No, you do not need to have a formal mental health diagnosis to benefit from counselling or psychotherapy services. Many individuals seek my services to work through challenging life transitions, improve communication skills, manage stress and anxiety, build healthier relationships, and cultivate personal growth and fulfillment.
At NCS, the therapeutic approach to mental health focuses on the individual's unique needs, concerns, and goals, rather than on a diagnosis. Working together can help with a wide range of concerns, whether or not someone has a formal diagnosis. If you are experiencing distress or seeking support and guidance in any area of your life, therapy can offer a safe and supportive space to explore your concerns and develop strategies for positive change.
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to Matt because he understands the difficulty of reaching out for professional help and the fear of being judged or having personal information exposed. He's committed to creating a safe and trusting environment for people to share their concerns without fear of breach of confidentiality.
You are free to share as much or as little as you are comfortable and Matt will respect your privacy at all times. As a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, Matt adheres to a strict professional code of ethics that also requires him to maintain the confidentiality of your information. This means he cannot disclose your information to anyone else without your consent, either directly or indirectly.
Please know that confidentiality can be discussed at any point in your time at NCS and you can ask for answers to any questions or concerns you may have. Matt's goal is for you to have a space where you feel comfortable and confident in your journey towards personal growth and healing.
"Therapy," "counselling," and "psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably however there are distinct differences:
Ultimately, the approach will depend on your unique needs and goals, and these terms often overlap in practice. As a Registered Social Worker, Matt is qualified to provide both counselling and psychotherapy services, combining training with a compassionate approach tailored to your specific situation.
Matt is a Registered Social Worker. However, as a social worker in Ontario, Matt is qualified to provide psychotherapy services and therefore uses the additional title of psychotherapist.
Working with a social worker offers distinct benefits beyond traditional psychotherapy. Social workers are trained not only in therapy but also in a wide range of support services, from advocacy and crisis intervention to case management and community resources. This broader scope allows social workers to help clients navigate challenges across multiple areas of life, including personal, social, and community contexts.
Social workers bring an integrated approach to mental health that considers how different aspects of your life—such as family, work, and community—intersect and influence your well-being. Social workerss are equipped to assess complex situations holistically, tailoring care that aligns with your unique needs and personal goals. Social workers are also committed to social justice, aiming to address inequalities and empower individuals within their environments.
Ultimately, social workers combine therapy with practical support and a broader skill set that enables them to address not only mental health but also life’s broader challenges. This makes social work an ideal choice for those looking for compassionate, comprehensive support.
Making the decision to begin therapy is a valuable step towards prioritizing your mental health and well-being. When deciding who to work with, it's essential to consider the qualifications and trustworthiness of the therapist. However, just like any relationship, building trust and rapport can take time and requires a good fit.
As a therapist, Matt strives to create a safe and empathetic space where clients can freely share their experiences without fear of judgment. His practice is rooted in a combination of theoretical frameworks and therapeutic methodologies, which allows a customized approach to each individual's unique situation and goals. While many people go to Matt seeking support for challenges they cannot face alone, the most important thing to acknowledge is that they have taken the courageous step of beginning their journey to mental wellness.
Every individual is unique, and Matt understand that your identity is shaped by a variety of factors. Your experiences, background, culture, and beliefs are just a few examples of what makes you who you are. While he may not have worked with someone exactly like you before, Matt has worked with individuals who have faced similar challenges and have had similar goals.
Regardless of what makes you, you, Matt is ready to provide you with unwavering support. It would be his privilege to work with and help you achieve your goals.
Firstly, please know that your comfort and safety are Matt's top priority, so he'll only move at a pace that works best for you.
Once you decide to move forward with services, Matt will begin by gathering more information about your unique situation. This may involve an intake questionnaire or discussing your experiences in-session, depending on your preference. During this stage, he'll work together to identify your challenges, strengths, and goals for therapy. From there, he'll use a collaborative approach, drawing on therapeutic techniques, knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and strategy implementation to help you build on your strengths and make progress toward your goals. Each session will build on the progress made in the previous session, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident as we work together.
