Terms of Service

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Please read these Terms of Service carefully. By accessing or using The Lighthouse Institute’s services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

1. About The Lighthouse Institute

The Lighthouse Institute ("we," "us," or "our") is a mental health therapy provider specializing in services for post-secondary students across Ontario. Our therapists are licensed and regulated professionals, including Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers, governed by their respective regulatory colleges.

These Terms of Service apply to your use of our website at thelighthouseinstitute.ca and all therapy services provided through our platform.

2. Eligibility

Our services are available to:

Currently enrolled post-secondary students at participating Ontario universities and colleges

  • Graduates of post-secondary institutions

  • Individuals seeking mental health support who are not currently students

  • Students whose institution has a recognized partnership or whose student health plan covers our services

  • Individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or minors with written parental/guardian consent

By booking a session, you confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements above.

3. Coverage Through University & School Partnerships

Therapy sessions at The Lighthouse Institute may be covered through your institution’s student health insurance plan. Coverage details — including number of sessions, reimbursement amounts, and insurance providers — vary by institution.

Client responsibility: It is your responsibility to verify your coverage with your student association or insurance provider prior to beginning services. The Lighthouse Institute does not guarantee insurance coverage and is not responsible for any coverage limitations, claim denials, or unpaid balances.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us before booking.

4. Appointment Booking & Consultation

All new clients begin with a free initial consultation. This consultation is designed to understand your needs and match you with the most appropriate therapist. It is not a therapy session and does not establish a formal therapeutic relationship.

After the consultation, ongoing sessions are scheduled directly with your assigned therapist based on your care plan.

5. Cancellation, Rescheduling & No-Show Policy

We require at least 24 hours’ notice for all cancellations or rescheduling requests.

Late Cancellations

  • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

  • In some cases, late cancellations may also be submitted to your insurance provider and counted as a used session, depending on your coverage plan.

No-Shows

  • Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without any prior notice will be considered a no-show.

  • A $50 no-show fee will be charged for missed appointments.

  • Repeated no-shows (2 or more) may result in temporary suspension of booking privileges or reassessment of continued care.

Emergencies

We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations may occur. In such cases, please contact us as soon as possible so we can review your situation on a case-by-case basis with flexibility and understanding.

To cancel or reschedule, please contact your therapist directly or email: welcome@thelighthouseinstitute.ca.

6. Nature of Services — Not Crisis Support

The Lighthouse Institute provides scheduled outpatient therapy services and is not a crisis or emergency service.

If you are in immediate danger or distress, please contact:

  • Emergency Services: 911

  • Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566

  • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566

  • Toronto Distress Centre: 416-408-4357

Our services are not a substitute for emergency mental health care.

7. Confidentiality & Privacy

All client information shared during therapy is strictly confidential. Our therapists are bound by the ethical and legal standards of their regulatory colleges.

Confidentiality may only be broken in limited circumstances required by law, including:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • Disclosure of abuse involving a child or vulnerable person

  • Court orders requiring disclosure

For more details, please review our Privacy Policy.

8. Professional Standards

All therapists are licensed professionals registered with regulatory bodies such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). They adhere to strict ethical and professional standards.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Lighthouse Institute is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services.

We do not guarantee specific outcomes from therapy, as results vary depending on individual circumstances.

10. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service at any time. When changes are made, the “Last updated” date will be revised accordingly.

Continued use of our services after updates indicates acceptance of the revised terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. Any disputes shall be resolved under the exclusive jurisdiction of Ontario courts.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact us:

Email: welcome@thelighthouseinstitute.ca
Phone: +1 (647) 547-5020