FAQs

How will I know if you’re the right therapist for me? Expand

It’s kind of a gut thing: you’ll feel comfortable with me or you won’t. But “fit” is the most important component of counselling, not the type of counselling or the number of sessions. If you think you won’t look forward to our sessions because of our relationship, we are not a good fit and I’ll be happy to refer you to someone else – no judgement!

Do I need to have a diagnosis of a mental health problem to come for mental health counselling? Expand

No diagnosis is required. We can look at the experiences you’re having and determine how to create change together based on how you want to make a difference in your life.

I don’t think counselling helps. How does talking to a stranger do anything for me? Expand

The point of counselling is to create change in your life. What would you like to be different about your life or your relationships? Counselling is a series of conversations with a person who knows how to help people to think about what they experience, but from a different point of view. If you are interested in creating change in your life, I have the education and experience to challenge your assumptions and encourage you to try new ideas. I’ll support you along the way because change can be scary and frustrating. (It’s also liberating and exciting!)

What types of people do you work with? Expand

I work with people ages 18 and up. My experience extends to working with specialized populations including adults and elders of the LGBTQ community, individuals who require translation (ASL and English), individuals with acquired injuries and those with congenital differences.

Please note that translation services are not included in my current fee schedule and will be the responsibility of the patient. Professional translators are required for my services.

What kinds of problems can you help me with? Expand

Please see the Mental Health and Discovery Counselling pages for descriptions of how I can help.

What type of therapy do you do? Expand

I use many modalities in my work with clients: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are some of my staples. The modality will depend on the client and how they respond to different types of interactions. I use my professional judgement to determine the most effective treatment.

Are you covered by my insurance? Expand

If you have insurance for counselling, please verify before booking that your insurance provider will cover counselling by a Registered Social Worker, which is indicated by my designation MSW RSW.

When you pay for my services, I will provide you with a receipt that includes all the information an insurance carrier will require. You may submit that receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Can I use your receipts as a medical expense on my Income Tax? Expand

Yes. Services provided by Registered Social Workers are eligible medical expenses for tax deductions.

Do I need a referral? Expand

No, you can book an appointment yourself by clicking the button at the top right corner of this page.

Will you provide notes to my doctor? My psychiatrist? My parole officer? Expand

I can do so with your signed consent. That’s the only way your information will ever be shared with anyone else, with the exceptions outlined in Limits of Confidentiality (see next question). I will not disclose what we discuss with your spouse, your parents, or your children (adult or otherwise) unless you provide a written request and consent for me to do so.

What are the Limits of Confidentiality? Expand

There are 4 circumstances in which I am obligated to share your information without your consent, and they are as follows:

If you disclose that you have a serious intent to harm yourself or someone else, I’m obligated to call someone to take you to safety. I’m also obligated to contact the person you intend to harm to let them know of your intentions so they can stay safe.
If you disclose information that indicates a child needs protection, I must contact Family & Children’s Services.
If you disclose that a fellow member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers has abused you, I am obligated to share that information with the College.
If my records of our sessions are subpoenaed by the court, I am obligated to provide the court with those records, and they will become part of the court’s record.

If any of these circumstances arise, I will do everything I can to ensure we work through it together.

What are your fees? Expand

$150 per session

Clients referred through Victim Services are provided services at $130 per session.

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CONTACT

Christine Hagen MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker
Psychotherapist In-Person Sessions address:
the 2nd floor of
The Branches at 9 Samuel Street Mailing Address:
7-781 Victoria Street North
Kitchener ON N4S 3S1
t: 226.791.0777
e: chris@chagen.ca