Answers to the Questions Many People Have
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of anxiety and you you may need to know a bit more about the process, expectations, and details answers before you book. This page covers a lot of this for Via Counselling Services including fees, insurance, online sessions, cancellation, and what to expect in your first session.
If something isn't covered here, please do not hesitate to send me a message or book a free 15-minute consultation.
Booking and Policies
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling is private and confidential, with a few legal exceptions (such as risk of harm to self or others, or legal requirements). We will go over this fully in your first session.
The limits of confidentiality are:
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If you tell me about plans to harm yourself or others, I must report it to the authorities.
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If you tell me about potential, suspected, or known abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person, such as a child or a person who is dependent on others, I must report it to the authorities.
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If you tell me about an experience of sexual misconduct by another registered healthcare professional (a doctor, a dentist, a massage therapist), I must report it to their regulatory body.
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If a court subpoenas my records related to our work together, I am legally bound to comply.
In any of these circumstances, I would prefer to be transparent and work with you through the process if I am able.
In addition to these legal exceptions, as a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), I work with experienced registered psychotherapists who serve as my supervisors. I consult with them to ensure you receive quality and safe services from me. The same confidentiality obligations bind them as they do me, and they share some responsibility for my actions. My supervisor’s name and registration number will appear on your receipts.
In rare cases, your record may also be reviewed by my regulatory body, CRPO, during a quality assurance process. These reviews are confidential, and all information is protected by law.
How long are sessions, and how often should I come?
Sessions are 50-60 minutes long for individuals and 75 minutes for partners and families. Some people come weekly, others bi-weekly or even monthly—it depends on your needs, goals, budget, and schedule. We’ll discuss what works best for you.
How much do sessions cost?
My current fee is $100 per session for individuals and $150 per session for relationship counselling (two or more people). These reduced rates are available while I am practicing under the “qualifying” designation. It will remain in place until I complete my residency and advance to full licensure. I do not offer a sliding scale because my fees are already very low.
How is online counselling different from in-person counselling?
The biggest difference is the setting. Online sessions can feel just as effective as in-person and may be more convenient. For example, if you are sick and want to stay home but don't want to miss your session, we can switch to virtual!
How private is online counselling?
Very. I use a secure, encrypted platform designed for healthcare to keep your sessions confidential.
However, depending on where you are, virtual counselling poses specific risk to confidentiality.
Technology is also not always reliable, and there may be interruptions such as poor internet connection, sound or video problems, or dropped calls. Your location can also affect privacy.
To help reduce these risks:
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Use a private space where you feel safe and cannot be overheard.
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Make sure your device and internet connection are working.
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Protect your own devices with passwords and security updates.
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Let your therapist know right away if something doesn’t feel private or safe.
My responsibilities are to:
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Use secure, encrypted platforms for online sessions.
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Conduct sessions in a private room where the conversation will not be overheard, walked into, or interrupted.
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Have a backup plan if technology fails (e.g., switching to phone).
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Answer questions you may have.
Do you take insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly, but many extended health benefits cover services provided by registered psychotherapists (qualifying) in supervised practice. I provide detailed receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm your coverage.
Can I try just one session to see if it feels right?
Yes. Many people book a single session to get a feel for counselling and decide if it’s a good fit. You’re not committing long-term and we’ll move at your pace.
Do you offer evening or weekend sessions?
I offer some evening appointments to accommodate busy schedules. Availability may vary, and we can discuss what works best for you. I do not offer weekend appointments at this time.
What forms of payment do you take?
I use Square for my payments; therefore, I accept all typical forms of payment.
Payment for sessions occurs at the conclusion of each appointment. I take all forms of payment in person, through tap or physical card, including credit card, debit card, and cash (exact amount as I cannot provide change).
You can also add your payment method (credit card or bank account) to your OWL (my scheduling service), and I can charge you automatically after the session.
E-transfers must be sent at least 24 hours before the appointment, or the session will be cancelled.
If fees remain unpaid within 24 hours after the session, you will receive an email reminder. After 7 days, we will call you to discuss possible barriers to payment and financing options. At 30 days, if fees remain unpaid and no arrangement can be reached, services may need to be paused until the balance is resolved.
What is your cancellation policy?
My policy is to charge 50% of the fee for less than 24 hours' notice and 100% of the fee for a no-show.
However, life happens, and I understand that sometimes we can't give 24 hours' notice. I am open to discussing certain circumstances, but if it becomes a regular occurrence, I will need to take steps to protect my time and ensure that other clients can still access the session.
It is also possible to switch to a virtual session if you are unable to attend due to illness or if you are running late.
