FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
What is MindSession?
MindSession is a psychology clinic and private practice specialised in intercultural psychology. Our aim is to help patients overcome life’s biggest obstacles in a convenient and affordable manner. Our practice is based in Montreal, Canada yet we work with amazing clinicians who serve patients from around the world. We aim first and foremost to improve access to quality mental health services to people with poor access to psychological services, including people living in remote areas or with limited mobility. We serve people globally and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our initiative took on a new and unexpected purpose of helping provide and maintain psychological treatment despite social distancing. Our doctors are licensed and qualified and they can safely help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy.
Who will be helping me?
At MindSession, we understand working with the right therapist can make the world of a difference. Prior to committing to our services, we will match you to a clinician that best fits your needs, preferences, and area of focus. If at any point throughout the process you feel you would prefer a different clinician, we will help you find someone you will feel comfortable with.
Are MindSession clinicians licensed professionals?
All our MindSession clinicians are fully licensed, experienced, and in good standing. We vet all our clinicians before onboarding to make sure their license is current, that they have no complaints lodged against them and that they have the clinical experience and educational background required to meet our rigorous criteria. We also believe that our clinicians must fit within our organizational culture and share our ethos.
Whats the difference between counseling & psychotherapy?
Although the terms counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them. Counseling is generally a short-term intervention designed to help a person address a particular problem, such as addiction or work conflicts. The focus is typically on solving a problem or on learning specific techniques for coping with or overcoming specified problem areas. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is often a long-term intervention that focuses on helping a person identify and break unhealthy patterns of thinking and habitual behaviors that may negatively affect the way that person interacts with their world. Psychotherapy can be a challenging yet rich experience that can improve a persons wellbeing at different levels such as in their relationships, job satisfaction, and personal sense of self. Therapy is an umbrella term that refers to any form of consultation intended to help alleviate suffering, whether it be physical or mental.
How do online sessions compare to traditional in-person sessions?
Although there are various benefits to both methods of therapy, we have found that online psychotherapy tends to be more convenient than traditional therapy. Our psychotherapists have very flexible scheduling, making it easier for patients to find a session time that works best for them. Additionally, sessions can be hosted over phone call, text or video chat, depending on the clients preference and capabilities.
How can I reach my psychotherapist?
At MindSession, we offer various methods of communications with our therapist: phone calls, instant messaging, text messaging and video chats. Please keep in mind that not all therapists are adapt to use every method of communications and you will have to check-in with them to agree on best ways of communicating.
How much does MindSession cost?
Session costs range from $65-$210 depending on the type of therapy chosen (group, individual, or couple/family therapy) and on the credentials and seniority of the psychotherapist you will be working with. Since all our clinicians are licensed with their respective boards, session costs are reimbursable from your insurance depending on your coverage.
Are sessions reimbursed by insurance?
Yes, our sessions are covered by insurance. We provide you with a receipt after payment of each session which you must submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Coverage and benefits for traditional therapy services are different from one insurance to another so make sure to double check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible to get your services covered.
How is my privacy protected?
All your protected health information and contact information are kept confidential. Your clinician is the only person who has access to your clinician file. Your information is stored away, protected and kept safe in our system.
How do I get started?
Getting started with MindSession can be easily done in only 3 easy steps.
1) Sign Up online, over the phone, or by sending us an e-mail.
2) Complete our brief initial intake questionnaire to find the best suited clinician for your needs.
3) Set up your first appointment and start your journey!
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are not sure if therapy is for you, explore our website to where you can find resources and advice. You will also be able to take a quiz to see if therapy is suited for you.
I am a psychotherapist, and/or psychiatrist can I join the team?
Yes, as long as you are licensed, have a doctorate degree in psychology (or equivalent), and enjoy a flexible schedule. If yes, please reach out to us. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss potential career opportunities!
Head to our FAQ for clinicians to learn more.
I am a doctorate student in psychology, can I join the team?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled in a doctorate program in psychology and have completed your first clinical internship. If yes, you are eligible to apply for supervised clinical work experience with us at MindSession.
Head to our FAQ for clinicians to learn more.
What is your privacy policy ?
PRIVACY POLICY
This policy aims to inform anyone seeking our services about how Mindsession is committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of their personal information. This policy on collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information, as required by Law 25, aims to safeguard your privacy rights.
About Law 25: Protection of Personal Information
In Quebec, Canada, since September 22, 2022, Law 25 has aimed to enhance the protection of digital personal data of Quebec residents. The Access to Information Commission (CAI) defines personal information as data concerning an identifiable individual. This information is confidential and, except under certain circumstances, cannot be collected or shared without the individual's consent. It is mandatory to appoint a person responsible for protecting personal information within our company, ensuring compliance with the law.
At Mindsession, the designated person is Dr. Lara Kalaf, founder, and psychologist.
The person responsible for protecting personal information seeks to safeguard this information throughout the life cycle of collected personal data: collection, consent, use, disclosure, retention, disposal, anonymization, and destruction. For more information, you can visit the Access to Information Commission (CAI) website.
Collection and Use of Personal Information
Mindsession collects and stores any information you enter on our website by filling out a contact form or voluntarily providing through other means (phone, email, postal mail). The collected information varies depending on the communication method used and whether you are a person seeking services from our clinic, a client, or a candidate (intern, trainee, professional).
Personal Information
Depending on the circumstances, personal information may include: your name, email address, phone number, age, sector/city/region of residence, level of education, and language(s) spoken. Mindsession collects personal information strictly necessary for considering your consultation/service request or your application. We may contact you using the email address and/or phone number you provided to follow up on your request.
Sensitive Information
Depending on the circumstances, sensitive personal information concerning your reason for consultation, current symptoms, and diagnostic history may be collected. It is essential for us to treat and store this data with the utmost care. Therefore, we obtain informed consent before collecting any personal and sensitive information. Moreover, various security measures ensure the protection of this data against unauthorized access or misuse.
Storage of Personal Information
We use Google Workspace (emails and Google Drive) to manage the relationship with any new prospect; from the moment a consultation request form is provided until the prospect becomes a client of the Mindsession clinic.
Google Workspace (emails and Google Drive) acts as, and is considered, a "Processor" and not as the "Controller" of personal information. The company Mindsession, as the User, controlling and operating a website, is responsible for processing user information.
For more information about the "Personal Information of Users," please refer to Google Workspace’s privacy policy.
Use of Cookies and Connection Witnesses
Our website uses cookies for important purposes, including:
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Providing an optimal experience to our visitors and clients.
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Monitoring and analyzing the performance, operation, and effectiveness of the Website.
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Ensuring the security and safety of its use.
However, a cookie notification banner allows visitors to accept or decline non-essential cookies.
Right of Access and Rectification
Upon written request addressed to the person responsible for protecting personal information, you can access the personal information that Mindsession holds about you and, if necessary, request corrections. If you wish to withdraw your consent to the collection of personal information, please contact the person responsible for personal information.
Responsible for the Protection of Personal Information for Mindsession :
Dr. Lara Kalaf – privacy@mindsession.com
Updating the Privacy Policy
Mindsession may modify the content of its website and its use of cookies without notice, and therefore, its Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy may be amended from time to time in the future. We encourage you to consult them when you visit the website to remain informed about how personal information is processed.
Contact Us
For any comments, questions, or requests regarding this privacy policy and our privacy practices, please write to confidentialite@mindsession.com.