How do I find the rehabilitation services that I need in my area?

You can find local rehabilitation services in several ways:

  • Your doctor may have rehabilitation professionals that he or she recommends.
  • Most professions have associations or colleges on a national or provincial level.  You can find a list of these in the “Resources” section.  Many of these associations and colleges have a directory of their members, where you can search by location and specialty.
  • You can ask family and friends for recommendations – this has the benefit of getting a review of the clinician at the same time.
  • A search through your local yellow pages.  Best results will likely come from searching by profession such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
  • An Internet search using your town and the services you are looking for is likely to give you much information.  You should review the information carefully, as not all information on the Internet is of the same quality.
  • AIDS service organizations may also have information about complementary therapies in the community.

What should I look for in a rehabilitation professional?

You have a right to choose the care that best works for you.  Before choosing a rehabilitation professional, you should feel free to ask any questions that would make you feel comfortable.  Some questions may include1,2:

  • What is your educational background?
  • How do you stay current, that is, on top of new research and skills since certification?
  • What experience do you have with {your symptom or challenge}?
  • What experience do you have working with people with HIV (if you choose to disclose)?
  • What is your plan of action?
  • What will be expected of me – in the sessions and outside the sessions?
  • What is the usual outcome for someone with my condition?
  • In general, how many visits do people with my condition need?
  • Is there a cost for your services?  Are they covered by my provincial health insurance plan?  If not, do you provide a sliding scale?
  • Can you provide me with references?

1 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Questions to Ask a therapist. Accessed Feb 3, 2015, from http://www.nbcot.org/questions-to-ask-a-therapist
2AMS Medical and Rehabilitation Centre. 5 Critical Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Therapists. Accessed Feb 3, 2015, from http://www.amsclinic.ca/6-critical-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-your-therapy-provider.