If I am temporarily unavailable (for example, due to illness or vacation), I will let you know in advance when possible and discuss options for continuity of care.
If I permanently close my practice, I will inform you and advise you about how your records will be stored or transferred according to legal requirements.
What if I need immediate help?
Via Counselling Services does not provide emergency or crisis services.
If you’re in crisis or need immediate support in Alberta, please call 911:
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Contact your doctor
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Go to the nearest hospital
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Call 988
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Contact the 24-hour Distress Centre.
If you are in Ontario:
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Contact your doctor
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Go to the nearest hospital
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Call 988
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Call 211
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Find resources at ConnexOntario
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Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
What to Expect with Counselling
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll begin by going over the Informed Consent form that you were emailed. This is a crucial step that ensures you are aware of everything involved in counselling, allowing you to make an informed decision about continuing with counselling. Once you have given your consent, we will discuss what brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain, and any concerns you may have. It’s also a space for you to ask me questions and see if the fit feels right.
What if I feel nervous or don’t know what to talk about?
That’s completely normal. Many people feel unsure at first and the most important part of my role is to create a safe, supportive space where you don’t have to have all the answers. We’ll move at your pace.
What if I get emotional or cry during counselling?
All emotional expression, provided it is safe and respectful, is welcome in our counseling space. Crying, feeling vulnerable, or expressing strong feelings are all part of the healing process.
What if I feel like counselling isn’t helping me?
I encourage you to bring this up in session. Many people worry that saying therapy isn't helping will somehow cause a problem, disappoint their therapist, or mean they have to start over somewhere else. It won't. Feedback about what isn't working is some of the most useful information we can work with together, and it is always safe to bring here.
What happens if we realize another therapist might be a better fit for me?
This happens, and it is not a failure on anyone's part. Fit matters more than almost anything else in therapy, and if it becomes clear that a different approach, a different modality, or a different therapist would serve you better, I will tell you honestly and help you find your way there. You will not be left without support or direction. A good referral is part of good care.
What if I’m not ready to share everything?
Not being ready to share everything is often its own kind of wisdom. The parts of your experience that feel hardest to talk about are usually the ones that have needed the most protection. Therapy moves at your level of comfort, not a predetermined schedule. What you bring to each session is enough, and what you're not ready for yet does not have to be forced. Counselling is ineffective without safety and trust, and we’ll build that together over time.
Can you help me decide if medication might be right for me?
I don’t prescribe medication, and while I can support you in exploring the idea, it is a decision best left to you and your doctor.
What are our responsibilities in counselling, as client and counsellor?
It is my responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself without judgement. I will make sure I tell you about the benefits and risks of the approach I offer and the limits of the services I provide.
Your role in maximizing the effectiveness of this process is to:
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Come to sessions regularly.
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Actively contribute to the therapeutic process and be open and honest about your experiences.
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Take care of yourself after appointments.
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Apply what you have learned between sessions
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Share any questions, concerns, or preferences you may have with me.
How is my personal information handled and what are my rights?
Health records are retained as required by law and professional regulations, and to fulfill the purposes for which personal health information is collected of clients.
My professional body, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), requires that clinical records be retained for at least 10 years after the last contact with a client, or 10 years after the client turns 18, whichever is later. Financial records must be retained for at least 5 years. These timelines also align with the Alberta Health Information Act (HIA).
Personal health information that is no longer required to be retained by law, or to fulfill the identified purposes, is securely destroyed, erased, or made anonymous.
Accessing Your Health Record
You have the right to see or receive a copy of your health record. To do this, please make a written request that includes what information you are asking for, along with your signature and date.
I will respond within 30 days. If more time is needed (for example, if a large amount of information is requested or consultation is required), I may extend the time by up to another 30 days. If this happens, I will notify you in writing.
A note will be placed in your file describing:
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What information was shared
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When it was shared
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Who shared it
When Access May Be Limited
In rare cases, I may not be able to provide access to all or part of your record. This may happen if:
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Sharing the information could reasonably be expected to cause serious harm to you or another person
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The record contains information about another person that cannot reasonably be separated
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The information is subject to legal privilege (e.g., related to a court proceeding)
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The information identifies someone who provided information in confidence
If your request is denied in whole or in part, I will give you written notice and explain the reason.
Complaints
If you are not satisfied with my response, you may file a complaint with:
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
Suite 2460, 801 – 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3W2
403-297-2728 | 1-888-878-4044
www.oipc.ab.ca
You also have the right to contact the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO.ca), my regulatory body, about my professional conduct.