Client Policies

• Fees: our current fees are listed on this website (see Services & Rates).
• Payment: payment is due at the time of your session and can be made by credit card or by e-transfer to riverwaytherapy@gmail.com.
• Receipts: you’ll be given a receipt that you can submit to your insurance if you have coverage.
• Direct billing: Riverway offers direct billing through the programs and providers listed on this website. A pre-approval is often required before beginning therapy, so please check with your insurer or program and contact us if you have questions.

Our cancellation policy is listed in the FAQs on this website. If you’re unsure about it, please contact Riverway and we’ll gladly explain.

What you share in therapy stays between you and Riverway’s therapist. Your information is handled in line with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the standards of our regulatory college.

There are a few situations where the law requires us to share information, even without your consent:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
• If we believe a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect
• If records are ordered by a court
• If required by our regulatory college

Whenever it’s safe and possible, we’ll talk with you first. We’ll go over confidentiality with you before we begin, and you’re always welcome to ask questions about it. You can read more in our Website Privacy Policy.

Before we begin, we’ll review consent with you so you understand how therapy works, what to expect, and your right to ask questions or stop at any time.

We work with children and youth. Where a parent or guardian’s consent is needed, we’ll ask for it. If parents are separated, we may ask for custody or decision-making documents before the first session.

Canine-assisted therapy isn’t part of every session. Whether a canine helper joins a session depends on the client, the goals of the work and the therapeutic goal, and we always talk it through with you first. Please contact Riverway if you have questions or concerns, including about allergies.

Email and phone are best used for scheduling and general questions. Email isn’t fully private, so please save personal or clinical details for your session.

Riverway’s therapist is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and follows its code of ethics and standards of practice. If you have a concern about your care, we encourage you to raise it with Riverway first. You also have the right to contact the college directly.