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About Us
At ReNu, we offer counselling and psychotherapy to help address the challenges you face to achieve a brighter tomorrow.
Our mission is to create transformations in our clients’ lives by working on the challenges that hold them back from feeling fulfilled in a safe and nurturing environment.
We believe that the diversity of our therapists is integral to our ability to work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages, backgrounds, and identities, with an emphasis on BIPOC communities.
Our goal is to meet our clients where they are in the process of change and empower them to lead more fulfilling lives that are in alignment with their values
Frequently Asked Questions
While both titles are sometimes used interchangeably, there are similarities and differences between psychotherapy and counselling. Both psychotherapy and counselling offer support to help individuals improve their well-being and resolve issues in their lives.
Psychotherapy as defined by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 addresses “an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.” Counselling on the other hand typically focuses on specific issues (such as stress) and is usually shorter-term in nature. Psychotherapy may include a broader range of issues and can include counselling in its delivery however, counselling does not include psychotherapy in its practice.
Psychotherapy is considered to be a controlled act in Ontario, with only specific health care practitioners such as psychotherapists being permitted to use it.
All 3 of these providers are permitted to use psychotherapy in treatment with clients and while there are many similarities, key differences are highlighted below:
Psychotherapists (in Ontario) are regulated mental health therapists have completed masters-level training, other provincially accredited training and education in areas such as clinical and counselling psychology, divinity, and social work (to name a few). They treat a variety of mental health issues using a variety of modalities, and can administer some mental health questionnaires. Psychotherapists are not permitted to diagnose or communicate diagnoses of mental health disorders, nor are they able to prescribe medications.
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Psychologists are regulated mental health therapists who have completed education up to the PhD-level or in some cases, masters-level training in areas such as clinical, counselling, and educational psychology. They treat a variety of mental health issues using a variety of modalities. Psychologists are permitted to diagnose and communicate diagnoses of mental health disorders, and administer and score psychological tests. They are not permitted to prescribe medication.
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Psychiatrists are doctors who have completed medical school and specialized in psychiatry. In Ontario, they are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and are able to treat a variety of mental health issues using a variety of modalities. Psychiatrists are permitted to to diagnose and communicate diagnoses of mental health disorders, and administer and score psychological tests. They are also permitted to prescribed medication. Many (but not all) services offered by psychiatrists are covered by OHIP in Ontario.
Your insurer may cover our services if they cover psychotherapy services with Registered Psychotherapists and for some therapists, for Clinical Counsellors/ Canadian Certified Counsellors. Please check with your insurance provider directly to verify your coverage eligibility.
At ReNu, we are able to offer direct billing for clients who have extended health care coverage with Canada Life, Claim Secure, Desjardin, Equitable Life, and Manulife. Select therapists are able to offer direct billing with Blue Cross, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). Please contact for more details.
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Plans under all other providers will require you to pay for your session directly to the clinic. You will be provided with a receipt after your session to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
We offer free, 15-minute phone consultations for potential clients to help answer questions and chat with you for us to both get an idea of fit.
Following the consultation, there is an onboarding process that includes completing our intake and consent forms, which will be sent to you by email.
Once that’s all taken care of, we’re ready for our first virtual session which can be 50 or 80 minutes, depending on your preference.
Get Started
We understand how busy you are and we want to make it as easy as possible to get started working with us. Our entire process, including all your consultations are done online to accomodate your busy lives and make it easy for you to access support in the comfort of your home.
Step 1
We offer free, 15-minute phone consultations for potential clients to help answer questions and chat with you for us to both get an idea of fit.
Step 1
If you feel you don’t need a consultation, we can correspond by email to clarify some details and get started. If either of us feels we wouldn’t be a good fit for one another, names of other therapists can be provided to you to help you continue your journey.
Our therapists are registered to provide psychotherapy services in Ontario and at this time, we are only working with clients residing in the province. This applies to clients who are residents of Ontario and reside in another province or country.
Step 2
Prior to your first session, you will be sent a copy of the intake and consent forms, and you may also receive some questionnaires to fill out.
Step 2
You’re required to complete these at least 48 hours prior to your first session in order to reserve your appointment.
This allows you sufficient time to review policies and complete documentation, and your therapist the time to review important information prior to your session. It is your responsibility to review the forms in case you have any questions prior to, or during the intake session.
Insurance
Many private insurance plans cover psychotherapy services. While the number of insurance policies that cover psychotherapy grows, it’s important to check your policy carefully if you are seeking reimbursement for service.
*When reviewing your insurance policy, check to see if it indicates coverage for psychotherapy services specifically with a registered psychotherapist or clinical counsellor. Each policy is different and it is in your best interest to review this information carefully (or contact your insurer if you are unclear). Direct billing is only offered for refugees registered with the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and National Insurance Health Benefits program (NIHB)** , and therefore clients will be required to pay for sessions and can then submit their expense for reimbursement. Our services are not OHIP covered but receipts can be submitted for tax credit on your income taxes.
* Please ensure that you validate your insurance policy prior to commencing therapy. ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy is not responsible for the reimbursement policies with your insurer.
** Those wishing to use benefits with the IFHP and NIHB will only be accepted to start services once enrollment eligibility is verified.
Internet Connection and Meeting Spaces
ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy current offers sessions through video conferencing and phone. Ensuring that you have a reliable internet connection prior to your session helps both of us engage fully when meeting. See here to help get an idea of recommended speeds to support a video session.
Your session is reserved for you and ReNu strives to cultivate a space where you can work on your goals which is free from distractions. While private space can be difficult to find, take time before your session to identify a private and quiet space you can use to attend sessions.
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Step 3
Final step is your first session! Most intake sessions are conducted in a standard 50-minute session, but an 80-minute session can be offered
Step 3
Final step is your first session! Most intake sessions are conducted in a standard 50-minute session, but an 80-minute session can be offered if you feel you’d benefit from one.
Your therapist will ask more detailed questions about your current challenges, personal and family history, as well as your goals for therapy or counselling. If you’re worried about answering something you’re not ready to discuss that’s not a problem! Simply let us know and we can revisit when you’re ready.
After your initial session, your therapist will start to formulate your therapy or counselling plan to help you work towards your goals.