Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen during the free phone consultation?

The phone consultation is about 15 minutes long and will help us gauge our fit. It provides us with an opportunity to discuss why your interested in beginning therapy and what your goals and hopes for therapy are.

What will happen in the first session?

The purpose of the initial session is mainly assessment. It is an opportunity for you and I to get to know each other and get an idea of how we will proceed. During this session I will ask about various aspects of your life, such as your primary concerns and symptoms, goals and interest, current situation, and your psychological and medical history. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask me questions, address any concerns, and see if we are a good fit to work together. If we agree that we are a good fit with regard to our rapport and our ability to meet your goals, we will create a plan for how we will work together moving forward, including the approximate frequency and length of your treatment.

What will happen in subsequent sessions?

Follow-up sessions can be thought of as a way to help you solve problems and concerns, heal and grow, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what matters to you. Together we will focus on strategies that will remove obstacles and help you achieve your goals. This may involve identifying, challenging and restructuring maladaptive thoughts, habits and behaviors that contribute to your difficulties, and helping you find healthier alternatives. You may also be assigned “homework” or be asked to keep daily logs to assist you. Each session is dedicated to promoting your growth, healing and change. Treatment will be tailored to your specific needs. Throughout this process, we will give each other regular feedback about treatment and discuss what is working or needs improvement. We measure your progress and I modify my approach if a treatment method is not working for you.

How long will therapy last?

Treatment length and frequency vary and depend largely on your needs and goals. The number of sessions can range from a few weekly sessions to several years. We will discuss your concerns and symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you based on your interests, goals, and abilities. The standard length of therapy sessions are 60 minutes.

Is my privacy & confidentiality protected?

Psychologists adhere to strict ethical guidelines that focus on confidentiality. In general, all information discussed in therapy remains confidential, and no information is disclosed without your prior written consent. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality, including when there is a likelihood of imminent harm to oneself or another person, if it is mandated by the court of law, or in cases of suspected child or dependent person abuse. I retain client files for a minimum of 10 years after the last date of contact. When clients are minors, I retain files for 2 years after the client turns 18, or 10 years after the last date of contact, whichever is longer.

What are the cost associated with sessions?

My fee for treatment is $230 for a 60-minute session. Payment is expected at the end of each session and a receipt is provided following each appointment.

Are services covered by my insurance provider?

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage. It might be helpful to ask the following questions:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits for Registered Psychologists?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

• What is the coverage amount per person or family member?

• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician required?

Please note that I do not bill directly to benefit plans or 3rd party insurance providers. Payment is expected at the end of each session, and I provide a receipt that you can submit to you insurance provider for reimbursement.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept credit card, debit, e-transfer, or cash.

When can I see you?

I am available Monday to Friday during regular daytime hours (e.g. 8-6). Evening and weekend appointments are available on a limited basis, and typically fill up quickly. Please contact me for specific availability.

What are the policies for re-booking appointments & cancellation?

If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please let me know 24 hours prior to the appointment. Late cancellations or a “no-show” will be charged the full session fee.