Frequently Asked Questions About ABA, Funding & Getting Started

We serve children as young as 2, youth, teens, and young adults. The type of service depends on the goals of the family and/or individual. It is important that all stakeholders are active and willing participants in their program.

Yes, Melissa Lavallee and Lisa Giewercer are Registered Behaviour Analysts with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.

Jordanna Guida is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Yes. Melissa Lavallee and Lisa Giewercer are both on the OAP Provider List.

Yes. Our services are covered under OAP core clinical services funding. This includes applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and counselling/psychotherapy.

Many employer benefit plans cover counselling/psychotherapy and applied behaviour analysis delivered by a registered health professional. Please check with your insurance carrier for details about your plan. Ascent Clinical Services will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your plan for reimbursement.

Yes, Special Services at Home funding can be used to cover our caregiver-mediated services. Details about SSAH funding and eligible expenses can be found HERE.  

Services will come to a natural end when the child/youth has met the goals from their Behaviour Plan and the agreed transition plan is complete. As the individual/family's goals change, the need for continued or different services will be discussed and a plan developed with you.  

Group-based services are offered at our Whitby clinic. Please check back regularly or contact us directly. 

Ascent Clinical Services does not offer respite. Respite Services is a great place to start if looking for information on respite.

Ascent Clinical Services provides community-based services in partnership with agencies in the Durham Region and North and East GTA. We also provide virtual services (where appropriate) available to families throughout Ontario.

Yes, Ascent Clinical Services has a clinic at 3910 Brock St N (Brock and Taunton) in Whitby, ON.

Ascent Clinical Services provides ABA services onsite in partnership with community organizations and agencies.

Yes, Ascent Clinical Services provides ABA services as well as counselling/psychotherapy via Microsoft Teams videoconferencing throughout Ontario.

The first step in booking a consultation is to complete the contact form on our website. If your prefer, you can also reach us by phone 905-431-1839 or email info@ascentclinicalservices.ca

At Ascent Clinical Services we see the whole family as our client, not just the child. When a family is well supported, their child is well supported and this often leads to better outcomes for everyone. As such, our assessment process not only includes direct assessment of your child and their needs, but also an assessment of the needs of the family unit so we can help link you to services and supports that will help your child and your family.  

Yes, our Registered Social Worker offers counselling/psychotherapy to autistic youth and teens who may benefit from a talk-therapy approach. These services are provided via telehealth.  

 Yes, mental health services including couselling/psychotherapy are covered by OAP Core Clinical Funding.

Many employer benefit plans cover mental health services including counselling/psychotherapy. Please check with your insurance carrier for details about your plan. You will be provided with a receipt that you can submit to your plan for reimbursement. 

Autism Ontario offers a variety of support groups, community events, and workshops that may be of interest to you.

- AccessOAP is an independent intake organization funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to help families access autism services across the province.

- The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is a provincially-funded government needs-based program that offers a range of services and supports to families of children and youth on the autism spectrum

Click on: AccessOAP for information on how to apply.

Your first step is to register with AccessOAP. Reach out to Ascent Clinical Services and we would be happy to guide you through the services we may be able to offer you.

Eligibility for AccessOAP requires a diagnosis of Autism from a licensed physician, a licensed nurse practitioner, a licensed psychologist or an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Hub. More information about assessment and diagnostic hubs can be found HERE.

Information on eligible and ineligible services and supports can be found HERE.

Information about the services within the OAP can be found HERE. Scroll down to Types of Services and Supports for more details.