Virtual Therapy FAQs
It’s normal to have a lot of questions before starting therapy. We’ve put together answers about our fees, confidentiality, and what you can expect, so you can feel at ease before booking. If something’s still on your mind, reach out. We’re happy to talk it through.
Getting Started
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to book virtual therapy with a registered psychotherapist at Luceris. You’re welcome to reach out and book directly whenever you’re ready.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?
At Luceris, we offer individual therapy for adults and teens, parenting support, and couples therapy. If you’re working through something personal, one-on-one therapy is a natural starting point; if the concern involves your family or your relationship, parenting or couples therapy may be a better fit.
We can help you determine the best starting point during intake. From there, your care is tailored to you: your therapist may draw on evidence-based approaches, but treatment evolves as you and your therapist build a relationship, set goals, and adapt to your needs over time.
What happens during the free 15-minute consultation?
This brief call is a chance to share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a feel for whether Luceris is the right fit. There’s no obligation. It’s simply an opportunity to connect before you commit to booking a full session.
What should I expect in my first full session?
Your first full session gives your therapist a chance to get to know you. You can bring up your current concerns, history, relationships, work or school, family, health, and any past experience with therapy. This helps them see the bigger picture: your strengths, values, and support system.
Your therapist will guide the conversation at a comfortable pace and create space for you to share openly. Together, you’ll start identifying your goals, laying the foundation for a personalized treatment plan that can evolve over time.
How often should I attend therapy?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, as meeting consistently helps build momentum and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. As you make progress, sessions can become less frequent. The right schedule depends on your goals, the concerns you’re working through, and what fits your life, which you and your therapist will decide together.
How long will I need therapy?
There isn’t a set timeline. Some people come for a handful of sessions to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth or ongoing support. Your therapist will regularly review your goals with you, so your treatment continues to meet your needs.
Is virtual therapy appropriate if I'm in crisis?
Virtual therapy is appropriate for many mental health concerns, but it isn’t a crisis service. If you’re experiencing an emergency or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right level of care, we’re happy to discuss your situation during a consultation.
Fees and Insurance
What are the fees for virtual therapy and length of sessions?
Individual therapy sessions are $180 for 50 minutes. Couples and parenting sessions are $250 for 75 minutes.
Are you covered by OHIP?
OHIP only covers psychotherapy provided by a medical doctor in publicly funded settings like hospitals and community health centres. Private practice sessions with registered psychotherapists, psychologists, or social workers aren’t covered, so private insurance, employer benefits, or out-of-pocket payment apply instead.
For free, publicly funded care outside a hospital setting, the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program offers no-cost treatment for mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
Does my insurance cover psychotherapy?
Many extended health benefit plans in Ontario include coverage for psychotherapy, though details vary by provider and plan. We recommend confirming directly with your insurer to check which professionals are covered, your annual maximum, and whether a referral is required.
Payment is due at the time of your appointment, and Luceris provides receipts you can submit for reimbursement where eligible. If you’re not sure what your plan covers, our team is happy to help you understand what to check before your first appointment.
Do you offer receipts for insurance reimbursement?
Yes. After each appointment, we’ll email you an itemized receipt you can submit to your benefits plan for reimbursement. Copies are also securely kept in your client record, so if you ever need a past receipt, just let us know and we’ll help retrieve it.
Virtual Sessions and Technology
What platform do you use, and is it secure?
We use Jane, a Canadian-based practice management platform built specifically for healthcare providers. Jane is designed to meet Ontario’s health privacy standards (PHIPA), with encrypted video sessions to keep your information secure. Joining a session is simple — you just click a secure link, with no separate app or account needed.
What do I need on my end (device, internet, private space)?
For video sessions, you’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where you can speak without being overheard.
If video isn’t the right fit for you, due to internet limitations, privacy concerns, or personal preference, we also offer phone therapy sessions as an alternative. Either way, the most important thing is having a space where you feel comfortable and able to speak freely.
Can I do virtual therapy from anywhere in Ontario?
Yes. Luceris is a fully virtual clinic, so you can join sessions online or by phone from anywhere in Ontario. We also offer evening and weekend appointments, so therapy can fit around your schedule.
Confidentiality and Credentials
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential and protected under Ontario’s health privacy legislation and professional standards of conduct. Your therapist will not disclose information about your sessions without your consent, except in specific circumstances required by law.
What are the legal exceptions to confidentiality?
There are a small number of situations where a therapist is legally required to break confidentiality, including if there’s a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, or if records are required by court order. Your therapist will explain these exceptions in more detail before you begin treatment.
Are Luceris psychotherapist(s) registered with the CRPO?
Yes. Our therapist holds a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) designation, the CRPO-protected title in Ontario, meaning they’ve met the province’s required education, training, and ethical standards to practice.
Policies
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unexpected situations can arise and schedules may change. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less notice, or missed altogether, are charged the full session fee. This protects appointment times so we can offer them to other clients who may be waiting for care. For genuine emergencies, a grace period may be offered at our discretion. If you have questions or an exceptional circumstance comes up, just reach out to our team.
Can I switch session times or frequency later?
Yes, your schedule can adjust as your needs change. Your next appointment can be booked at the end of each session, giving you and your therapist a chance to decide what frequency makes sense going forward.
Some clients need more frequent sessions at the start, and space them out as they progress. You can also manage appointments yourself through your secure client portal, or reach out by email if you need help.
Still have questions?
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and it’s okay if you still have questions. If there’s anything we haven’t answered here, we’re happy to help.