Fees and Practice

My session fees are based on a rate of $150 per hour. I offer a student rate of $80 per hour.

Commute travel expenses associated with in-home and nature-based sessions are assessed and agreed to on an individual basis. Commutes up to 15 minute are free.

I offer an initial complimentary 15-20 minute discussion either online or by phone. This offers you a chance to get to know me, and to ask any questions you may have about working together.

Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes in length. However, 25-minute support or check-in sessions are available after we have met at least once for a full session. Partner and family sessions are typically 80 minutes in length.

I schedule appointments directly and can be reached either at the email address or phone number listed. If not immediately available by phone, please leave a voice message and I will endeavour to return your call within one business day. Voice mail messages are secure, confidential and regularly deleted.

In-home appointments are typically reserved for the elderly, children and families. Remote nature-based sessions are available upon request.

My office hours are typically Monday to Friday for in-person, telephone and online appointments. Scheduled appointments are typically between 9am and 5pm.

Depending on my schedule I am open to discussing appointments outside of practice hours weekday evenings or weekends.

Payment is due at the end of each session and can be made by cash, personal cheque, or e-transfer. An option is available to pay for ten-session sets in advance at a 10% discount.

Session fees may be considered a medical expense, so check with your  accountant as to how to handle them.

If you carry extended medical benefits or private insurance, most or all of the session fees may be reimbursable. Please check whether or not third-party coverage is available to you. Examples of third-party coverage include:

• Extended Health Insurance Plans
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs
• Worksafe BC (Workers’ Compensation)
• ICBC; and
• First Nations Health Authority

If you have any questions, please raise them with me.

I would appreciate a 24-hour, and prefer a 48-hour, notice of cancellation. If the session is not cancelled in a timely manner, you may be billed for all or part of the missed session. That said, if you find yourself ill on the day of your scheduled appointment, please stay home and let me know before your appointment.

You will not be charged for a missed appointment due to illness.

Should you need to contact me between appointments, whether by phone or online, you will not be billed for brief contacts. However, if your concern requires a more in-depth discussion, you will be billed for the time on a pro-rated basis at your next session.

Your safety and security is my first priority. All sessions are strictly confidential and no information will be released to anyone without your express written permission. There are, however, three circumstances in which I am required by law to break this confidentiality:

• Disclosure of intent to harm oneself or others,
• Disclosure of harm or intent to harm a child,
• A court subpoena to disclose information.

Confidentiality of younger clients is also assured, though we may agree together on what should be shared with parents or other significant adults in their lives. During your first counselling session, you will be asked to review and sign a confidentiality policy, and we can address any concerns or questions in more detail.

As a rule, I do not provide written assessments, reports or letters for legal or work-related reasons. Sometimes such documentation is needed for third-party billing approval, and if this is the case, we can review what is required and see if I can help. If you are seeking counselling with a need for an assessment or report, please let me know from the outset. You may require a specialized assessment for which a referral may be necessary.