FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some answers to the questions I receive the most.
Please reach out if you do not find the answer to your questions.
Is our conversation really confidential?
In general, all discussions with a psychologist are strictly confidential and your privacy is protected by law. No information will be released to third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law or in situations where the psychologist is ethically and legally required to disclose information to others without your consent. The following circumstances constitute examples of when your information may be released without written consent:
When an individual poses potential or threatened harm to themselves OR to others (in this circumstance the psychologist will act to protect the person(s) in danger by informing police, medical personnel, parents/caregivers, or other relevant individuals who may assist)
Suspicion of child abuse (psychologists are mandated reporters and required to report relevant information the Department of Children’s Services)
Suspicion of adult/elder abuse (physical, sexual, and/or mental cruelty to anyone over 16 at risk of being abused due to physical or mental disability that impedes their ability to care for themselves).
In the rare event your information is subpoenaed by a judge or court of law
If services are being paid by a third-party (e.g., insurance), certain information may be disclosed
Clinical case discussion is a standard practice within psychology and ensures you are receiving optimal As a result, I may consult with other psychologists but will never discuss identifying information.
What happens in the first appointment?
Before our first appointment even begins you will receive several electronic forms and questionnaires that are to be filled out before your arrival. You will have plenty of time to ask any questions you like about any information you read in the forms so that you are clear on our process.
Our initial session is typically two (2) hours. One hour and forty minutes will be face-to-face where we will get to know each other, figure out the difficulties you are struggling with, and see if we can find a way to work on those struggles together and set some additional meetings. The remaining time is used for report writing and treatment planning.
For Marriage Counselling or Collaborative Law cases the initial session is typically divided so that I spend 1 hour with each individual separately and an additional meeting is arranged to meet as a group.
We decided it would be meaningful to work together. What now?
If, during our first appointment, we discovered that it would be meaningful for us to continue to work together, a series of follow-up appointments will be booked. Individual Therapy, appointments are typically 1 "clinical" hour (50 minutes face-to-face time with 10 minutes for charting). For Marriage Counselling and Collaborative Law cases, follow-up appointments typically range from 90 minutes to two hours.
How much does it cost?
Appointments are billed at a rate of $210 per clinical hour.
Does my insurance cover therapy?
Public insurance (MSI) does not cover private psychology services. If you have private insurance that you purchased yourself or through your employer, most policies do cover a certain portion of the fees for psychology services. Please check with your insurance provider.
Can you direct bill to my insurer?
We do not do direct billing. However, we do provide an electronic receipt and most insurance companies now have online portals to submit claims and payout their portion quite quickly.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
Appointment times are reserved exclusively for you, and without sufficient notice I am unable to provide that time to other individuals and families in need. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment we ask that you give us 48 hours notice (2 business days, does not include weekends). In the event you do not show up for your appointment and you did not give sufficient notice you will be charged for the session.
Except for unpredictable emergencies and closures (e.g., weather), the charge will apply regardless of the reason for missing the appointment when adequate notification is not given.