Funding For Therapy and Counselling
CMTO’s funding for therapy and counselling program provides funding for therapy and counselling to Massage Therapy clients who have alleged sexual abuse by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT/MT). All health regulatory colleges are required by law to have this program. CMTO’s Client Relations Committee administers the program.
In the Ontario healthcare context, sexual abuse is defined as:
- sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the RMT and the client,
- touching, of a sexual nature, of the client by the RMT, or
- behavior or remarks of a sexual nature by the RMT towards the client.
“Sexual nature” does not include touching, behavior or remarks of a clinical nature appropriate to the service provided.
Eligibility
According to CMTO’s Funding for Therapy and Counselling Policy, you are eligible for funding if you were a client of the RMT and any of the following apply:
- You made a formal complaint alleging sexual abuse.
- A report was made alleging sexual abuse and an investigator has been appointed.
- The Ontario Massage Therapists Discipline Tribunal found that the RMT committed sexual abuse.
- The RMT admits to sexual abuse.
- The RMT was convicted under the Canadian Criminal Code of sexual assault.
- There is evidence presented to the Client Relations Committee to a reasonable belief that the RMT sexually abused you.
Therapy and Available Funding
For the purposes of this program, CMTO defines “therapy” and “counselling” as:
Treatment (e.g., talk therapy) provided by a mental health therapist, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, social workers, physicians and occupational therapists who support a client working through the trauma resulting from an incident of sexual abuse by an RMT.
The maximum funding available to an applicant is determined by law and is equivalent to the amount that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) would pay for 200 half-hour sessions of individual out-patient psychotherapy with a psychiatrist. The maximum amount is currently $17,940 per person and is accessible over a five-year period.
If you have private insurance, that amount will be subtracted from the total provided by CMTO for therapy/counselling services. The funds are paid directly to the chosen therapist or counsellor for treatment provided and funding does not cover late/missed appointment fees.
Choice of Counsellor/Therapist
You may choose your own therapist or counsellor, as long as the therapist or counsellor is not a relative and has not been found guilty of sexual abuse.
How to Apply
Please complete the application form and submit it to CMTO by mail or email to:
Erin Minich
Manager, Compliance
erin.minich@cmto.com
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
1867 Yonge Street, Suite 810
Toronto, ON M4S 1Y5
If you have further questions, please contact Erin Minich at erin.minich@cmto.com or 1-800-465-1933/416-489-2626 extension 4123.
