Resources / Our Office

Each individual counsellor has their own system with how they manage sliding scale or pro bono (free) client services. You are welcome to email our counsellors to enquire about these options.

We can accept the following methods of payment:

• Cash
• Cheque
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Debit / Interac

Health benefit providers differ significantly from company to company and even plan to plan.  Our therapists are either Registered Psychologists or are supervised directly by Registered Psychologists so that we may provide third party billing receipts to our clients. If your Benefit Provider requires a Registered Psychologist, you should be covered. It is important for you to contact them to understand the amount of your coverage per family member / per year and when your coverage year begins and ends.

Please note that we do not bill extended health programs directly. You will be provided with an official receipt at point of payment which you can submit at your discretion.

Our services are not covered by MSP.  Your health benefits may also cover some or all of your fees.

In BC, the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) often awards victims of crime (including historical abuse) a set number of counselling sessions to help address issues or concerns related to the crime that was perpetrated against them.  We have several counsellors who are registered as a service providers with the Crime Victim Assistance Program and we are happy to support people through the process of applying for CVAP funding.

For more information on CVAP, click here.

As everyone has different preferences and needs to consider when deciding how often to meet with a counsellor, there is no set or “right” answer to this question.  On average, most people will meet with their therapist on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for the first 4-6 sessions, and then gradually meet less frequently.  Like all aspects of our work as therapists, we approach arranging the frequency of sessions in a collaborative way that suits the client’s life, finances, and other commitments.

Confidentiality is essential to building a safe, trusting and effective relationship and so all of our counsellors are extremely vigilant about how we protect your information. Our files are always locked away and secure, our offices have been built with the best soundproof walls, and even our office doors have silencing technology. There are only three areas in which we would have to break our confidentiality with you:

• You were to tell your therapist of a child or vulnerable adult being subjected to abuse or neglect.
• You were to disclose an immediate intention to end your life or the life of another person.
• If you’re involved in a legal matter and the court subpoenas your file.

We ask that you give us 24 hours notice when cancelling an appointment. If 24 hours notice is not given you will be responsible for the payment of the session. Our online booking system automatically sends out a reminder email / text message 48 hours in advance so hopefully this will give you enough time to notify us and reduce the risk of being charged for a late cancellation.

Each of our counsellors set different hours. Please consult the online booking system to see when each counsellor is available.

No. Most of our clients find out about our services from friends / community members and then call or go online to book a time with us. Your doctor may also refer you to us and we are always happy to work with other professionals to ensure you get the best care possible.

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a registered, licensed professional approved for private practice. An RCC will often have a Master’s degree in a mental health related field, and provide assessments and therapeutic counselling.

A Registered Psychologist is registered professional approved to provide a range of therapeutic and counselling services through private practice. Psychologists have completed a bachelor’s degree and then continued in graduate training in psychology (the study of human development, learning, and behavior), and may have specialized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems. Although they may have training in the uses of medication to treat mental illness, they do not prescribe medication. Psychologists work to help people understand the nature of difficulties they may be dealing with, develop insight and skills to minimize and manage the impact of problems, and may coordinate with other health service providers, including physicians. Psychologists are also the only professionals specifically trained and qualified in the development, research, and administration of specialized psychological tests used to assess elements of intelligence or achievement, personality characteristics, mental and emotional disorders, and/or the effects of brain injury. Fees for psychologists’ services are covered by private payment, extended medical plans, employee assistance programs, or through government agencies or other special programs.

Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine like your family physician, followed by specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems. They may more often choose to prescribe medication in the treatment of difficulties. Their fees are covered by the Medical Services Plan, but there can be long waiting lists to be seen on referral.

Our office has ample parking on the west side of our building for a fee of $3.00 for 90 minutes. Free parking can be found on Azure Road beside the building but do ensure you’re parked legally as the City patrols this road regularly.