Funding For Therapy and Counselling

CMTO’s funding for therapy and counselling program provides funding for therapy and counselling to Massage Therapy patients 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 Patient Relations Committee administers the program.

In the Ontario healthcare context, sexual abuse is defined as:

1. sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the RMT/MT and the patient,
2. touching, of a sexual nature, of the patient by the RMT/MT, or
3. behavior or remarks of a sexual nature by the RMT/MT towards the patient.

“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 patient of the RMT/MT 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/MT committed sexual abuse.
• The RMT/MT admits to sexual abuse.
• The RMT/MT was convicted under the Canadian Criminal Code of sexual assault.
• There is evidence presented to the Patient Relations Committee to a reasonable belief that the RMT/MT 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 patient working through the trauma resulting from an incident of sexual abuse by an RMT/MT.

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 $20,470 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.