Choosing a Counsellor
Choosing a counsellor you feel comfortable with can take time and effort, but it is an important investment in your overall health..
We hope that this guide will give you some ideas and options to consider when you're looking for a counsellor.
The first step is to decide on the type of counsellor you want. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, counsellors and some physicians all use the word "counselling" to describe their work. No one type of counsellor is best for everyone. Some will feel like a better fit than others.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with special training in counselling, and they usually need a referral from your doctor. Your doctor may also be a trained counsellor. Only psychiatrists and medical doctors can prescribe medications. These fees are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Psychologists are trained counsellors who are not medical doctors, so their fees are not usually covered by OHIP, but some private insurance plans may pay all or part of their fees.
Social workers are also trained counsellors who are often associated with social service agencies, although some work independently. Private insurance plans may pay all or part of their fees.
Therapist and Counsellor are generic names that refer to someone who practices many different kinds of counselling. Very few private insurance plans will cover their fees. They may be trained in a particular kind of counselling, or may have developed expertise on their own.
Here are some other things to consider that might play a part in your decision:
- Check your health insurance plan. Is counselling (or therapy, psychological services) covered under your plan? If so, what is covered, and for how long? What percentage of the fee is covered?
- Think about whom you'd feel most comfortable talking to. Is it important to you to have a counsellor of the same sex? same sexual orientation? same racial/ethnic/cultural background?
When you've made some decisions, it's time to find some names. Check with your local AIDS Service Organization, your hospital or HIV clinic, or your doctor. They may offer counselling themselves, or be able to refer you to a counsellor.
Once you have the names of a few counsellors, call them to let them know you would like to see them for an initial interview. These interviews should be free of charge. Don't hesitate to ask about fees over the phone, and whether she has a 'sliding scale'. (Psychiatrists' fees are covered by OHIP, but some may want you to pay for other tasks, such as writing letters or filling out forms).
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During your interview with the counsellor, ask him to describe, in plain language, the kind of counselling he practices. For instance, not all physicians take the same approach to counselling. Some will give you clear direction about how to deal with your problems and concerns; others will simply guide you with questions or comments. Some will concentrate on your dreams, others on your
childhood - there are many different techniques. You'll find the same variety among psychologists, doctors, social workers, therapists/counsellors. Each approach works for some people, but again, some will feel like a better fit for you.
- What background and experience does she have? Does she have any special training in HIV issues? Does the counsellor receive regular clinical supervision? Ask if she is a member of a professional association.
These may seem like challenging, almost rude, questions. But in Ontario, anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist - and there is no single governing body which legislates the activities of counsellors. So it's very important to make sure you are satisfied with his qualifications. If the counsellor is threatened by your questions, then this is not the person for you.
- What is the counsellor's cancellation policy - will you be billed for missed appointments if you have to cancel at the last minute? If your insurance company pays on your behalf, will the counsellor bill it directly?
You should expect that the counsellor will answer your questions without becoming defensive. Be wary of any counsellor who claims that his or her method of counselling is the only valid one.
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A counsellor should never encourage you to be her friend. As much as you may grow to like your counsellor, the relationship should remain professional at all times. Sexual advances by any counsellor is harassment and an abuse of the client/counsellor relationship. It should be reported to the counsellor's professional association, if he belongs to one.
See below for the colleges that regulate your counsellor - only counsellors who are members of these bodies can be disciplined by them.
| Profession |  | Governing Body |
| Psychiatrist | | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (416) 961-1711 |
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| Psychologist | | Ontario Psychological Association (416) 961-5552 |
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| Social Worker | | Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers (416) 923-4848 Ontario College of certified Social Workers (416) 923-7875 |
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| Nurse | | Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (416) 599-1925 |