, and we are here to help! All of our therapists are in agreement that if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can contact our Client Care Coordinator to let us know. There is NO judgement on you or the therapist at the Centre because the right fit is so very important!
​What are your Service Fees?
Ongoing, weekly Psychotherapy Session fees:
Fees at the Centre range between $175.00 - $250.00 per 50 minute session (according to type of session and therapist session rate). *Some therapists may have openings for sliding scale requests or biweekly sessions if appropriate, so please ask about this when you contact us.
Initial Intake Session Fee:
*All of our client intake session fees are $275.00 for a 60 minute initial appointment at the Centre. Intake sessions provide a more in-depth understanding for you regarding what you can expect from therapy at Acorn & Anchor, are an ideal opportunity to provide you with immediate support, strategies, some relief from stress, and to ensure that you feel heard, seen, and understood.
Additionally, it is an opportunity to collaborate on a clear plan for ongoing work together with you and/or your child/youth.
Can I Use my Extended Health Insurance Coverage?
Psychotherapy services at Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre (AATC) are covered by most extended health insurance benefits and the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). We provide receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider* and for tax purposes. Our providers are either Registered Social Workers with a Master's degree in Social Work, & Psychotherapists (Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers), or they are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as an RP or RP Qualifying (Registered Psychotherapist). We encourage you to check if your benefits cover Registered Social Workers (RSW or MSW)/Psychotherapists or Registered Psychotherapists (RP or RP(Q)) to be sure.
Each therapists credentials are noted on our Team page and their profile at- https://www.acornandanchor.com/team
Service Fees are discussed in more detail below.
As noted, if any issues arise for you during the intake session, or you feel unsure on the fit of the therapist, please feel free to contact the Client Care Coordinator (as outlined below, because “fit” is of utmost importance!). We will provide you with another match with an available therapist. The Initial Intake Fee will not be applied to any further meetings with therapists, only the regular session fee - we want to be sure that we get it right!
*Please note that AATC does not facilitate direct billing and is not responsible for ensuring insurance eligibility or reimbursement.
Please be sure to inquire about fees for specific therapists, or any options for reduced fees for service, or lower cost support services at the Centre if finance is a barrier or concern.
Sliding scale sessions are first offered to current, weekly clients experiencing unexpected hardship. If a sliding scale is not immediately available to you, you may be offered a spot on our waitlist for sliding scale options, low cost Support Services while you wait, or Psychotherapy services from an experienced and fully trained intern at our lowest-cost-possible-fee.
Fees for additional services outside of sessions are outlined prior to provision of service, and will never be charged without explicit agreement and consent.
​Do you provide couples or family therapy?
Yes! Check out our team page to find out which therapists are currently accepting new couples or families.
Do you offer psychological evaluations or educational assessments?
Acorn & Anchor clients can be referred to our on-site psychologist for assessments. Please reach out to your or your child’s therapist to explore this option.
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Should I pursue a psychological assessment?
Assessments can be helpful in securing school supports (e.g. accommodations, assistive technology) and guiding your therapist’s approach. A diagnosis can also help reduce shame, enhance self-understanding, and improve family dynamics.
Our Online Service Platform - Owl Practice
Owl Practice is your all-in-one portal to make payments, view receipts, complete forms, track appointments, communicate with your therapist, and access virtual sessions (if applicable). Owl's platform is Canadian based and is built with, and compliant with, Canadian Privacy Laws in mind.
Note: Because of this, your payment details are never visible to us. Payments are only processed following a session. If you have been unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, let your therapist know ASAP to discuss and/or adjust the charge if appropriate.
For clients under 18, residing with a parent or caregiver, or if a parent is the payor for sessions, both the client and their parent/caregiver will have individual Owl accounts. When possible, we recommend that your child use their own email to maintain confidentiality. If they don’t have one, their account will send notifications to the caregiver’s email.
All clients over the age of 10 will receive the initial set of forms to complete prior to their intake session. They will also be provided their own unique sign on code and password for their individual account once they have met their therapist.
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Ongoing Sessions
Session/ Therapist Availability?
While therapist availability varies, we offer sessions seven days a week. Weekend and after-school slots tend to fill up quickly. We will match you with someone who does offer the time you request, however, as existing clients receive priority for these busy times, we recommend accepting the first session time offered - even if it’s not your first choice and you will be prioritized for your preferred time as soon as it is available with your therapist.​
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Virtual or In-Person - Which is Best?
Most therapists offer in-person, virtual, or a combination/hybrid of these as options. We create connection, rapport, and relationship by starting with 4-6 in-person sessions whenever possible. If coming for in-person sessions is a barrier to you, we will provide virtual sessions from the start. For clients under 12, we generally encourage the continuation of in-person, weekly sessions, to support consistency, routine, working memory, and continued learning. Of course, you may discuss any issues that may impede this and we will do our best to accommodate specific needs where possible.
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Child and Youth Therapy and Services
What if my child doesn’t want to attend therapy?
Therapy can feel intimidating to your child. We suggest attending the intake session together, so your child can meet their therapist and demystify unknowns or preconceived notions about attending therapy. Therapy works best when a child is engaged - so it can’t be forced. In these situations, our therapists may work directly with parents/caregivers until your child is ready. If your child later expresses curiosity, they are always welcome to join sessions or work with the therapist (or another) individually.
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What can I know about my child’s therapy sessions?
We believe every client has the right to a safe space for self-expression - regardless of age. Unless your child consents to sharing information, or there is a legal / safety concern (e.g. risk of harm), their therapist will not share specific session details.
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Do you encourage Parent Involvement?
Yes! With younger kids, we recommend regular check-in’s and parent sessions every 6 weeks or so. We also may invite the family as a whole at times so we can offer strategies and support as needed (our family therapists can also provide ongoing Couple’s and Family sessions). The child will be informed and we will ensure that they are comfortable with any options involving their care here.
We must also consider various other factors such as your child’s biological and developmental age, and legal obligations of referring to outside professionals when addressing areas of consent for the child.
Note: If a parent / caregiver would like to pursue their own therapy or regular family sessions, we may recommend working with a different therapist at AATC. We believe that every person deserves to have a dedicated therapist who they can trust and feel safe with!
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What else can you provide to parents, and/or caregivers?
We provide ongoing therapy, psychoeducation, and parenting support to parents and caregivers. Parent-focused workshops and family programs are also offered throughout the year.
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What about Diverse Families Structures?
At AATC, we understand that families come in many forms and value the involvement of all caregivers in a child’s therapy. We are as flexible as possible in how we meet the unique needs of each family.
In families with separate parental homes and in keeping with the guidelines from the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), we require the informed consent of all legal guardians, unless there is a specific finalized custodial agreement stating that one parent has the decision making rights for the child*.
*We will require a copy of this finalized court-order for our records in order to proceed with therapy of any minor, under 18, in court based custody arrangements.
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Other Services
As noted, Acorn & Anchor Interns offer client services such as support between sessions, ADHD support, and, as approved, are able to provide reduced fee therapy sessions. Ask us about our interns and support services!
Acorn & Anchor therapists and interns do not provide home/parenting capacity assessments or letters with recommendations for legal proceedings in family court.
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Other requested services are considered on a case-by-case basis.