Frequently Asked Questions?
How to book an appointment?
You can book with us in whichever way is most convenient for you: Online — click "Book an Appointment" above to choose a schedule that works for you. By phone — call us at (032) 345 4610 or +639 999 696 249. Walk-in — visit us at Room 515, Velez Medical Arts Building, and our front desk team will assist you directly. Facebook Messenger — message our page; we typically reply within 30 minutes, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What services do you offer?
We offer three services: Consultation, Treatment, and Assessments. Consultation: • Mental Health Consultation • Psychiatric Consultation • Occupational Therapy Consultation • Pre-relational Couple’s Consultation Treatment: • Life Coaching • Occupational Therapy • Children with Special Needs • Counseling and Psychotherapy • Relational Counseling • Family Counseling • Assessment and Intervention Services for Children with Learning Needs Assessments: • Pre-employment Assessment • Psychological Assessment • Neuropsychological Assessment • Neurodevelopmental Assessment • Child Abuse Assessment • Forensic Assessment • Neuropsychiatric Evaluation • Gender-Based Violence Evaluation • Drug Dependency Evaluation
Where are you located?
Room 515, Velez Medical Arts Building, V. Ranudo St, Ramos, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
What are the business hours?
Mondays to Fridays 9:00AM - 6:00PM Saturdays 9:00AM - 4:00PM
What is the difference between Psychological and Psychiatric Consultation?
Psychological Consultation- dives into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions through detailed testing and counseling sessions to build coping skills.
Psychiatric Consultation
- treat mental health like a medical issue, physical symptoms, and often managing medications in shorter visits.
What's the difference between clinical, neuropsychological, and forensic assessment?
Each serves a different purpose — clinical assessment for diagnosis and treatment, neuropsychological assessment for brain-behavior relationships, and forensic assessment for legal or institutional questions. See our full comparison and detailed forensic assessment information here →
For Your First Visit
Not sure what to expect walking in? Here's what your first visit actually looks like.
What happens during my first session?
Your first session is mostly a conversation — getting to know you, understanding what brought you in, and figuring out together what kind of support makes sense. There's no test to pass and nothing you need to prepare. You're welcome to share as much or as little as feels right.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No referral needed. You can book directly — see "How do I book an appointment?" above for the ways to reach us. If you do have a referral, we'll do our best to match you with a practitioner who best fits your needs.
What if I don't know which service I need?
That's completely normal, and it's exactly what your first consultation is for. Tell us what's going on, and we'll help you figure out the right next step — whether that's a psychiatric consult, counseling, an assessment, or something else.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between you and your care team, with a few narrow legal exceptions — for example, if there's a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. You can read the full details on our Your Rights as a Client page.
Payment and Scheduling
The practical details — coverage, cost, and how to manage your bookings.
Do you accept PhilHealth or private insurance?
PhilHealth currently covers mental health services provided by facilities and outpatient departments, which doesn't yet include clinics like ours — so PhilHealth isn't accepted directly at this time. For private insurance, we don't bill your insurer directly, but many clients are able to seek reimbursement afterward if their policy covers third-party providers — it's worth checking with your insurance company beforehand.
How much does a session cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of service and practitioner. We're happy to walk you through pricing when you book — or you can just ask us through Facebook Messenger or by giving us a call.
What's your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule or cancel, so we can offer that time to another client.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes — teletherapy is available to any client who prefers it or needs it for convenience, alongside our in-person sessions at our Cebu City clinic.
What are the different kinds of practitioners and what do they offer?
Mental health and education support come in many forms, provided by different licensed and trained professionals. Here’s a quick guide to some of the roles you may encounter — at GWI or elsewhere.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist helps people understand and manage thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They may provide therapy and psychological assessments or testing. Most do not prescribe medication.
What does a counselor do?
A counselor offers talk-based support for concerns such as stress, grief, relationships, addiction, or career decisions. They often help people develop coping skills and practical strategies.
What does a life coach do?
A life coach helps people clarify goals, build habits, and move forward in areas such as career, confidence, or personal growth. Coaching is not mental-health treatment and is typically less regulated than licensed professions.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. They can diagnose mental-health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe or manage medication.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps people participate more independently in everyday activities—such as self-care, school, work, routines, and hobbies—especially when injury, illness, disability, or developmental differences create barriers.
What does a SPED interventionist do?
A special education (SPED) interventionist supports students with disabilities or learning needs. They provide targeted instruction, accommodations, and support toward IEP goals, working alongside teachers and families.
What does a social worker do?
A social worker helps people manage personal, family, and community challenges. Clinical social workers may provide therapy, while others connect people with resources such as housing, benefits, healthcare, and school or family services.
For Organizations and Teams
We also work beyond individual care, partnering with companies and institutions to support the people in them.
Do you work with companies or organizations, not just individuals?
Yes — we offer corporate wellness and employee assistance programs designed around your team's specific needs. Get in touch to discuss what your organization needs.
Can you provide training or workshops for our staff?
Yes, GWI regularly conducts trainings and CPD-accredited sessions for organizations, professionals, and the community. See our Training & Events page.