Choosing a Clinician

Yes. All clinicians at the practice are licensed professionals. That is, they are governed by a regulatory body that sets ethical and professional standards that must be adhered to. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Social Workers are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Within any profession, individuals range with regard to their focus and experience. At Garden City Psychology, clinicians all have experience and training working with clients with a wide range of concerns, including more complex, severe challenges and diagnoses. Each clinician has certain areas of focus, and reading their biographies (see the Our Team section) will help you to find a clinician whose area of focus matches your concerns. Our administrative team will also provide suggestions when you call the office with regard to who is the best fit. In some cases a psychologist may be a better fit, but in others a social worker or psychotherapist may have more specific experience with the presenting concern.

Absolutely. All of our clinicians work with a range of presenting concerns, from daily stressors to addressing symptoms related to severe mental health diagnoses.

This is discouraged. The therapeutic relationship that is created can be key to progress. If a client feels that the clinician they are working with is not a good fit (whether that is a psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist), we will do our best to offer a different clinician if one is available. If Garden City Psychology has recommended that you see a clinician who is a social worker or psychotherapist, it is because that clinician has the training and expertise to provide the services required.

Yes. Psychologists at Garden City Psychology all have doctorate degrees (a Ph.D. or Psy.D.).   Psychotherapists and Social Workers have a Master’s Degree in their field.

Yes. All three professions provide psychotherapy. However, only psychologists are able to make/communicate a diagnosis. They also receive extensive training related to completing diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments.

Yes. Social workers and psychotherapists charge $175/50-minute session at Garden City Psychology. Psychologists charge $225/50-minute session.

Psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers do not prescribe medication. Medication is prescribed by psychiatrists, family doctors, and, in the case of children, pediatricians. Our professionals regularly consult with appropriate medical personnel if a medication consultation appears beneficial to their client (e.g. sending a letter outlining symptoms to the client’s family doctor and requesting a medication review), but are not able to prescribe medication or recommend a specific course of action related to medication or supplements.

Garden City Psychology is not able to provide emergency services. Existing clients who call during office hours, and let the administrative team know they are struggling, will be seen by their clinician as soon as possible.

• Coast: 866-550-5205
• Distress Centre Niagara:
  • • St. Catharines 905-688-3711
    • Grimsby & West Lincoln 905-563-6674
    • Port Colborne, Wainfeet 905-734-1212
    • Fort Erie 905-382-0689
• Pathstone Crisis and Support Line (Children and Adolescents) 800-263-4944
• Kids Help Phone (Children and Adolescents) 800-668-6868; text 686868