Frequently Asked Questions:
What are online services?
Online services (aka. tele-mental health, e-counselling, online counselling, video therapy, phone counselling, tele-counselling or tele-support services) provide a safe and convenient way to get the support you need.
I offer all of my services by telephone or video (using the secure and encrypted online platform offered by Owl Practice Canada, Doxy.me and/or Butter).
I DON’T provide in-person services (other than pre-scheduled in-person workshops with organization).
How do I know if you’re the right psychotherapist (or consultant) for me?
Finding the right psychotherapist (or consultant) takes some time and some looking around. Funny enough, it can feel a bit like online dating, at times, but don’t let that scare you! You can ask friends and family or even your physician for recommendations. You can also do a search on Psychology Today or Find A Social Worker.ca to find a list of psychotherapists that match your needs, preferences and identities. Reach out to a few and request a brief consult to help you decide. Sometimes, it takes 1-3 sessions with a psychotherapist (or consultant) to get a clear sense of the fit between you and the psychotherapist (or consultant). If you think we might be a good fit, feel free to book a free, 15-minute, no-obligation phone consult with me, then take some time to reflect and decide.
What is clinical consultation?
It’s common in the fields of social work, mental health, social services, community services &/or advocacy, for professionals to hire a clinician / psychotherapist as a clinical consultant, to guide and support them in reflecting on, fine-tuning, strengthening and expanding their professional practice and approach to working with their clients, communities and teams. Professionals already hold the credentials and licensure required to practice independently in their field and they hold all responsibility and liability for the welfare of their clients. Clinical consultation does not involve any evaluation of the professional. Clinical consultation involves an equitable and collegial relationship between a consultant (me) and 1 or more professionals (you &/or your team).
Do you have experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks?
Since 2017, I’ve predominantly worked with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks (with diverse and intersectional identities), through the services that I offer in my private practice, as well as in my former roles as a counsellor and manager at The 519 in Toronto (for nearly 3 years). Personally, I identify as a bisexual woman.
Do you have experience working with BIPOC folks?
I’ve worked with diverse populations, in Toronto’s non-profit sector since 2012 and in my own private practice since 2017, including BIPOC folks (with diverse and intersectional identities), particularly newcomers and refugees. You can learn more about my experiences by looking through my LinkedIn profile. Personally, I identify as a white-passing, Middle-Eastern, first-generation immigrant and settler who came to Canada as a refugee during childhood.
Are you a spiritual counsellor?
I’m open to discussing religion and spirituality, if it’s important to you. If you don’t consider yourself spiritual or religious, this is also a safe space for you. My approach is diverse, holistic, intuitive, and generally based in mindfulness. I draw on my training in psychology, social and cultural anthropology, and social work, as well as my professional experiences with diverse populations, to support folks through their journey of self-discovery, healing and growth… whatever it may involve and wherever it may lead.
When are you available for sessions?
Appointments are available:
Mondays at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6pm EST
Tuesdays at 11:30am, 1pm, 4:30pm, 6pm EST
Wednesdays at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6pm EST
Thursdays at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6pm EST
Fridays at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6pm EST
It’s easy to book your sessions online: click on the “Book ONLINE” button located in the header and footer of this website. Once you create your client account, you can book up to 6 sessions at a time (within a 3-month period), receive confirmation emails and email / text reminders.
How much do your services cost?
My fee for Individual Counselling is $180 / hr
This fee allows me to continuously offer $100 discounted spots to make mental health counselling accessible for Students and Unemployed / Precariously Employed folks.
My fee for Couples Counselling is $250 / hr.
If you are a professional seeking Individual Clinical Consultation, the fee is $180 / hr + HST.
If you are a leader or aspiring to pursue leadership, the fee for Leadership Coaching is $200 / hr + HST.
For organizations or professional teams looking for Group Clinical Consultation, the fee is $250 / hr+ HST (depending on the needs of the organization).
*I work with adults over 18. I provide short-term (minimum 6 sessions) and long-term services.
What types of payment do you accept?
Payment options include Interac e-transfer or online credit card processing through Stripe (compatible with American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa).
When you create your secure online client account, you’ll be asked to register a valid credit card on your account. On my end, I can only see the type of credit card you’ve registered and the last 4 digits of your card.
