What is Maternal Health Niagara?
We are a collaborative of registered health professionals working together with shared values to support individuals and their families.
Do you support outside of Niagara?
Yes! We are all in good standing with our professional regulatory bodies to practice in Ontario. We support anyone living in Ontario.
Where is your office located?
We provide psychotherapy virtually, by phone or video sessions. We have a select few therapists that can offer in-person services.
Our office is at 128 Lake street in St. Catharines
**Marie-Eve, our physiotherapist, has 2 locations she practices in-person appointments.
Does OHIP cover your cost?
Our services are not covered by OHIP. If you have extended health care benefits, you may have coverage for a registered social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist. It is best to confirm directly with your insurance provider.
Do I need a referral to book?
We welcome self-referrals. A medical note is not necessary for services unless your insurance provider needs one. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the therapist directly to book.
What payment do you take?
We accept credit card and e-transfer
What to expect at my first psychotherapy appointment?
Before your appointment, you will receive paperwork (consent, intake questionnaire and screenings) to be completed. At your intake appointment, your therapist will gather detailed information about your health and wellness. Together we will develop a plan to achieve your goals.
We are here to support you where you are at, and we understand that you may have a child(ren) in your care during your session.
What is the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy?
As of December 30, 2017, the controlled act of psychotherapy has been proclaimed in force and has become one of fourteen cool acts defined in the RHPA. A controlled act is an activity thought to have the potential of posing a risk of serious harm to the client. Restricting the performance of controlled acts to certain regulated professionals who are legally authorized to perform them is the approach to protecting the public set out in the RHPA. As a result, as of December 31, 2019, the performance of the controlled act of psychotherapy is restricted to members of the following regulatory colleges:
source: https://www.ocswssw.org/professional-practice/regulation-of-psychotherapy/
What to expect in my first pelvic floor appointment?
The first appointment is a one-hour appointment. Expect to have at least 40 min to express your concerns about your specific issues and tell your story. Marie-Eve will gather your gynecological, urinary, digestive, and sexual health as the pelvic floor muscles have a significant role in optimizing the function of those systems. Next, we perform a screen for the lower back, pelvis and hip movements. So have a yoga mat close by.
By the end of the first visit, you will know to understand your pain or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, a timeline to address your specific issue and exercises to start your journey to recovery.
Follow-up visits are scheduled to achieve your specific goals. It can be every week or every month. These visits are scheduled for 30 min and aim to review your concerns and go over your physiotherapy "wish list." This way, we can continue to progress your exercises at an optimum pace to rehab your muscle, ligaments, and nervous system.
Office Policy for Social Work, Psychotherapists
Please take a moment to thoroughly review this document, as it is our informed consent for services. Maternal Health Niagara provides Social Worker and Psychotherapy services. We are regulated healthcare providers with our respective colleges.
PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICE FEES
Professional Fees Sessions are 50 minutes and 10 minutes for case notes for 60 minutes.
Registered Social Workers: (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)
Registered Psychotherapists including (qualifying) College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
We offer sliding scale service fees, +; please ask when inquiring about services
If you have an outstanding balance, services will be paused until fees are paid in full. (During exceptional circumstances, please speak with your therapist.)
Clinical services provided by a social worker are HST-exempt. Services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist require HST.
We prorate our service fee for administrative tasks (such as letters) at 15-minute intervals.
Records requests will be subject to the therapist's clinical fee and other fees such as printing.
Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Payment: We accept CREDIT CARD or E-TRANSFER. Please send E-Transfers directly to your therapist's email address. Your therapist will issue a receipt upon payment.
Extended Benefits: If you have extended benefits, we encourage you to confirm their service coverage, including professional designations and allotted funds. You are responsible for submitting the claim for reimbursement to your insurance. Some therapists on the team can provide direct billing for some extended benefits. Please speak to your therapist.
Electronic Record System: Maternal Health Niagara Psychotherapy Team uses the "Jane App." Once you are an active client, you can log in and book your appointments. If you would like to become a client, please get in touch with Admin@Maternalniagara.ca.
Jurisdictions: Each therapist is a Registered Provider with their respective college to provide services in Ontario (some may be able to provide services in other jurisdictions). If you are not physically in Ontario, please advise your therapists, as we will likely be unable to provide benefits while you are away.
Records: Maternal Health Niagara utilizes Jane for our electronic records, including your personal information, dates of service, billing, case notes, assessment and other clinical documentation. Emily Pollak owns the account. Your therapist will complete documentation in accordance with their regulatory body and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Maternal Health Niagara is the Health Custodian of your Personal Health Records. Your records will be stored in compliance with the respective regulatory bodies and PHIPA.
Your name may be visible to the team; however, your records will remain private.
Booking: Active clients have access to their therapist's schedule. Please book your appointments for one month to ensure your preferred time is available.
