Your questions, answered honestly.
Everything you need to know before booking your first session with Amanda Riley Psychotherapy Group Practice.
We encourage you to start by browsing our therapist profiles to get a feel for each person's approach, specialties, and personality. If you're unsure, that's completely okay. Our free 15-minute consultation is designed exactly for this moment. You'll have a chance to ask questions, share what you're looking for, and we'll help match you with the right fit.
Finding the right fit matters more than finding the "perfect" therapist on paper. A good therapeutic relationship is the foundation of real progress.
Meet our teamWe currently have immediate openings available with no waitlist. You can book a free 15-minute consultation and often begin your first full session within the same week. When you're ready to start, waiting months simply isn't an option.
Our online booking through Jane App makes scheduling simple and puts you in control of when and how often you meet with your therapist.
Book your free consultationYour first session, called an initial intake appointment, is a conversation, not a test. Your therapist will take time to understand your background, what brought you to therapy, and what you're hoping to achieve. Together, you'll begin shaping a personalized treatment plan.
There's no pressure to share everything at once. Many clients feel a sense of relief just from being heard. Come as you are. There's no "right" way to start.
In Ontario, a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is trained and licensed to provide talk therapy for mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. They are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and can also perform psychological assessments. Both are qualified to provide therapy and are typically covered by private insurance. Amanda Riley and our team are Registered Psychotherapists: qualified, regulated professionals dedicated to your mental health.
Yes. Most private extended health benefit plans in Ontario cover psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist, including plans from Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Desjardins, and Green Shield. Coverage amounts vary, so check your benefits booklet or call your provider to confirm your annual allowance.
We offer direct billing through Telus Health eClaims, meaning we submit claims directly to your insurer on your behalf, with less paperwork for you.
Yes. We provide direct billing to most insurance providers through Telus Health eClaims. You don't pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. We handle the billing so you can focus on your therapy.
We also accept Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for eligible First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients. Please contact us to confirm your specific coverage before your first appointment.
We understand that cost is a real concern. Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation. We're happy to talk through options, including session frequency and what's realistic for your budget.
Many clients also have access to therapy through their employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which covers several free sessions. It's worth checking with your HR department before assuming you have no coverage.
First consultation is free. Let's talk.Yes. Research consistently shows that online therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and many other concerns. The therapeutic relationship and the quality of your sessions matter far more than the format.
Many clients actually find virtual therapy more comfortable. You're in your own space, without the stress of commuting, which can make it easier to open up and do the real work.
Our registered psychotherapists are licensed to provide virtual therapy to clients anywhere in Ontario, including the Niagara Region, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Toronto, Ottawa, and rural communities across the province.
Because we work entirely online, geography is no barrier. Whether you're in a small town with limited local options or a busy city where waitlists are long, we're accessible wherever you are.
All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a reliable internet connection. Sessions are conducted through our secure, encrypted platform. No technical expertise required. You'll receive a simple link before each appointment.
Your privacy is protected under Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). We use PIPEDA-compliant, Canadian-hosted platforms to keep your health information confidential and secure.
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments to work around your life, not the other way around. You can view available times and book directly through our online booking system at any hour.
See available timesYes. We proudly serve first responders and have deep experience supporting police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals. We understand the unique psychological demands of these roles, including shift work, exposure to traumatic events, moral injury, and the culture of "toughing it out."
Therapy with us is a judgment-free space. You don't have to explain your world to us. We already understand it.
Learn about our approachAbsolutely. Virtual therapy is highly effective for PTSD and Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI). For many first responders, online sessions remove a significant barrier. You don't have to be seen walking into a therapist's office by colleagues or community members.
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed approaches and work with you to process difficult experiences and build resilience, all from the privacy of your own home.
Still have questions?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. No commitment, no pressure.