FAQ

Q: Is the cost covered? 

A: Many employers with extended health plans offer some coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors.  Check with your insurer.  If it is, I write receipts with my registration number for you to submit for reimbursement.
The difference between designations is important to note. 
A psychiatrist is a doctor and can prescribe medications as well as offer diagnosis and is covered by BC Medical. To find a psychiatrist contact the BC College of Physicians. A psychologist has a different governing body and studied different course content at University. Some extended health plans only cover psychologists so that may be something to pay attention to.
A registered clinical counsellor has their master’s degrees in counselling psychology, are active members of organizations such as the BC Assoication of Clinical Counsellors or the Canadian Counselling Association. Like being reimbursed for a massage when receiving service from a RMT, many health plans cover RCC’s.

Q: Is what I tell you confidential? 

A: Rest assured that all conversations you have with me are confidential. 
However, there are 3 conditions in which all counsellors are legally bound to break confidentiality:
        – If a child is at risk of being harmed
       – If you have a clear plan to hurt yourself or someone else
        – If your records are subpoenaed by a court

Q: How long are the sessions? 

A: The session are for 60, or 90 minutes

Q: Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced rates?

A: Not at this time. 

Q: What is your cancellation policy?  What if I’m sick?

A: You have up to 48 hours before the session to cancel your appointment without penalty.  The full fee will be charged if you provide less than 24  hours notice unless there is an emergency.

Q: What if I am running late? 

 A: Please text or leave a message to let me know when you expect to arrive.  Please keep in mind that I might be in another session up until your appointment so I may not reply right away.  I am willing to wait 30 minutes for you to arrive and you will have the remaining scheduled time.  After that our session is cancelled.  Either way, you will be billed for the full session.

Q: What if Christine has to cancel? 

A: If I make a mistake and mess up your session time, you will get your next session free.