Frequently Asked Questions

I have been a  counsellor for over twenty years, practicing in Toronto and rural and urban areas in Southwestern Ontario.

I have a Master of Social Work degree and am a Registered Social Worker. I am a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, a professional regulatory body in Ontario. 

I live in Toronto, but an online counselling platform allows me to work with people who live anywhere in Ontario.

The purpose of the consultation is to find out if we are a good fit. I will ask you what issues you would like to focus on in our work together, and I will let you know if I can support you with your needs. You will have the opportunity to ask me about my approach to practice and any other questions on your mind. You are not obligated to book an appointment following this consultation. 

Please note that I use Jane App, an online platform that requires users to create an account and log in. If this is a barrier for you, please email me at rlestercounselling@gmail.com to discuss alternative arrangements.

All services are online. You may choose if you want to engage in sessions via telephone, the Jane App virtual platform, or Zoom. If you use an iPhone or iPad for online counselling sessions, you will be prompted to download the free Jane App. 

If using the Jane App is a barrier for you, please let me know, and we will discuss alternative arrangements for service delivery.

Please be assured that I am alone and in a confidential workspace during our sessions.

Each session is one hour.

Sessions are $150. Payments are made via e-transfer. OHIP does not cover individual counselling; however, some insurance plans and workplaces cover the cost of individual counselling by a Registered Social Worker. Please consult your insurance or employee benefits package. 

Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are authorized medical practitioners, and services can be claimed as a medical expense tax deduction when you file your income tax return.