Frequently Asked Questions
About Knox Counselling Centre
What services does Knox Counselling Centre offer?
Knox Counselling Centre offers various counselling services, including individual, couple, family, and group counselling, focusing on psychospiritual therapy. We aim to support diverse community members and students at the University of Toronto.
Who can access your services?
Our services are available to ANYONE (at least 17 years old and no longer attending secondary school) who is seeking counselling to manage relationship challenges and personal, familial, mental, and/or spiritual health issues.
Please note that we do not offer counselling services to individuals with whom our therapists may have a conflict of interest, such as friends, family members, members of the same faith community, or students enrolled in the same program (e.g., MPS students from Emmanuel and Knox College).
You are located in Knox College, which is a Christian seminary. Does this mean I need to be affiliated with a religion to access counselling?
No. We provide counselling regardless of whether or not you have religious/spiritual beliefs.
Are there any fees for your counselling services?
We are committed to providing accessible counselling services. Many of our services are offered for free or at a reduced cost based on the client's financial situation. You can refer to our intake form for the specific counselling fees.
Can I claim the counselling fee from my insurance company?
Psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). However, many extended insurance benefit plans do provide coverage. The extent of this coverage varies depending on the provider and individual plan. It's essential to consult with your insurance provider directly to confirm the details of your coverage before beginning any psychotherapy services. Upon payment for the services, you will receive a receipt. This receipt will state that the psychotherapy was provided by an intern counselor under the supervision of a Registered Psychotherapist.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, click here to fill out our intake and consent form. We will respond promptly to confirm the details of your appointment.
About Our Intern Counsellors
Who will be providing the counselling services?
Our counselling services are provided by intern counsellors who are students in the Master of Psychospiritual Study program at Knox College. They work under the supervision of experienced clinicians to ensure high-quality care.
What ethical guidelines do the counsellors follow?
Our counsellors adhere to the CASC/ACSS Code of Ethics and CRPO Code of Ethics which ensures that all interactions and treatments are conducted with professionalism, integrity, and respect for our clients' dignity and rights.
About Counselling and What to Expect
What system do you use for booking and virtual sessions?
We use the Jane System for booking, payments and virtual sessions. You can view their privacy policy here.
What can I expect in my first counselling session?
In your first session, you will meet with your therapist to discuss your current concerns and goals for therapy. This session is also an opportunity to learn about the counselling process and establish a comfortable rapport with your therapist. Confidentiality and procedural guidelines will be reviewed to ensure you feel secure and informed.
How long are the sessions?
50-minute session for individual counselling, 80-minute session for a couple/family counselling, and 60-90 minute session for group counselling.
How are the sessions delivered?
Therapy sessions are offered virtually by video or phone or in person as spaces are allowed.
How long should I expect to be in therapy, or how long can I access your services?
Our services are offered from September through the end of March and may be extended into the summer months if the summer clinic is in operation. The number of sessions and the frequency of meetings will be determined collaboratively with your counsellor, in accordance with our session limit policy. At Knox Counselling Centre, we are committed to providing accessible and affordable mental health care. To ensure that these services remain available to as many clients as possible, especially those on our waiting list. Typically, clients can access up to 10 sessions. After 10 sessions, the therapist and the client will evaluate the progress together. Based on clinical need and mutual agreement, up to five additional sessions may be provided, with a maximum of 15 sessions per client.
We recognize that every individual's journey is unique. Your therapist will support you in planning next steps toward ongoing care if needed. Suppose you require further assistance beyond what we can offer. In that case, we will strive to provide referrals to other relevant counselling institutions or, if appropriate, place you on our waiting list for future sessions.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide equitable access to all.
How is confidentiality handled?
Confidentiality is paramount in all our counselling sessions. Information shared in sessions is kept strictly confidential and is only disclosed with your explicit consent or as required by law.
What if I need immediate help or crisis intervention?
Please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline if you require immediate assistance. Knox Counselling Centre does not provide emergency services, but we can offer referrals to appropriate emergency support resources.
I still have questions. How can I get in touch with you?
You can email: Knox.counselling@utoronto.ca. We will always aim to get back to you within 2 business days.