Resource Library

UNI-Commons offers counselling services in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.  Please check out our therapist profiles for their languages of service.

Choosing the right counsellor is a personal decision. It is essential to find someone with whom you can build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance. You can view our counsellor profiles and consider factors such as the therapist’s expertise, approach to therapy, and personality. To facilitate your decision-making process, we offer one complimentary 15-minute initial consultation for the potential client to meet with our counsellor before signing up for service. Alternatively, if you find yourself uncertain or prefer a more streamlined approach, you can submit an online intake form, and one of our counsellors will promptly reach out to arrange an initial consultation with you.

To avoid perceived or actual conflict of interest, counsellors are not allowed to enter into any other contract at any time with present or former clients from their employer for the same type of service.  Since most counsellors at UNI-Commons are employees at CFSO, you will not be arranged to see your counsellor at CFSO.  Please consider other counsellors at UNI-Commons.

The first session is an opportunity for you and your counsellor to get to know each other. You will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. Your counsellor may ask about your personal history, current challenges, family situation, school or work relations, and what you hope to achieve. It is a chance to establish a comfortable working relationship and set the groundwork for future sessions.

UNI-Commons operates under a 24-hour cancellation or rescheduling policy. To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please leave a phone or email message to your counsellors at least 24 hours in advance. In case of missed appointments or last-minute cancellations made less than 24 hours of the appointment time, clients will be charged at their regular session fee. 

Counselling is a confidential process designed to help you address your concerns. Your therapist is bound by ethical and legal standards to protect your privacy. However, there are some exceptions to such confidentiality, such as if there is a perceived risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is a legal requirement to disclose information. Your counsellor will discuss confidentiality in detail during your first session.

Psychotherapy and counselling services are NOT covered by OHIP.  However, most health insurance companies offer policies that cover a portion of psychotherapy fees.  Please review your insurance policies or contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage.

You may be covered if you are a current student or employee in Ontario with insurance coverage. Usually, counselling services are claimed under Extended Health Care coverage as Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work, or Counselling Services. The insurance coverage for each insurance policy is different, please check with your provider regarding the specific details.

UNI-Commons does not offer a sliding scale for counselling fees at this time.  In other words, we do not offer discounts on counselling fees under any circumstances.

Yes. You as a client have the right to authorize UNI-Commons with written permission to release any or specific personal information to any designated person or agency. Clients are required to sign a consent for the release of information and consult with counsellors about the risks and benefits of the release of personal records to third parties. The time used for record access is billable at an hourly rate of $100 or for a flat fee of $50 (plus HST) for shorter time requirements, unless otherwise agreed upon. The photocopy fee is $1 per page payable to UNI-Commons if clients request a physical copy of their documentation.