Throughout the entire process, you are in control. If you ever feel like you need to slow down or stop altogether, that's completely okay. It's important to me that you feel empowered and in charge of your therapeutic journey.
Sessions are all about creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can openly share their thoughts and experiences. Matt believes that you are the expert of yourself, and takes a collaborative approach to sessions to work with you to capitalize on your strengths and guide you toward the answers within. Your safety and comfort are Matt's top priorities, and he will never ask you to share or do anything that you're not comfortable with.
Because every person is unique, Matt tailors his approach to each individual situation and set of goals and draws on a variety of theoretical frameworks and therapeutic methodologies to create and implement customized treatment plans that meet your needs. In session, you may find yourself overcoming difficult emotions and thought patterns, gaining new perspectives, and developing new skills that will support your growth and well-being.
While some services offered by social workers may be covered by OHIP, such as limited counselling provided within a Family Health Team, social workers working in private practice are self-employed and typically charge an hourly fee for their services. Although social workers and psychotherapists are regulated health professions in Ontario, their fees are not covered by OHIP. However, as of 2012, psychotherapy services provided by a registered social worker are now recognized as an income tax-deductible medical expense by Revenue Canada.
The cost of a session at NCS varies based on the type of service you require. Please contact Matt for more information on pricing.
If you have an Indigenous "status number", paying for therapy can be smooth process with Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). Matt is an approved NIHB mental health provider and can provide you with easy access to services without you having to ever pay a cent!
If you are seeking counselling or psychotherapy services, it's worth checking if your employee benefits plan covers the costs. In Ontario, most insurance companies offer coverage options for services provided registered social worker (RSW) with a master's degree in social work (MSW) or a psychotherapist - both of which Matt is. However, it's important to confirm your coverage with your insurance or benefits provider to avoid any surprises.
While Matt's rates reflect affordable access to mental health services, he knows the cost of therapy can be a barrier for some people and therefore strives to make his services accessible to everyone. In doing so, he offers a limited number of sliding scale or "special fee" slots for those who are experiencing financial hardship. Additionally, Matt is open to discussing individualized payment arrangements. If you are interested in these options, please contact Matt to your options. Please note that the availability of these options may vary depending on demand and cannot be guaranteed.
Payments are easy and flexible. You can pay by cash, credit card, or email money transfer—whichever works best for you. If there are concerns about your insurance/benefits coverage, Matt is happy to help navigate your concerns.
A typical session at NCS lasts for 60 minutes, although some sessions may be longer or shorter depending on needs and preferences. The 60 minutes includes a standard 50 minutes of direct talk therapy with 10 minutes of administration which includes research, planning, and note taking. Additional time spent on research, planning, or preparation outside of session hours is a regular part of the process and is always provided at no extra cost. The standard 50 minutes provides enough time to work toward treatment goals while also allowing time to emotionally recover if the session is difficult.
Booking and confirming your first session typically takes place over the phone with subsequent bookings taking place at the end of a session. Those who wish to reschedule can do so through email or by phone with 24 hours' notice.
NCS is located in the Port building at 222 Main Street East in North Bay, Ontario. Port is a secure building and only accessible by appointment. Its front entrance is on Main Street East while its rear entrance (and parking lot) is off of McIntyre Street. Entering 235 McIntyre Street North Bay, Ontario P1B 1C7 into Google or a GPS will take you to the rear of the building.
There a several options for parking while you're at NCS. Free parking is available on Main Street (one hour maximum), in parking spots 10 and 11 (in Port's private parking lot at the rear of the building), and after 4:30PM in Municipal Parking Lot 11. Paid parking is available in Municipal Parking Lot 11 at a rate of $1 per hour.
Nipissing Counselling Solutions
222 Main Street East North Bay, ON
Proudly providing services across the province of Ontario