- Written by: Administrator
As of March 20, 2020 our office is closed to face-to-face visits and has moved to phone and video sessions only.
This is in compliance with provincial directives and is a step to keep everyone as safe as possible. If you have an appointment booked you will be contacted with instructions about how to switch to the new format. We do not want your treatment to be interrupted at this difficult time.
We have been successfully using the VSee platform for some of our sessions for several years now. However, there have been reports this week of problems due to the VSee system being overloaded. As a consequence, we are ramping up the Zoom system as an alternate. Unfortunately, we have been advised that the more popular video platforms like FaceTime and Skype do not meet provincial privacy standards.
We will be posting further information to assist you with the pandemic.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit.
- Written by: Administrator
This week the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. We all have a responsibility to do our part to slow the spread of this new virus to ensure our medical system has the time and opportunity to treat all who may need treatment.
New Office Procedures
As of the writing of this post our office is still open for scheduled appointments. However, we have made some changes to office procedures:
- If you have an appointment within 14 days of travelling outside Canada, please call the office to re-book your appointment.
- If you have fever, new cough, or other possible COVID-19 symptoms please call the office to re-book your appointment.
- If you have been exposed to anyone who might have the virus, please call the office to re-book your appointment.
- As you arrive for your appointment please clean your hands with sanitizer.
- As of today we will be temporarily waiving the late cancellation fee due to COVID-19 concerns.
- If it becomes necessary, we will be switching to secure video to ensure minimal impact on your ability to continue your psychotherapy.
COVID-19 Testing Centre Update
As of March 15, 2020 William Osler Health System's COVID-19 Assessment Centre at Peel Memorial Centre will test people who meet the following criteria:
- Mild symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or Flu-like Illness and ANY of the following:
- Fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees
- Underlying immunocompromised patients (e.g., Chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, Dialysis)
- Over 60 years of age
- Referred by public health due to contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
- Health care workers in any acute care, long-term care or primary care setting (prioritized)
- Pregnant women.
If you are experiencing symptoms contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit.
- Mild symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or Flu-like Illness and ANY of the following:
- Written by: Administrator
January 29 is Bell Let's Talk day for 2020. This week Dr. Stevens attended a presentation by Bell Let's Talk Chair and Order of Canada recipient, Mary Deacon, who spoke about the need for "decisive action for positive change" in mental health funding in Canada. #BellLetsTalk has become Canada's most used Twitter hashtag ever and like previous years it will likely be the top Twitter trend around the world on January 29, 2020. In his work Dr. Stevens sees daily the benefits of people talking about their mental health.
- Written by: Administrator
MIAW for 2019 is October 6-12. Coordinated each year by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, the purpose of this week is to educate Canadians about the reality of mental illness. More information can be found on the CAMIMH website.
Dr. Stevens celebrated this week by participating as a panel member in a public health literacy event at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness on October 8. The event's title was "Anxiety and Depression: Helping to Cope."
- Written by: Administrator
Once again, Psychologists across Canada are celebrating February as Psychology Month. Sponsored by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the purpose of the event is to highlight for Canadians "how psychology works to help them live healthy and happy lives, help their communities flourish, help their employers create effective workplaces, and help their governments develop good policies."
To mark the month, many Psychologists have made their time available for public information talks on Mental Health during the month. Dr. Stevens will be joining other Psychologists to sponsor an educational event on mindfulness research for staff at their local hospital.
Messages from the Canadian Psychological Association:
- Psychological treatments are less expensive than, and at least as effective as, medication for a number of common mental health conditions.
- Psychology researchers help us better understand how we change as we age.
- Psychology helps us understand what makes for a successful and satisfied workforce.
- Research shows psychological treatments work better than medication for most types of anxiety.
For more information about how Psychology works, see the Psychology Works Fact Sheets web page. To find out about public events in your area, check out the Canadian Psychological Association's Psychology Month page.