Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Registration information

How do I find the course I want to register for?

All of our upcoming courses are listed on our calendar page. You may apply filters to find courses either by category (e.g. personal, professional) or by tags (e.g. stress, depression, weekly, intensive). If you are unsure of which course to take, you can ask your family physician or therapist to refer you to a specific program.

How do I register as a Bursary recipient?

You must first apply for a Bursary. If you qualify, you will be contacted by our Operations Coordinator when a space in a program becomes available.

Why do I have to bring my OHIP card?

The cost of our therapeutic programs is partially covered by OHIP. Each of our programs are led by two facilitators: typically a physician and a non-physician. Physician facilitators are not paid by the Centre – they must submit your OHIP information in order to bill the government for their services.

Can I enroll in a therapy program if I don't have an OHIP card?

The Centre offers a limited number of non-OHIP registration spots for an additional $50 fee. If the non-OHIP registration option is not available for the program you have selected, please contact us.

Are your therapeutic programs covered by private insurance?

If you have third-party insurance, it may cover all or part of the cost of a therapeutic course. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to confirm what health professions your plan covers (e.g. Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Naturopath) and that this coverage includes the types of therapies in question (sometimes there are restrictions on the particular services covered by a given health profession). Please check the profession of the non-physician faculty for the program you wish to take, and confirm that profession is covered by your insurance and that the program is not an excluded service for that profession. Insurance receipts will be issued during the final session of the program.

Do you offer group registrations?

Yes, the Centre quite often arranges workshops for a group or organization. We are also happy to set up a meet and greet session for representatives from healthcare organizations. Please see our custom programs page.

Do you offer private therapy sessions?

Unfortunately, we are unable to take direct referrals for individual psychotherapy. The GP Psychotherapy Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario offer information about practitioners in Ontario.

Do I need to bring anything with me or otherwise prepare for a course?

Please wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers. We will ask you to remove your shoes so you may want to bring slippers or an extra pair of socks. Many of our programs require you to bring your OHIP card to the Orientation & Interview session. You don’t need to bring any special supplies but you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat or meditation cushion if you prefer. Tea and water are always available and professional development courses offer light refreshments. For full-day courses, you may wish to bring a packed lunch or visit the restaurants nearby along Queen Street.

Payment Methods & Insurance Reimbursement

What payment methods do you accept?

Payments are handled securely online through Ticketleap. Contact us if you require an alternative method of payment.

What do I do if I can't pay using the Internet/Ticketleap?

If you are unable to pay for a course using Ticketleap, you can register for a course directly with us by calling the Centre. Please include your phone number and email address in any voice mails regarding course registrations. One of our staff members will make arrangements with you to pay for the course using cash or a personal cheque made out to The Centre for Mindfulness Studies. Once your payment has been processed you will receive an email confirming your enrolment in the course.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a course?

If you have third-party insurance, it may cover all or part of the cost of a therapeutic course. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to confirm what health professions your plan covers (e.g. Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Naturopath) and that this coverage includes the types of therapies in question (sometimes there are restrictions on the particular services covered by a given health profession). Please check the profession of the non-physician faculty for the program you wish to take, and confirm that profession is covered by your insurance and that the program is not an excluded service for that profession. Insurance receipts will be issued during the final session of the program.

How do I submit an insurance claim for a course?
Your insurance provider will require an itemized receipt that details the total number of hours of therapy you received. Upon request, an insurance receipt signed by one of the course facilitators will be issued during the final session of the program. If you have a preference regarding which faculty member is listed on your insurance receipt, please make sure to include that information in your request.
What are your payment, refund and cancellation policies?

Full details are available here.

Facilities

What is the buzzer code for the front door?

The code is #1192. If you are having difficulty getting inside, please call us at 647-524-6216.

Where can I find driving/public transit directions?
Visit our Contact Us page for a map and detailed directions and parking information.
Is the Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, including access to barrier-free washrooms.

Do you offer room/space bookings?

Yes, our facilities include two studio spaces available for events. View our Space Booking Flyer at The Centre for Mindfulness Studies.

Accommodations

Do you offer accommodations?

Participants are responsible for securing their own accommodations during their courses. Nearby hotels include the Gladstone Hotel and the Drake Hotel both of which are within a 5 minute walk of the Centre.

Pro Dev Programs

Do I need a clinical designation to teach MBCT?
  • If you are interested in training to be an MBCT facilitator, first check whether it is a controlled act in your region. In many provinces (e.g. British Columbia) and states (e.g. New York), MBCT facilitators are required to have a clinical mental health or healthcare designation. For example, the 2018 Controlled Act of Psychotherapy in Ontario makes it compulsory for MBCT facilitators to be registered with one of six health regulatory colleges (RSW, RP, C.Psych, OT Reg., MD, RN).
  • The Centre will accept non-clinicians into the MBCT Training Pathway as long as they have done their due diligence in regards to legislation in the area(s) they plan to deliver the program.
  • If you are unable to facilitate MBCT because of legislative restrictions, consider applying to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Facilitation Certificate
  • Please note that all 8-week MBPs offered by the Centre are delivered as clinical healthcare interventions facilitated by registered healthcare professionals. Completing the 8-week MBP prerequisite with the Centre provides trainees with the opportunity to assess the program’s clinical aspects. Key clinical components (e.g. intake and assessment, charting) will also be covered in the training intensive and practicum training modules.

Personal Programs

Start: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Start: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Start: Monday, April 8, 2024
Start: Friday, April 12, 2024

Professional Development

Start: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
2024-04-24 04:00:00
Start: Friday, June 14, 2024
2024-06-14 04:00:00
Start: Friday, September 13, 2024
2024-09-13 04:00:00