Frequently asked questions

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Serene Heart is not a crisis service

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department. For 24/7 mental health support, the following resources are available:

Getting Started

Therapy can help if you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained, and just as often when you're looking for greater self-understanding, clarity, or support during a transition. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit. If something is affecting your wellbeing or how you move through daily life, therapy can be a meaningful place to begin.

Your first session is a chance to get to know each other and begin exploring what brings you to therapy. Your therapist will ask about your concerns, goals, and background, and you'll have time to ask questions of your own. There's no pressure to share everything at once — the pace is guided by your comfort.

We work with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. Our therapists support children as young as 3 years old, though we take a case-by-case approach since the right therapeutic method depends on your child's developmental stage and specific needs. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, reach out and we'll help match you with a therapist who specializes in their age group.

No referral is required. You can book directly through our online portal, by phone, or by reaching out for a free 15-minute consultation. Some insurance providers may require a referral for reimbursement, so we recommend checking with your insurer if you plan to use your extended health benefits.

Therapy is confidential, and your privacy is one of our highest priorities. Information shared in sessions is not disclosed without your written consent, except in the limited situations required by Ontario law: when there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, in cases of child or vulnerable-adult protection, or in response to a court order. Your therapist will walk you through these details in your first session.

Our Team & Approach

Our multidisciplinary team supports clients across a wide range of needs, with flagship areas including individual therapy, couples and marital therapy, children's and adolescent therapy, trauma-informed care, and religiously informed therapy. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, DBT, play therapy, and somatic and emotion-focused approaches. Alongside psychotherapy, our clinic also offers naturopathic care and hypnosis services as part of a whole-person approach to wellness. For the full picture, visit our Services page or browse Our Team to find practitioners who specialize in your areas of focus.

Yes. We have therapists who integrate faith and cultural understanding into your care, including practitioners who specialize in Islamic and other faith-based approaches. This option is designed for clients who want their spiritual or religious values considered alongside evidence-based therapy, whether that means guidance grounded in your faith tradition or simply working with a therapist who shares your cultural context. If this matters to you, mention it during your free consultation and we'll match you accordingly.

Fit matters more than almost anything else in therapy. We offer a free 15-minute complimentary consultation so you can meet a therapist, share what you're looking for, and decide whether it feels like the right match, before committing to a session. If you're not sure who to start with, our intake team can help guide the matching process based on your needs, preferences, and the kind of support you're hoping for.

It's completely okay if a therapist doesn't feel like the right fit, this happens, and naming it isn't something to feel bad about. You can talk with your therapist openly, or reach out to our intake team to be matched with someone else. Our goal is for you to feel genuinely supported, understood, and comfortable in the work we do together.

Sessions & Booking

Yes. We offer secure online therapy sessions through a confidential, PHIPA-compliant platform, so you can attend from home or anywhere private in Ontario. Many clients find virtual therapy just as effective as in-person sessions, and it's especially helpful if you have a demanding schedule, mobility considerations, or live outside our Mississauga, Milton, and Burlington service areas. You can choose virtual, in-person, or a combination based on what works best for you.

We have three locations across the Greater Toronto Area:

  • Milton — 420 Bronte St. S, Suite 214, Milton, ON L9T 0H9
  • Mississauga — 5730 Cooper Ave, Suite 34, Mississauga, ON L4Z 2E9
  • Burlington — 3061 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON L7M 0W3

All services are available at all three locations, by appointment only. We also offer online sessions for clients across Ontario. Phone: (905) 299-8898 · Email: admin@sereneheart.org

Sessions are typically 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on the type of service and your needs. Some clients meet weekly, others bi-weekly or on an as-needed basis. There's no single right answer,  your therapist will work with you to find a pace that supports your goals without becoming overwhelming.

 

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time to another client who may be waiting. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Fees, Insurance & Payment

Yes, direct billing is one of the conveniences we're proud to offer. We provide direct billing to most major insurance providers for psychotherapy and naturopathic services, something not all counseling clinics in Mississauga, Milton, and Burlington offer. Some extended health plans also cover hypnosis sessions, and we offer direct billing where your plan includes it. Coverage varies by individual plan, so we recommend confirming with your insurer or asking us during your free consultation. For anything not covered by direct billing, we provide official receipts you can submit for reimbursement or to a Health Spending Account (HSA).

Rates vary by therapist and the type of service you're booking, and they're listed alongside each therapist's availability when you book through our online portal. We're committed to making therapy accessible, and some of our therapists offer reduced-fee spots. If cost is a concern, please reach out, our administrative team would be glad to discuss your options and help find a path that works for you.

OHIP coverage: Psychotherapy from Registered Psychotherapists is not covered by OHIP, but it is typically covered by extended health benefits through workplace plans, group plans, or private insurance.

HST exemption: As of June 2024, psychotherapy services from CRPO-registered Registered Psychotherapists and services from licensed Naturopathic Doctors are exempt from HST. Hypnosis services include HST.