CBM PSYCHOLOGICAL & COUNSELLING SERVICES

WHAT TO EXPECT AT CBM

What to Expect: Therapy & Treatment Services

Starting therapy can feel unfamiliar. Our goal is to make the process clear, supportive, and easy to navigate from start to finish. 

Below is a simple overview of what to expect when working with our team.

Step 1: Reach Out

You can contact us by phone or email, or submit a request through our website.

You may:

• • Ask to be matched with a therapist, or

  • Request a specific therapist from our team

  • a doctor's referral is not required

Step 2: We Match You With the Right Clinician

We will help match you with a therapist based on:

• • Your concerns

  • Availability

  • Preferences, when possible

Once matched, we will schedule your first appointment.

Step 3: Sign up wtih our Client Portal & Complete Intake Forms

Before your first session, you will set up an account with our client portal and complete secure intake forms and questionnaires online.  These set up your file and billing and help your therapist understand your concerns and goals.

Step 4: Your Sessions Begin

• A therapy hour is typically 50 - 60 mintues long but could laso extend to 90 minutes for couples or family therapy.

• Sessions are collaborative and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Billing & Payment Overview

• • Direct billing to insurance providers is available where applicable

  • A credit card is kept on file as a backup payment method

  • E-Transfer is also available

  • If direct billing is not possible or is partially covered, any remaining balance will be discussed with you

  • Receipts are provided for all services.

What to Expect: Psychological Assessment Services

• Psychological assessments help answer specific questions about learning, attention, memory, emotional functioning, or overall development. 

• Below is a simple overview of what to expect when working with our team.

Step 1: Reach Out

• Contact us by phone, email, or through our website to let us know you are interested in an assessment.

Step 2: Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation

We offer a free 15-minute phone consult to:

• • Understand your questions and concerns

  • Discuss whether an assessment is appropriate

  • Review the general process, timelines, and fees

  • Answer initial questions

This helps ensure the assessment is the right fit before moving forward.

Step 3: Scheduling Appointments

If you decide to proceed, we will schedule:

• • A video intake and feedback session, (with parents, when applicable)

  • In-Person testing sessions, scheduled over one or more appointments

We'll review scheduling options and timelines with you in advance

Step 4: Intake Forms, Deposit & MHS Questionnaires

To confirm your sessions:

• • Secure intake forms and questionnaires are completed online

  • A two-hour deposit is collected to confirm appointments

  • You will then be sent MHS questionnaire links by email

Step 5: Attend Assessment Sessions

Virtual Intake Session

• • For younger children, the intake is done virtually with parents.

  • Older children may:
    -  join their parents, or
    -  complete their own intake (virtual or in person during testing).

In-Person Testing Sessions

• • Each session is about 2 to 3 hours.

  • Testing is usually spread over 2 or more sessions.

  • Adults may complete testing in one longer session.

  • Younger children may need up to 4 sessions.

Virtual Testing Sessions

• typically for adult mental health assessments, scheduled in advance as needed

Assessment Length

• • Full assessments usually involve 6 to 8 hours of testing.

  • Gifted or clinical assessments (such as anxiety or mood concerns) take less time.

Breaks & Timing

• • A 15-minute break is built into each session.

  • Extra breaks can be taken if needed.

  • Some sessions may run slightly over, so please allow 15 to 30 minutes of extra time.

Comfort During Testing

To support comfort and best performance:

• Bring snacks, drinks, and a comfort item if helpful.

• Parents may stay in the room for very young or anxious children.

• Otherwise, parents are asked to drop off and return at the break or end.

• Frenchman’s Bay and Pickering Town Centre are nearby.

• Adults are encouraged to take breaks as needed

How to Prepare

• • No studying needed.

  • Focus on a calm evening, good sleep, and regular routines the week before.

Step 6: Feedback and Report

After testing is complete, we review the results and prepare a comprehensive written report. Approximately two to three weeks later:

• A virtual feedback session is scheduled to review findings and recommendations

• Time is provided to ask questions and discuss next steps

Billing & Payment Overview

• • Assessment fees are billed in stages as the assessment progresses

  • Fees are commonly invoiced in $500 increments to support insurance reimbursement

  • Payment is due at the time of service unless arranged in advance

  • Direct billing is available where applicable

  • A credit card is required on file as a backup payment method

  • Payment plans can be arranged in advance

  • Receipts are provided for all services