We all struggle sometimes – it’s a fact of life. At times, depression, anxiety, problem behaviours or other mental health issues make us feel trapped, helpless or overwhelmed.
Collaboration with a psychologist can help people to learn new skills, work through their challenges and move forward in life.
It's hard to believe that you can improve, but mental health issues are treatable, and change is always possible.
Bloor West is a single clinician practice. I assess, diagnose and treat adults dealing with a range of mental health issues.
I recently retired from working as a psychologist for the Department of National Defense (DND) - first in Esquimalt, BC and recently in Toronto. I treated male and female military members who were dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns.
While I was with the DND I cared for many people who were dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to military operations, as well as people dealing with military sexual trauma and childhood trauma and abuse.
I worked as a psychologist at the Addiction Centre, Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB. I treated people with addiction disorders and other concurrent physical or mental health issues including trauma, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and personality/relational problems.
I have been very fortunate to have received training in cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic/interpersonal therapy, mindfulness and motivational interventions. I have also received specialized training in evidence-based treatments for PTSD including prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy.
Good therapy is based on a trusting, open and non-judgemental relationship. The therapy relationship is the foundation of treatment - it supports people as they learn to ask and answer difficult questions, and to tolerate uncomfortable and often painful feelings. Change is possible and attainable, but it requires hard work.
If you have been referred by your doctor or psychiatrist, I will provide them with assessment reports and progress notes as required.
If you are self referred, your information remains confidential except for very specific circumstances, which we will discuss at our first meeting.
Insurers have various requirements related to the provision of mental health care, depending on whether you are being referred for an assessment and/or for treatment and whether return to work issues are involved. This is something to be reviewed and clarified with your insurance provider. We will discuss these conditions at our first meeting.
Psychological services are not covered by OHIP at this time. If you have insurance, please check with your employer about what services are covered, the limits of coverage, and whether you need a physician’s referral prior to attending treatment.
If you are a currently serving CAF member or have an existing Veterans’ Affairs Mental Health claim, Blue Cross can be billed directly once you have a referral and a pre-authorization. If you are with the Toronto Police Service, Greenshields can be billed directly with a physician’s referral.
If you choose to pay privately the current rate set by the College of Ontario Psychologists is $225.00 for a 50-minute hour.
Appointments must be cancelled 48 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation charge of $225.00
Bloor West Psychology is located on the 6th floor of Tower C in the Bloor Islington Place. There is a reception area visible when you get off the elevator. Please check in and have a seat.
If you are coming via TTC – take the Bloor Danforth Line west and get off at Islington Station. You can walk indoors from the station to the Bloor Islington Centre – walk East through the retail concourse to the Tower C elevators. You can walk outdoors from Bloor Islington – walk East on Bloor to the Tower C entrance.
If you are driving please see directions - parking is available underground at the Bloor Islington Centre– park in the Tower C area. Parking is also available on Bloor St W between 9AM and 4PM, and in Green P City of Toronto lots. There is a Green P lot just East of Aberfoyle on the north side of Bloor St and also a smaller lot on the South side of Bloor across from the Centre.