Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

The majority of our referrals come from physicians, health care providers, personal injury lawyers, WSIB case managers, or family physicians. However, you do not need a referral. Contact us to see how we can help.

I need help right now; who do I call?

Brainworks is not equipped as a crisis service. If you are in crisis, please contact 911, go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or contact your local Canadian Mental Health Association Crisis Line. 

Are you covered by OHIP?

Brainworks does not receive funding from the Ministry of Health and we are not covered by OHIP. However, we can seek funding approval from other third-party funding sources.

I work during the week; can I see someone on the weekend or in the evening?

Our typical office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. However, many of our therapists are available outside of those hours. We work with our clients and their schedules and do our utmost to accommodate what works best for them.  

Do you bill directly to my health insurance benefits provider? What types of payment do you accept?

We are able to bill auto insurers, WSIB, Veterans Affairs, and several other third-party funding sources directly. However, we do not bill extended health insurance carriers (EHC) directly. For those services that are not approved in advance by a third-party funding source, we accept debit, credit card, eTransfers, cheques, and cash as payment for services. We provide receipts immediately following payment which are suitable for submission to extended health insurers. We also accept payment in advance, held in trust, to fund treatment following a legal settlement.

What is the difference between MIG, Non-CAT, and CAT?

Ontario has different levels of accident benefits available for those who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. The Minor Injury Guidelines (MIG) is for injuries that are deemed minor. In the “MIG”, clients have access to $3500 in medical-rehab benefits. The “Non-CAT” level is for injuries that are deemed more serious than those in the MIG, but that are non-catastrophic. In this level, clients have access to $65,000 in medical-rehab benefits and attendant care combined. The “CAT” category is for injuries that are deemed severe and catastrophic. Clients in this level have access to $1,000,000 in medical-rehab benefits. These amounts may be different for each individual due to optional benefits that may have been purchased. Unfortunately, clients are often inappropriately placed in the MIG and require specific documentation before they can access increased benefits. Similarly, many clients are placed in the “non-catastrophic” level of funding and require assessment and documentation before their level of benefits can increase. Brainworks has extensive experience in supporting clients in transitioning to a more appropriate level of rehabilitation benefits.

What is the difference between a BSW and an MSW?

All of our social workers are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Every social worker must have a social work degree before they can be registered. Some of our social workers are registered on the basis of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, which is a four-year honours degree. Some of our social workers are registered on the basis of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which requires an additional year or more of study beyond the BSW degree. Regardless of whether your social worker has a BSW or MSW, all social workers at Brainworks are registered, skilled, and experienced for the work that they do.

Why do some psychologists not use the title of Doctor?

In Ontario, all psychologists must be registered for independent practice in psychology, but not all are “doctors”. Psychologists using the title “Dr.” are required to have an approved doctoral degree as part of their registration process. Psychologists who do not use the title “Dr.” have an approved master’s degree, four years of supervised experience, and they have completed the registration process in an additional province.  All other aspects of the registration process are the same.

Do I have to start with an assessment, or can I go directly into treatment?

While we typically start with an assessment, it is not always required, and depending on the client’s situation, it may be best to start directly into treatment. Sometimes you just need a session or two with an experienced therapist to help you navigate a difficult life decision or evaluate priorities.  

I have already gone for so many assessments, why can't you just read those reports?

Our assessors read prior reports as a part of the assessment process. Sometimes, these reports are sufficient for accessing treatment. Other times, our assessor is looking for something different than prior assessors or is required to complete the assessment in a format that is recognized by a particular funding source. Still other times, it is important that the client get an assessment that outlines appropriate treatment, not just signal entitlement to a particular benefit. When in doubt, ask, and we are happy to explain the rationale for the assessment with you.

Why do I need to complete questionnaires before my assessment? Can't they be done during my assessment?

Many of our assessments include “self-report measures” or “questionnaires”. These questionnaires are usually completed on paper, but many can also be completed on a computer too. On these questionnaires, you are asked to select answers that are in line with how you are doing, or how you feel about certain things. Many people enjoy completing these measures, and find that they are interesting, as they pertain to issues they are currently dealing with. However, some people find these difficult. When these types of questionnaires are used, the psychologist usually prefers that they are completed before meeting with you, so that they can hone in on what is relevant and important to you most efficiently. Some of these questionnaires can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Others need to be completed in our office. If you feel that it would be better for you to meet with the psychologist before completing any paperwork, please let us know.