If you require an appointment and your therapist is unavailable, you can add yourself to the waitlist. We do our best to offer cancelled appointments to clients on the waitlist. You will receive an email notification if a space becomes available. The system is live. There is no guarantee that the spot will remain open.
We request a valid credit card number to hold your appointment; you will not be charged a fee to save it. Jane App will securely store your credit card information. We can use the credit card on file, or if you wish to pay by another method, please let us know. You will be billed for No-show appointments. *please note that there could be a risk of privacy breach with the credit card system- stripe. If you do not wish to keep a card on file please speak with your therapist.
Attendance: We ask that you are on time for your appointment. If you are running late, please advise your therapist; if you have yet to arrive after 15 minutes, your appointment will be counted as a no-show and billed accordingly.
Cancellation Fees: Late cancellations and missed visits impact other clients who could have used the session. We require a 24-hour cancellation notice.
If you provide less than 24 hours of notice, you are subject to the following fees.
1st late cancellation- there will be a fee of $25
2nd late cancellation- you will be billed for 50% of your session
If you have more than three late cancellations, you will be billed for 100% of your session.
*Please note that most extended benefits do not reimburse for no-show/ late cancellations.
Therapists will charge Credit Card on file as per the cancellation policy.
Illness: If you are ill and need to cancel your appointment, please get in touch with your therapist as soon as possible. There may be times when your therapist may need to cancel as well. We must extend compassion during these times. Please do not attend in-person sessions if you have any symptoms of illness.
Delivery of Service:
Telephone calls: Therapists do their best to return calls within business hours. Each therapist has their own set of working days. Please ensure that your current contact number(s) are in Jane.
Our therapists use their cell phones, which are less secure than landlines. If you are concerned about this, please speak with your therapist.
Please ensure you are in a private and confidential space. If you have safety concerns, please speak with your therapist.
Virtual Therapy: We currently use an online platform that complies with professional standards. It is important to note that there is a risk of privacy breaches.
Please find a space for your sessions where you feel comfortable and safe talking. You are responsible for ensuring that you are in a private area. Please communicate with your therapist if you have concerns about domestic violence or safety.
In-Person: Our office has optional masking for in-person services. We supply masks if you wish to wear one, and your therapist is happy to wear one with you.
Please do not attend the office if you have any symptoms, including but not limited to fever, cough, or vomiting. We ask that you be symptom-free for 24-48 hours. We are happy to rebook your session when you feel well.
Parking: We have four on-site parking spots in front of our space. Please do not park in the neighbouring driveway, as you will be at risk of having your vehicle towed. There is also on-street parking available.
Maternal Health Niagara: The providers at Maternal Health Niagara are all private practitioners responsible for their clients, billing, and record-keeping. We have a shared fax line, general email account, social media, and website. There is a confidentiality agreement between providers.
Your name will be visible to other team members in the Jane system to other team members; they will not access your clinical records. If you have concerns, please speak with your therapist or the clinic owner, Emily Pollak.
Service Evaluation: Jane App allows clients to provide a review/rating after appointments. The reviews are private and utilized by Emily Pollak to evaluate clinical services. Providing feedback is voluntary.
It is unethical for Registered Social Workers or Psychotherapists to ask clients to write a review or testimonials. We cannot respond to reviews that may be posted on the web, as we are committed to adhering to our code of ethics. If you have any concerns, please reach out.
Therapeutic fit: We recognize how personal therapy is and the importance of a solid therapeutic alliance. If you ever feel your therapist is not the right fit for you. THAT IS OK! Your needs matter, and we support that. Email Emily at Admin@maternalniagara.ca, and we can work together to find the right fit.
Confidentiality: Services are confidential.
There may be times when other family members seek services at Maternal Health Niagara. If we are aware, we match clients with a different therapist. We also provide individual and couples therapy; your therapist will ONLY discuss your therapeutic work as an individual or as a couple with other team members if we have everyone's consent and only when everyone agrees it is in your best interest. Our internal process is to denote on the file that it is a conflict for your therapist to discuss among the team. Each therapist seeks clinical supervision; if there is a conflict of interest between the clinical supervisor and therapist, it will be noted on the file, and the therapist will seek supervision elsewhere.
Consents: Sometimes, it would be beneficial for your therapist to speak with other service providers in your life, such as your healthcare provider. Your therapist will request consent to share information about you. Best-practice standards include utilizing consultations/supervision. Your therapist may provide information about your sessions for professional development. It is your right to withhold or withdraw consent or place conditions on the information shared about you. If you have any requirements for clinical supervision, please share them with your therapist.
