Policies & Fees

Initial Consultation

An initial consultation is a chance for us to meet and get a sense of what it will be like to talk to one another and to work together. There is no obligation to future sessions, or any hidden fees.

If you feel comfortable talking with me and would like to begin psychotherapy sessions, we can also start to rough-out some initial themes of interest, and to formulate a general plan for our future work.

Individual Therapy

All sessions are one-on-one, and are being conducted remotely. I understand that some people are put off by (or fed up with!) being on camera, and so I am happy to work by phone.

I find that both ways of talking are equally effective, and so I am quite happy to be flexible and switch between video and audio calling as the situation requires.

Payment Options

I am currently accepting payments in the form of Interac e-Transfer. Payment by cheque is also possible, but not preferred. E-Transfers should be sent sometime in the 24 hours before the session begins.

Insurance

As a Registered Psychotherapist my fees are covered by many private health insurance or employee benefit plans. Most plans have a limit for mental health coverage, and some also have a per-session limit, so please check with your provider and ask the above questions.

Most insurance companies reimburse the client for session fees after the fact. I provide receipts on a monthly basis which you can use to this end.

Cancellation Policy

A scheduled appointment is reserved for you and you alone. This means that cancelling at short notice often leaves me unable to find anyone to fill the spot. As such, I always appreciate as much notice as possible, but the minimum is 24 hours. If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time, you will be charged the full session fee.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy

In-person therapy always takes place in a controlled environment specifically designed to ensure privacy and to minimize interruptions. Because we will be working remotely, I will not be able to provide this space for you. Thus it is up to you to ensure that you find a safe, quiet, and above all private space in which to take the session.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an essential requirement for all effective psychotherapy. Knowing that what you share will be kept private lets you be open and honest in a way that is difficult in day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, however, there are certain kinds of information and situation which demand that confidentiality be broken. These mostly concern the safety of both you and others from violence and sexual abuse.

I am happy to discuss these limitations, but disclosures of this kind happen only rarely, and never without the client’s knowledge.

Data Management

I keep all client and practice related documents in an encrypted directory on a dedicated, password-protected computer that no one has access to but myself. I encourage clients to do the same with any computer-based notes or journals they may create in the course of their therapeutic work.

Digital Communication

Unfortunately, most electronic communication is not secure. This means that emails, text messages, and unsecured video calls can be intercepted and read/recorded by someone other than the intended recipient.

I have chosen the above applications mainly because of their very strong security and encryption protocols, and I encourage you to use them, or similarly well-secured communications methods. Email is particularly vulnerable, so please do not include any confidential or clinically/psychologically relevant information in unencrypted email form.