FAQ
Do you take insurance?
Whether or not some or all of the cost of my counselling services are covered by insurance depends on your insurance provider and plan. Fees for counselling services from Registered Social Workers (RSWs) like me are covered by most, but not all, insurance plans, so check with your provider before you book an appointment. Please note that I do not direct bill to insurance or to third part providers (i.e. EAP or ICBC). Payments for services are collected at the time of your appointment. Once your payment is received, you will be issued a receipt for submission to your insurance provider.
Do you offer free consultations?
I do! I provide free 15-minute consultations over the phone. This initial consultation is an opportunity for us to assess whether we would be a good therapeutic fit and if we both think working together could be beneficial for you. While we may discuss the issues for which you are seeing therapy, I cannot provide counselling during an initial consultation. To book a consultation, please click here.
How much does it cost to see you as a counsellor?
My current rates are as follows:
Individual Counselling – 60 minute session: $145
Individual counselling – 90 minute session: $215
These rates are subject to change from time-to-time in accordance with my professional association guidelines and with ongoing training and experience. I will always notify current clients prior to any change in my rates.
I also accept a limited number of clients on sliding-scale payment plans. Currently, all my sliding-scale spots are filled. Please let me know if you require a sliding-scale payment plan and would like to be added to the waitlist.
What forms of payment do you take?
I accept payment by credit card and e-transfer. If paying by e-transfer, I must receive your payment before or at the start of each session.
Do you have a missed appointment/cancellation policy?
24 hours’ notice is required for any cancellations or appointment rescheduling, otherwise the cost of the session will be charged in full. I understand that emergencies sometimes happen that make it impossible to provide notice that you’ll miss your appointment. Please contact me if that happens.
But I don’t feel like my situation is “that bad” or like I’m in crisis. Should I still try therapy?
Therapy isn’t only for moments of intense struggle or crisis. Therapy can and should be a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood for who you are in this moment. This may include processing trauma and difficult or long-painful emotions, envisioning bold futures, and exploring new perspectives on thoughts and actions. There is a great power in being seen and feeling connected, and with the right therapist this power can create the space and strength to engage in change, to come home to yourself, and to experience yourself and your life in new ways. To paraphrase the great actress Kerry Washington: Having a counsellor is like having a personal trainer for your mind. Personal trainers help you keep your body healthy. Counsellors help you keep your mind healthy.
I haven’t been to therapy in a while and would like to book another appointment. Do I have to re-start our therapy from the beginning?
I am always happy to re-engage with clients who have taken a break from therapy. If more than nine months have passed since we worked together, I will mark your file as “inactive” unless/until you reach out, at which time the system will ask you to re-read and re-sign my Informed Consent form. At your first appointment back we will discuss any relevant policy or price changes and what you seek to gain through therapy at this point in time.
Are you only available for online sessions - and is online therapy safe?
My services are entirely virtual. I meet with clients by phone call or through the Noustalk online video platform. Noustalk is an online portal which allows me and my clients to book and engage in video appointments, store information, and pay for sessions all in one place. Noustalk is compliant with Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) requirements respecting confidentially, privacy, and the storage of personal information. If you would like to know more about Noustalk, please click here.
Please note that I do not provide therapy via text message.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) is an evidence-based therapy modality that works to help people who have experienced trauma and emotional “stuckness” to process and find freedom. EMDR uses a body-based technique called bilateral stimulation to help the brain access and process memories, feelings, emotions, sensations that have been incorrectly stored in the brain and are causing significant distress and suffering. EMDR has been associated with reduced distress and vividness of emotions associated with trauma, and a reduction in associated symptoms. It is a structured process that includes expanding one’s resources and coping skills, history-taking, preparation for therapy, and processing of past, present, and future events to mimic the brain’s natural process for healing and storing memory. To learn more about EMDR click here.
I don’t live in B.C. Can you still be my therapist?
I am able to provide counselling services to clients living in B.C. or Ontario only.
Do you provide urgent crisis or on-call counselling services?
No. Outside of our sessions, I only communicate with clients via email, and am not able to guarantee a response if you are in an urgent crisis. If you feel like you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or get yourself to your nearest hospital.
Alternatively, you may want to contact a crisis line for support:
9-8-8 (call or text) – National Suicide Crisis Helpline
310-6789 – BC Mental Health & Crisis Response / no area code needed
1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433 – BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line
For any other questions or to book a consultation, please click here.