FAQs Archive

Can autism go unrecognized in someone who has friends or does well academically?

Yes. Autism can sometimes go unrecognized in people who have friendships, communicate comfortably in familiar situations, or do well academically. Autistic people vary considerably in their strengths, communication styles, sensory experiences, relationships, and support needs. Some develop ways of navigating social expectations that make their differences or difficulties less apparent to others. This can require considerable effort. An autism assessment looks beyond outward appearances. We take time to understand your perspective, including how you experience the world, navigate relationships and daily life, and manage situations that may be challenging or exhausting. We consider your experiences alongside your developmental history, strengths, and patterns across different areas of life. Our goal is to make the assessment a respectful, collaborative process that helps you develop a clearer understanding of yourself.

mpadmin2026-10-29T14:46:15-04:00Comments Off

Can someone have ADHD even if they’re successful at school or work?

Yes. Academic or professional success doesn't rule out ADHD. Some people compensate for attention and executive functioning difficulties through considerable effort, rigid routines, last-minute pressure, or support from others. They may achieve strong results while struggling with organization, procrastination, time management, or the effort required to keep up. However, these difficulties aren't specific to ADHD. Anxiety, sleep problems, mood difficulties, and other factors can produce similar experiences. An ADHD assessment considers developmental history, symptoms, their impact across settings, and possible alternative explanations. The question isn't simply whether someone has succeeded. It's also how they function and what difficulties they experience along the way.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:22:23-04:00Comments Off

What if an assessment doesn’t identify the diagnosis I expected?

An assessment is intended to provide an accurate understanding of your difficulties, not to confirm a particular diagnosis. Sometimes the findings support the diagnosis you suspected. Other times, they suggest a different explanation, identify several contributing factors, or indicate that diagnostic criteria aren't met. That doesn't mean your difficulties aren't real. A useful assessment should help clarify what the findings mean, identify relevant strengths and challenges, and offer recommendations where appropriate. The goal is to leave you with a better understanding of what's happening and what may help—even when the answer is different from what you anticipated.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:22:57-04:00Comments Off

Are therapy and psychological assessments covered by OHIP or extended health insurance?

Toronto Psychology Centre is a private practice. Our therapy and psychological assessment services are not covered by OHIP. Some extended health insurance plans reimburse services provided by registered psychologists, psychological associates, or registered social workers. Coverage varies by plan, including the types of services covered, annual limits, and whether psychological testing is eligible. We provide receipts for reimbursement, but we do not bill insurance companies directly. We recommend checking your benefits before booking so you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. For more information, please visit our Fees & Policies page.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:16:45-04:00Comments Off

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Online psychotherapy can be effective for many psychological concerns, including anxiety and depression. Research supports video-based delivery of several established psychological treatments, although effectiveness depends on the concerns being addressed, the treatment approach, and individual circumstances. For some people, online therapy offers greater convenience and access to a clinician whose experience matches their needs. For others, in-person appointments may be preferable because of privacy, safety, comfort, or the nature of the therapeutic work. Toronto Psychology Centre offers secure online therapy across Ontario. We can help you consider whether online or in-person appointments are appropriate for your needs.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:23:14-04:00Comments Off

How do I arrange a therapy appointment or psychological assessment?

The first step is a complimentary 10–15-minute telephone consultation with our intake team. We'll ask about your concerns, what you're hoping to understand or address, and any preferences that may help us recommend an appropriate service or clinician. For therapy, we'll consider which of our clinicians may be a good fit for your needs. For assessments, we'll discuss the questions you're hoping to answer and the type of evaluation that may be appropriate. You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you need before contacting us.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:17:22-04:00Comments Off

How do you help me find a therapist who is a good fit?

Finding the right therapist matters. It's not only about a clinician's experience and expertise, but also about finding someone whose approach fits your needs and preferences. At Toronto Psychology Centre, we take time to understand what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping to achieve, and what matters to you in a therapeutic relationship. During our complimentary 15-minute introductory call, our care coordination team will learn about your concerns, goals, and preferences. Following the call, we'll review this information and recommend clinicians whose experience and approach may be well suited to your needs. You'll have the opportunity to consider these options and choose the therapist you feel most comfortable starting with. Our psychologists and registered social workers do not offer separate complimentary meet-and-greet appointments. Instead, your first therapy session provides an opportunity to explore your concerns more deeply and begin building a therapeutic relationship. Our background questionnaires also help your therapist understand your experiences, goals, and preferences so that treatment can be tailored to your needs. Trust and connection develop over time, and no matching process can guarantee the right fit. We encourage open communication throughout therapy and welcome feedback about what's working and what may need to change. If [...]

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:15:04-04:00Comments Off

Do you provide LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming therapy?

We believe therapy should be a place where people feel respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves. Our clinicians recognize that sexual orientation, gender identity, relationships, family experiences, and social circumstances can all be important parts of a person's life. We aim to provide an inclusive and affirming environment where LGBTQ+ clients can explore their concerns without judgment or assumptions about their identity. Therapy may focus on anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, identity-related experiences, or other difficulties. As with all our services, we consider each clinician's experience and areas of expertise when helping clients find an appropriate match.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:23:57-04:00Comments Off

What does it mean to take a trauma-informed approach to therapy?

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that difficult, overwhelming, or frightening experiences can influence how people feel, respond to stress, and relate to themselves and others. It involves paying attention to emotional safety, trust, collaboration, and each person's readiness to explore difficult experiences. This doesn't mean that everyone needs to discuss their past or that all psychological difficulties are caused by trauma. Our clinicians consider how past and present experiences may be affecting you while working collaboratively to identify your needs and goals. Depending on the concerns, treatment may focus on developing coping skills, understanding emotional responses, addressing trauma-related symptoms, or exploring experiences that continue to affect everyday life. You don't need to share everything at once. Your therapist will work with you to consider what is appropriate and helpful.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:23:44-04:00Comments Off

Is your approach to therapy neurodiversity-affirming?

We recognize that people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental differences may experience the world in ways that influence their emotions, relationships, learning, and everyday functioning. Our approach considers each person's strengths, developmental history, individual needs, and the challenges they may be experiencing. Therapy may focus on concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, executive functioning, or relationships, with strategies adapted to the individual. Being neurodiversity-affirming means recognizing and respecting these differences rather than assuming that everyone should think, communicate, or behave in the same way. Our goal is not to change who someone is, but to help them better understand themselves, navigate difficulties, and develop approaches that support their well-being.

mpadmin2026-10-25T15:24:13-04:00Comments Off