Limits of Confidentiality: There are a few circumstances where your consent may not be required: A) Legal obligations. B) If your therapist assesses that you are at imminent risk of suicide or harming others, we cannot devise a plan to keep you safe. Ex: you have a plan and intend to die by suicide. C) If your therapist assesses that there is/ was a past, present or future risk of harm to a child, they have a professional duty to report these concerns to the appropriate agency. Risks may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence. Anything subject to the Children and Family Services Act. D) Social Workers are bound by law to report a colleague (another social worker or social service worker) to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers for professional misconduct, including having sexual relations with a client. Registered Psychotherapists with the College of Registered Psychotherapists Ontario (CRPO) are mandated to report if they believe a client may have been or is being sexually abused by a fellow therapist or another regulated healthcare professional. E) If the college investigates concerns related to your therapists, your records may be subject to review.
Please note the intention of our therapuetic involvement is for your personal goals and development. We do not provide court-appointed services or reports to the court, nor do we become involved in legal proceedings. We want to ensure the focus of your session remains on your goals; court involvement shifts, and the intentions of therapy. If you are looking for a therapist to provide reports to the court, please advise and we can refer you to other community providers.
Community Confidentiality: If you see your therapist in the community, they will not approach you to ensure your privacy. You are welcome to say hi if you wish. Your therapist will not discuss your personal information or therapeutic work outside of sessions.
Texting/ Emails/ Social Media: Therapists may use texting and emails to communicate about appointment times or changes. JANE (booking system) will send you an appointment reminder via email and text unless you select otherwise.
Please remember that emails, texts, cell phones, and social media are not secure means of communication.
Any form of communication may become part of your clinical file per our standards of practice.
Social Media: Social Media is a forum to network and share information that may be relevant to the public. Therapists will not share any information about their clients on social media. It is important to remember that posts/ comments are not private. Your therapist may see your posts if you are an active member of the same groups. If you comment on Maternal Health Niagara's social media page, we can not respond to those comments. We recognize the importance of sharing resources with others. Some people may share our pages or tag it; please know that this is your choice. If this concerns you, please speak with your therapist.
Also, please note that our code of ethics does not allow us to ask the community to like, share, or do giveaways of this nature.
Therapists have strict professional guidelines we must adhere to; as such, we cannot be "friends" with our clients on social media.
File Closure: If you have not attended therapy in 2 months, your therapist will attempt to contact you via email to offer you a closing visit before your file is closed. If we do not receive your response, we will recognize this as an indicator that you no longer need service.
If we notice that you repeatedly have, and without adequate explanation, cancelled or changed appointments, resulting in a service disruption, we will discuss file closure.
There may be other circumstances that would deem file closure, including legal, ethical/boundaries issues, the services no longer benefiting you, or there being a risk of serious harm.
If your clinical needs fall outside your therapist's scope of practice or clinical skill, your therapist will discuss this with you and develop a plan together.
Return to Services: If you wish to return to services after your file has been closed, we will work together to determine availability and what best would fit your needs.
Crisis Services: MHN does not provide a crisis service. For emergencies, don't hesitate to contact one of the services below. If you feel at imminent risk of harming yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Ontario Crisis Services: Provincial Abuse Support Lines- Assaulted Women's Helpline 1 (866) 863-0511 Distress/Support Line- Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1 (833) 456-4566 Kids Help Line- 1 (800) 668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 Local Niagara Services: Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) Niagara: 1(866) 550-5205 ext. 1 Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA): 1(905) 682-4584 Pathstone Mental Health Services: 1(800) 263-4944 Gillians Place 1(905) 684-8331 Niagara Children and Family Services 1(888) 937-7731
Benefits & Risks: Your participation in therapy comes with benefits and risks. However, no one can promise a specific result from the therapeutic process. At Maternal Health Niagara, your participation in services is voluntary and your choice.
At your intake session, you will share your strengths and needs with your therapist and evaluate your goals in therapy. This work may entail enhancing functioning and strengthing your capacity to adapt to change. With the support and resources from your therapists, you get to decide what feels suitable for you, as we value self-determination. Throughout your time in therapy, you will be reflecting with your therapist on your goals and shifting to meet the needs of where you are at.
The benefit(s) from treatment depends on the time, the goal(s) and the level of follow-through. In some cases, you may not reach your desired goals. If this is the case, your therapist may discuss other treatment options, change the clinical intervention, readjust goals, discontinue treatment, or refer you to a different service provider.
During therapy, you may have feelings or behaviours that worsen. You may notice an increase in distress as you process through traumatic experiences. We do our best to support you in staying grounded during this intervention and ensure you have a safety plan. If you notice this occurring, please discuss this with your therapist so they can offer guidance.
Therapists aim to provide professional, ethical, and respectful services. If you have concerns, please discuss them openly and honestly with your therapist. In addition, Emily Pollak welcomes you to share your concerns with her as the clinic owner.
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers regulates the services provided by Social Workers. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario governs the services provided by Registered Psychotherapists.
Please note we are now hiring.
Waitlist for in-person, couples, and evening appointment