Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an intake assessment and how long does it last?

During a clinical interview, Dr. Kovacs will ask questions and learn about a client’s concerns, their psychological, social and physical health background and current experiences, and their reasons for seeking psychological services. Clients might also be asked to complete surveys. Clients are seen on their own (ie, without family members present). The assessment gives Dr. Kovacs a chance to understand a new client's situation and also gives the client a sense of what it might be like to work with Dr. Kovacs. This gives both the client and Dr. Kovacs an opportunity to decide whether there is a good clinical fit.

The intake psychological assessment typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Time permitting, feedback is provided at the end of the assessment. Dr. Kovacs and the client discuss diagnoses (if appropriate), review clinical recommendations, and plan next steps together. Possible outcomes include: (1) psychotherapy with Dr. Kovacs, (2) recommendations for treatment with a different mental health professional, and (3) no further mental health treatment.

What happens during psychotherapy and how long do sessions last?

Therapy with Dr. Kovacs typically involves a combination of emotional support and cognitive-behavioural strategies (eg, cognitive techniques, relaxation training, behavioural exercises, and strategies to improve communication and sleep) that are selected based on a client’s concerns and preferences. We view psychological care as a collaboration between the client and psychologist. Results vary between individuals. Therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes. However, if there is a request for a briefer session between scheduled visits, 25-minute sessions may be offered.

How frequently do psychotherapy sessions take place?

The frequency of sessions varies and depends upon several factors, including a client’s clinical needs and their scheduling preferences. Recommendations about session frequency will be discussed at the end of the assessment. Some clients might have weekly appointments, others might have sessions every 2 weeks or 4 weeks, and others might be seen less frequently.

Are all sessions virtual?

That is correct. All clinical psychology appointments with Equilibria Psychological Health are virtual video sessions on a secure platform. A virtual clinic was chosen to make it possible to work with clients across Ontario. Telepsychology is also possible with clients in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec.

What is the online platform that you use for virtual sessions?

We use Owl Practice, which is a PIPEDA and PHIPA-compliant, secure, web-based practice management system that stores and manages client records and also offers video capability. Owl has multiple safeguards in place to ensure that connections are secure and private. For example, Owl video therapy does not rely on any third-party integrations, runs on Owl-owned and operated servers (not a third-party cloud) located in two Toronto data centres, and all video traffic is encrypted. The use of a client portal ensures that all hosted sessions can be secure, requiring that clients log in and the psychologist admits them before connecting.

How should clients prepare for virtual sessions?

It is best to use a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) that a client has already used for virtual meetings (like Zoom). It’s advised to be in a place where one is comfortable sharing private information with Dr. Kovacs. She has no objections to a pet or baby/infant popping up on the screen! However, it’s best if there are no children/adults in the client’s space that would interfere with open dialogue.

Do you offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

No. That is not something that we offer at this time.

Do you provide letters for emotional support animals?

No. Dr. Kovacs does not have the capacity or expertise to provide an observation/assessment of a person with their animal to determine whether the emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefit above and beyond the positive emotional effects of pets.

Do you offer Coaching?

Dr. Kovacs works with clients on many of the concerns that bring clinicians to coaching: burnout, professional decision-making, skills-building, and career development. However, she does not have a separate coaching practice because she doesn’t remove her psychologist hat during career-focused activities!

Even if only meeting for a few sessions, she approaches career development with the aim of understanding, integrating, and addressing professional goals within a client’s lifestyle, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. In addition, she often observes that professional concerns overlap with psychological concerns; in these situations, it may be most effective to address both concurrently. Finally, as a registered health professional, she adheres with the ethical and professional standards of psychology with all clients’ presenting concerns; coaching is not a registered health profession.

Does Dr. Kovacs prescribe medications?

No. Psychologists, like Dr. Kovacs, have doctoral degrees but are not medical doctors and thus most do not prescribe medications (eg, for anxiety or depression). If you would like to discuss this type of medication, it is best to with a family doctor who might make a referral to a psychiatrist.

What are the fees and how are they paid?

The fee for each 50-minute session of psychotherapy is $285. The initial assessment typically takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and is billed at $450. However, if preferred it can also take place across the first two 50-minute sessions (billed at $285). Fees reflects Dr. Kovacs’ education, years of experience, and specific clinical focus. There is no HST on clinical services. Clients are billed after each session with a credit card securely stored on file. A receipt is provided for each visit.

Please note that services are not covered by OHIP. Receipts are provided. Some clients have health insurance benefits that will reimburse for psychological services; these clients would then submit receipts for reimbursement. Clients may claim fees that are not reimbursed as medical expenses on their annual income tax returns.

Is it necessary to have a doctor’s referral?

Dr. Kovacs does not require a physician’s referral. However, if a client is planning to use health insurance coverage, it’s best to check with their insurance plan to determine whether a referral is necessary for reimbursement.

Clients with heart conditions will be invited to provide Dr. Kovacs with an electronic copy of an outpatient clinical report from a recent cardiology clinic visit to help her more fully understand their cardiac history. These clients may sign a release of information form if they wish information from their psychological assessment and treatment shared with their cardiology team; this is optional.

Is it possible to obtain a formal report or letter?

Clients are encouraged to discuss the availability of reports, letters, and form completion with Dr. Kovacs. These are generally available. Please note that there is typically a fee for completion and the turn-around time might vary.

What is your cancellation policy?

Late cancellation and non-attendance are concerns because they prevent another client from being seen in that time slot. Appointments cancelled within 24 hours will be charged 25% of the fee. Appointments for which individuals “no show” will be charged 50% of the fee. These fees will be paid at the beginning of the next appointment.

How do I schedule an assessment (first visit) and follow-up visits?

To inquire about scheduling an assessment, complete the secure Contact Us form. Dr. Kovacs or a colleague would contact you to provide additional information and schedule an assessment. Dr. Kovacs is happy to connect with people who reach out to decide whether they might be a good clinical fit. Established clients can access their Online Owl Client Portal to schedule follow-up visits at their convenience.