1. Intake Form

This is the first step in the intake process for psychotherapy services at Best Behaviour.
Upon receipt and review of the completed intake form, we will follow up with you to share an update regarding available services and answer any questions you may have about our services or psychotherapy.

2. Discovery Call

If you decide that you would like to register for psychotherapy services, your completed intake form will be passed on to one of our psychotherapists. They will schedule a 15-minute discovery call to further discuss psychotherapy, availability, and answer any questions you may have.
The intake forms are also used to create our wait list, in the event that we are unable to meet your service request at this time.

3. Registration Form

A Psychotherapy Registration Form will be shared with you. If a Medical Alert Form is applicable, that would be completed as well. Both of these forms can be completed electronically. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about these forms, or help you complete them over the phone.
Once your registration form has been completed, your file will be shared with you and members of our senior team.

4. Initial Assessment Intake Meeting

Your psychotherapist will review your registration form and reach out to schedule an intake meeting, which is the first step of your initial assessment.
During the intake meeting, the goal is to get to know each other and put together a customized service plan. It is a chance for us to meet and identify next steps regarding assessments and therapy goals.
Intake meeting minutes and a consent form will also be completed at this time.

5. Initial Assessment Sessions

After the intake meeting, appointments for any initial assessments that need to be completed will be scheduled by the psychotherapist. The results will be summarized and a service plan will be prepared.
Your service will be written up and shared in a meeting with the psychotherapist. The purpose of this meeting is to review the assessment results and therapy goals (typically prior to starting sessions but it may also possible to work on it as sessions get started).
Once we've received consent to go forward with the plan, sessions can begin.

6. Begin Services

The psychotherapist will begin sessions, as outlined in the service plan. Session length and durations may change as service progresses.
At the end of service, a transition report will be shared in a meeting with the psychotherapist. The purpose of this meeting is to review your therapy goals to date and recommendations for next steps (including strategies to continue and any potential service extensions).

Of course, there are going to be individual variations to this process based on the needs of the team member and/or learner. However, following this process will ensure evidence best practices are being considered at all opportunities.

We understand that the cost of therapy can be a barrier to seeking help. To make therapy more accessible, we are pleased to offer low-cost sessions with certain members of our psychotherapy team. Working with one of our practicum students can provide you with the same quality care you would receive with any of our therapists, at a reduced fee. All practicum students are enrolled in masters-level coursework, registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), are closely supervised, and participate in various training opportunities during their time at Best Behaviour.

Sessions will be billed at a 50% reduced rate. The regular rate for psychotherapy sessions is $125.00/hour*, and so the reduced rate is $62.50/hour. This applies to direct hours spent with the client and family, including the intake meeting and intake assessment sessions (Step 4 and 5 of the 'Intake Process' described above). Indirect hours used to support the client's programming will be factored into this hourly rate. Requests to collaborate with other professionals (ex. school staff, other therapists working with the client etc.) are welcomed. Support with additional indirect tasks (outside of what is typically involved in psychotherapy treatment planning and monitoring) is also available (contributing to a behaviour plan or determination of needs report, writing a therapy letter of recommendation etc.). This time would billed as direct hours, at the regular hourly rate.

After the first therapy session, an invoice will be emailed for the full cost of the service block (including the first session). For example, if a session runs at 50 min/session per week for 6 weeks, an invoice will be sent during Week 2 for the full 6 weeks.

*HST is not charged (as per the CRA's 'Specially Designed Training to Assist Individuals with Autism' policy).

Sessions will be billed at an hourly rate of $125.00/hour*. This applies to direct hours spent with the client and family, including the intake meeting and intake assessment sessions (Step 4 and 5 of the 'Intake Process' described above). Indirect hours used to support the client's programming will be factored into this hourly rate. Requests to collaborate with other professionals (ex. school staff, other therapists working with the client etc.) are welcomed. Support with additional indirect tasks (outside of what is typically involved in psychotherapy treatment planning and monitoring) is also available (contributing to a behaviour plan or determination of needs report, writing a therapy letter of recommendation etc.). This time would billed as direct hours, at the regular hourly rate.

After the first therapy session, an invoice will be emailed for the full cost of the service block (including the first session). For example, if the session runs at 50 min/session per week for 6 weeks, an invoice will be sent during Week 2 for the full 6 weeks.

*HST is not charged (as per the CRA's 'Specially Designed Training to Assist Individuals with Autism' policy).

The following cancellation policy will be included in your Psychotherapy Registration Form:

I, the Parent/Guardian, understand that ...

• In the event of a cancellation, I must notify the Therapist. Cancelled sessions will not be refunded. Cancelled sessions can be rescheduled at the discretion of the Parent/Guardian and Therapist, or will be reallocated for additional indirect hours as needed.

• If the Therapist cancels a session for any reason, I will be notified as soon as possible. Cancelled sessions can be rescheduled at the discretion of the Parent/Guardian and Therapist, or will be reallocated for additional indirect hours as needed.

• In the event of inclement weather, Best Behaviour Inc. reminds all clients and team members to travel by car only when it is safe to do so and when you do travel, allow for extra time, take care, and have caution on the roads. If the Therapist is unable to get to a session due to inclement weather, they may cancel the session. If it is a centre-based session and the centre is closed due to inclement weather, all parties will be notified. In both situations, the session will not be billed or paid. Cancelled sessions can be rescheduled at the discretion of the Parent/Guardian and Therapist, or will be reallocated for additional indirect hours as needed. If the centre is open, then it is expected that the client will be attending their session. Sessions cancelled within twenty-four (24) hours notice, even as a result of inclement weather, will be billed in full as a Late Parent Cancellation.

• If the client is late to a session, I am required to contact the Therapist. The session will not be extended to make up the missed time. The Therapist will wait fifteen (15) minutes if the client is not there at the scheduled time, and then is allowed to leave. The session will be considered a Late Parent Cancellation and will be billed in full. If the client is not picked up when the session is finished, the extra time will be billed at the regular hourly rate.

• If the Therapist is late to a session, they will contact me. The session will be extended to make up the missed time or the time will be deducted from the total session length.

• Cancellations extending five (5) consecutive calendar days are considered an extended leave. At least two (2) weeks’ notice is required for extended leaves, changes in schedule, and any reduction in hours. This is to facilitate consistency in service delivery. This includes, but is not limited to, time off while sick, holidays, vacations, summer camp etc. Payment for sessions not cancelled according to this policy may be required in full and considered a Late Parent Cancellation.

• Sessions will not be held on the following statutory holidays: New Year’s Day, Ontario Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.