We Are Here To Support Your Recovery

Inna Shcherbukhina

“Hello, I’m Inna — I’m the first person you’ll likely speak to when you’re referred to our clinic. I know this process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. My job is to make sure you feel safe, informed, and supported from the very beginning. I am truly here for you.”

What We Do & How We Help

At Nota Bene Clinic, we provide psychological care for people recovering from motor vehicle accidents and personal injuries.

  • You may have been referred to us for a one-time psychological assessment to help understand the impact of your injury. Our assessments are clear, thorough, and legally defensible

  • If ongoing care is recommended, we can continue working together. We offer evidence-based psychological treatment to help you manage symptoms like trauma, anxiety, or depression—so you can move forward with confidence.

  • We complete essential documents such as the OCF-3, disability certificates, narrative summaries, and more. Every form we produce is grounded in clinical integrity and designed to stand up to scrutiny.

What to Expect

  • Step 1: Intake and Prescreen

    Complete our intake form and pre-assessment tests.
    Then, meet with Dr. Nina Belyakova, Clinical Psychologist, for a prescreen video call to better understand your situation and needs.

  • Step 2: OCF-18 Submission

    We prepare and submit the OCF-18 for a Psychological Assessment.
    Keep an eye on your inbox—you’ll receive a copy for review and e-signature.

  • Step 3: Insurer Response

    Within 10 business days, the insurer will either:
    - Approve the assessment
    - Decline it and often request an Independent Medical Examination (IME)

  • Step 4: The Psychological Assessment

    Your assessment includes:

    A 2-hour interview (virtual or in-person in Ottawa)

    A set of psychological tests (approx. 1 hour, can be saved and resumed)

    Informed consent form for the assessment

  • Step 5: Final Report Delivery

    Within 10 business days, your psychological report is completed and securely sent to your referring party and insurer.

We Offer Virtual and In-Person Appointments

  • Nota Bene Clinic Virtual Services

    Virtual

    Secure, PHIPA-compliant video platform

    No downloads needed—just click the link we send

    Use a device with a working front camera

    Make sure you’re in a quiet, private space

  • Living room with a light green wall, a mustard yellow sofa with green and yellow pillows, a beige armchair with an orange pillow, a black side table with a plant and decorative items, a modern black clock on the wall, a framed line drawing, sheer white curtains, and a beige carpet.

    In-Person

    Sessions take place at our quiet, private therapy office

    Conveniently located in central-west Ottawa

    A good option if you prefer in-person care or don’t have a private space at home

FAQs

  • No, you can contact us directly, or your lawyer or rehab team may refer you on your behalf.

  • Yes. We submit an OCF-18 (Treatment and Assessment Plan) to your insurer for approval and invoice them directly once your assessment report is completed.

  • No. The prescreen call is completely free even if your insurer declines the assessment.
    It’s a risk-free way to understand your options and decide what’s right for you.

  • We provide services in English and Russian, and we can arrange an interpreter in other languages if needed. Just let us know in advance.

  • Yes. Virtual assessments follow the same clinical standards and are accepted by insurers and legal professionals. We use secure, PHIPA-compliant platforms.

  • From the intake to final report, most clients complete the process in about 4 weeks, depending on insurer approval timelines.

  • Yes. You can withdraw your consent at any time, even after you’ve signed the form.
    We’ll always respect your decision, and we won’t proceed with any part of the assessment or treatment unless you’re fully comfortable.

  • Psychological assessments differ from therapy sessions in terms of confidentiality. When you consent to an assessment, you also agree to allow us to share the resulting report with your insurer and legal team, as this is essential for processing your claim and supporting your case.

    Additionally, it's important to understand that:

    • Legal Obligations: We are required by law to disclose information if there's a risk of serious harm to you or others, if a child is at risk, or if we receive a court order.

    • Court Proceedings: In legal contexts, such as court cases, we may be compelled to provide not only the assessment report but also our clinical notes and related documentation.

    We will discuss these confidentiality aspects with you before starting the assessment to ensure you are fully informed.

  • There’s nothing you need to study or memorize—this isn’t a test you can fail. But here are a few tips to help you feel ready:

    • Be honest and open. The more accurately you describe your experience, the more helpful the assessment will be.

    • Set aside enough time. The process usually includes a video or in-person interview (about 2 hours).

    • Choose a quiet, private space. For virtual appointments, find a calm setting with minimal distractions.

    • Use a reliable device. Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer has a working front-facing camera and stable internet connection.

    • Have ID ready. We will ask to confirm your identity at the start of the appointment.

  • Yes. Even if your claim is currently under the MIG, we will still complete a prescreen with you at no cost.

    Psychological injuries—such as anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms—are not considered minor injuries under the MIG. If your emotional or cognitive symptoms are significant, a psychological assessment can help:

    • Formally document your condition

    • Support a diagnosis

    • Provide evidence to help you exit the MIG

    Once approved by your insurer, the assessment is billed directly to them—there’s no cost to you. We’re here to help you get the care and recognition you deserve.

  • Yes, you might. A psychological assessment is not the same as therapy. It’s a structured, one-time evaluation that:

    • Helps identify how the accident affected your mental health

    • Supports your legal or insurance claim with a formal diagnosis and expert opinion

    • Can assist in exiting the MIG or accessing additional benefits

    • Provides useful documentation for your legal team—even if you already have a therapist

    You don’t have to continue treatment with us afterward.

In Your Own Words

  • "I didn’t realize how deeply the accident affected me until this assessment."

  • "Dr. Nina is very caring."

  • "For the first time, I felt like a person — not just a claim number."

  • "The process felt safe, professional, and human."

  • "Everything was explained so clearly. I felt respected."

  • "The assessment helped me get the support I actually needed."

  • "I thought I was fine. This helped me understand what I was really going through."

Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.