If you prefer to pay for your sessions using this credit card, I’ll be able to quickly process a credit card payment for you, after each session, and email you the digital receipt. If you prefer to pay for your sessions through Interac e-transfer, I’ll email you the digital invoice, after each session, as a reminder to make your payment through your bank within 24 hours. I’ll email you the digital receipt after receiving your e-transfer.
*Organizations and companies may also choose to pay via Wire Transfer or mailed Cheque (within 10 business days of receiving their monthly invoice).
I do not bill insurance companies directly. You can use your digital receipts to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance, you may save your digital receipts and claim psychotherapy services (not professional consultation services) as a medical expense, when filing your annual Canadian income tax return. If you are a professional in private practice, clinical consultation may be claimed as a business expense, when filing your annual Canadian income tax return for your private practice. Speak to an account for more details and requirements.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
You can cancel or reschedule any upcoming sessions online, up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled session. All you need to do is log into your client account and make the change.
For any late cancellations (under 48 hours) or missed sessions, you will be billed for the full fee of the scheduled session.
How do we get started?
Create your secure online client account and book your free 15-min phone consult with me. If you run into any issues, just email me.
After our chat, if you’re ready to move forward, I’ll verify your online account, then you can log in and book your first session with me. Through your individual client account, I’ll email you an Informed Consent Form and an Intake Form, which you can complete (takes about 20-30 min) and securely submit online, before our first session.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is a bit more structured… I’ll go over some information with you and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Then, I’ll ask you a series of questions to get to know you, your situation, your goals and your needs better. In future sessions, you’ll be in the driver’s seat and will decide how we use the sessions and what we discuss.
Together, we’ll discuss whether short-term services (minimum 6 sessions) or long-term services will better suit your goals, needs and budget.
How frequently will we meet?
I usually work with my clients every 2 to 6 weeks, depending on their needs, goals, availability and budget. I find that people usually need some time between sessions to reflect on our discussions and practice any suggested techniques, so that they can experience incremental changes in their perspectives, behaviour and relationships, and sense their forward movement towards their goals. Of course, if folks are experiencing a sudden or unexpected change or crisis, I can work with them on a weekly basis (temporarily), until they regain some balance and stability in their situation. I offer short-term (minimum 6 sessions) and long-term services.
What should I keep in mind if I’m accessing counselling (or consultation) with someone else?
I’ve created a set of guidelines to support people who are looking to access counselling (or consultation) with another adult in their life (i.e., Group Clinical Consultation), so that they can use their time and investment effectively. My hope is that these guidelines will help folks create an atmosphere where each person feels emotionally safe to speak openly, so that they can find resolutions together and (re)connect with one another.
How do I use your online booking system?
To access my secure online booking system (through Owl Practice), you just need to click on the “Book ONLINE” button located in the header and footer of this website or go to this link: https://oab.owlpractice.ca/forouzsalari. Then, follow these Client Instructions to create your own secure online client account, so that you can book, cancel or reschedule your sessions, set-up automatic reminders, register your credit card for online billing, see your receipts, and find the link to each of your video sessions with me.
What do I need to access video sessions with you?
First, you’ll need to create your secure online client account, by clicking on the “Book ONLINE” button located in the header and footer of this website or go to this link: https://oab.owlpractice.ca/forouzsalari. This is where you’ll find links to each of your video sessions with me. You can follow the instructions in the Client Guide to access your video sessions.
You can use a variety of devices, including a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and a smartphone. You must have access to wifi or cellular data on your device. Use devices with up-to-date operating systems and browsers for the best possible experience. These are the supported browsers that you can use: Google Chrome versions 55+, Google Chromium versions 55+, Mozilla Firefox versions 60+, Microsoft Edge versions 11+, Safari versions 11+. Apple doesn’t allow webcam access when using Google Chrome on Apple devices, so it’s best to use Safari instead.
You also need to make sure that you list a current phone number when you complete your Intake Form online. If you prefer phone sessions or we run into any technical difficulties, I’ll call you at this number for our session.
What happens if we experience technical difficulties?
If we run into any technical difficulties during our video sessions, I’ll give you a call, so that we can continue over-the-phone (my calls will come from a private / unknown number to protect privacy & confidentiality). You can also find helpful tips and instructions to troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues, using these links: