No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dana. She welcomes new clients and is happy to work with individuals regardless of whether or not they have been referred by another healthcare provider. Dr. Dana believes that seeking counselling for mental health concerns is an important step towards wellness and she strives to make the process as convenient, accessible, and supportive as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling an appointment, please feel free to contact Dr. Dana's office for more information by email at hello@drdana.ca or by phone at 833-373-2620 (it's toll free).

A psychologist is a mental health professional trained to assess and treat mental health issues. In Ontario, becoming a registered psychologist involves completing a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degree, passing licensing exams, and gaining clinical experience. Dr. Dana has over 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist in Ontario.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health experts, but they have different roles. Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and use therapeutic techniques to help you understand and heal from mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who primarily treat mental health disorders with medication. While psychologists focus on therapy, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Both can work together to provide comprehensive mental health care.

Choosing therapy with an Indigenous psychologist like Dr. Dana means working with someone who deeply understands the role of culture in mental health. Dr. Dana uses evidence-based, culturally relevant methods and collaborates with you to set treatment goals that align with your cultural values. She also considers the historical, social, and political issues faced by Indigenous people, ensuring a respectful and effective healing process.

In your first therapy session with Dr. Dana, you'll discuss your reasons for seeking counseling and your goals. Dr. Dana will ask about your personal and medical history, current situation, and any symptoms you're experiencing. This helps her understand your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. You'll also have the chance to ask any questions about the therapy process or Dr. Dana's approach. It's normal to feel nervous, but Dr. Dana will ensure a safe and supportive environment to help you feel comfortable.

If you have Indigenous status, you are eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and/or Indian Residential School (IRS) funding. Dr. Dana is an approved provider with both funding programs.

Dr. Dana will contact the funding programs to inquire about your eligibility for therapy, file the claims on your behalf, and liaise with the programs as much as possible. This way you are able to focus on your mental health and healing and don't have to worry about the paperwork and funding.

If you have more questions about therapy, you can schedule a 15-minute consultation with Dr. Dana. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about therapy or her approach. You can also check out her articles and blog posts on the website for more information. Please don't hesitate to reach out.