From OPA website: Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind. The psychological field is made up of clinicians, academics, and researchers. As practitioners, psychologists and psychological associates use their expertise to study thoughts, feelings, attitudes and relationships in order to understand behavior. Psychologists improve health, and help people manage the challenges of daily life, by preventing and relieving psychological distress and promoting well-being. Psychologists are the health care professionals with the highest level of training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems and cognitive disorders.

Psychologists and psychological associates play important roles in many areas of society.

From OPA:  In Canada, the professionals who most commonly treat people with mental health problems are psychologists and psychiatrists. A psychologist holds a masterʼs and/or doctoral degree in psychology that involves from 6 to 10 years of university study of how people think, feel and behave. Psychologists who hold doctoral degrees, can use the title ʻDr.ʼ.

From OPA:  Psychologists treat a wide range of mental health problems from addictions and dementia to pain and acquired brain injury. Of course, treatment can vary from person to person; however, here is a list of some common problems and the range of treatments psychologists provide:  Psychologists Treatment

From OPA: Although many people get professional help for personal problems, it can be hard to get started, or to recognize when you or your loved ones need help.  A problem does not have to be overwhelming, or a crisis, for you to benefit from psychological treatment. You may need to talk to a psychologist or psychological associate to analyze and understand the problem, to develop healthy strategies, and to make the changes you need to make.  READ MORE

From OPA:

During your first appointment(s), your psychologist will typically ask you why you have come.  You will be asked to describe your problem in as much detail as possible. The psychologist's questions will likely include:

• When did the problem start?
• Under what circumstances does it occur?
• How long does it last?
• Has it occurred before?
• What makes it worse or better?

From OPA:

Depending on the problem, a psychological assessment usually begins with an initial intake interview, but may go beyond to include psychological tests or questionnaires, available file review, collaboration or consultation with other care providers, etc. If you, your child, or others in your family are to be assessed, the psychologist will tell you how much time this particular assessment is likely to take. It could be as little as a couple of hours or take place over two or more days, or weeks depending on  complexity and the number of people involved.

A psychological assessment is not a case of "one size fits all." A psychologist's experience helps guide the choice of questions and psychological tests to best understand the presenting problem.  Different psychological tests and questionnaires are designed to explore specific aspects of human experience such as mood, personality characteristics, concentration and memory, alcohol and substance use, anger, relationship problems, coping, parenting, and educational strengths and weaknesses, to name a few.

Once testing is complete, the psychologist combines information gathered from interviews, tests and questionnaires and available file information, to arrive at a conceptualization or diagnosis of your particular problem. Finally, the psychologist will review the results of the assessment with you and discuss how to use the assessment to develop a treatment plan.

Make sure to find a good "fit" between you and your psychologist.  If you feel comfortable with a psychologist, you may be able to share important information more easily and work together more productively.  When you first contact the psychologist by phone, you can get an initial impression by asking a few questions such as:

• Are you accepting new clients?
• How much experience do you have helping people with my problem? What are your qualifications? Are you registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario?
• What special techniques do you use?
• What does a typical session look like?
• What are your hours?
• What are your fees?

From OPA: In Ontario, psychologists are paid by a variety of sources. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not pay for psychological services. However, psychological services may be available through government funded services in hospitals, primary care clinics, schools, jails and prisons, social welfare agencies, etc. Some clients pay their own fees themselves while others have options for funding and reimbursement.

Extended Health Plans

Many people have extended health-care coverage through an employer. Many of these health-care plans pay all or a portion of the costs of seeing a Registered Psychologist. Read the booklet describing your benefits or talk to your insurance company to find out about your coverage. Coverage for psychologists varies from around $300 to $1000 per year for most plans. Typically, you will pay the psychologist and then be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Some employers have EAPs to help employees deal with mental-health concerns. You may be able to see a psychologist through your EAP. Psychologists who work in EAPs are bound by the same codes of privacy and confidentiality as other psychologists.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

If you have psychological problems because of an accident or other workplace stress or incident, you may qualify for psychological treatment through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Your claim adjudicator or family physician may be able to help you with this. If your request is declined, you can appeal to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, a board of appeal to which workers and employers bring disputes concerning decisions of the WSIB regarding entitlements to benefits, healthcare and vocational rehabilitation.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides compensation for psychological services to eligible applicants who experience psychological problems as a result of being a victim of crime.

We are always happy to offer a screening with one of our intake team members.

Call 416-733-3838 or email office@annabaranowsky.com

Dr. Baranowsky generally books 4-8 weeks in advance and depending on her schedule, it may be best to meet with one of her trained associates.  Call or email for details.

Dr. Baranowsky offers CBT Trauma Practice as her primary care approach with trauma survivors.

She continues to offer psychotherapy for those with mood and anxiety disorders.

She has studied Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) directly with Dr. Sue Johnson.

Dr. Baranowsky`s work on Compassion Fatigue or therapy for care-providers is a core part of her offerings.

If you are in need of an assessment for trauma or work-place injury, her team will be able to assist

There are a number of options to consider:

1.  Secure online video therapy for individuals within Ontario
2.  Trauma Recovery Program online
3.  Referrals through OPA for a psychologist in your area