FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my family physician to see a psychologist?

No. While referrals from family physicians are welcome, individuals wishing to consult a psychologist can simply call The Sunnylea Centre to make an inquiry over the phone or schedule an appointment.

Does OHIP cover psychologists’ fees?

No. Unfortunately, services offered by psychologists are not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health care insurance plans, which you may have through work, often reimburse psychologists’ fees.

When should a student be referred for a psycho-educational assessment?

The following are some signs that a student might benefit from an assessment:

  • Struggling to keep up academically
  • Difficulty grasping certain subjects at school
  • Constantly bored in class
  • Does well in some subjects but poorly in other subjects
  • Teachers or parents reporting that the student is “not working to his/her potential”
  • History of academic struggle even though the student studies and works hard
  • Difficulty paying attention and sitting still in class

I’ve never had mental health services before. What should I expect?

Once you’ve made the difficult decision to get the mental health service you need, please call our office and leave a message, or email us. Our Intake Coordinator will call you back within 1 to 3 business days. On the phone, you and the intake coordinator will discuss your concerns and decide whether the Sunnylea Centre can appropriately address these concerns. If the Sunnylea Centre is a good fit and if we have availability, we will make an appointment for your first session. At the first session, the psychologist or social worker will ask a lot of questions in order to fully understand and assess your concerns. Once the psychologist/social worker has thoroughly assessed the problem, recommendations will be made about treatment options; you will be able to make a fully informed decision about your therapy.

Can I call your clinic in a crisis?

If you are experiencing a crisis, please go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Our clinic does not have a crisis line, and our staff are not immediately available in an emergency or crisis.

Do you prescribe medication for mental health disorders?

No. We do not have physicians or psychiatrists on staff at our clinic. 

For your convenience, we offer evening and weekend appointments, in addition to regular business hours.