General Questions
Question: Will my benefits cover my counselling services at Healing Journey Psychological Services?
– Currently I can direct bill with Telus e-Claims, Alberta Blue Cross, ASEBP and Green Shield.
Question: Are your counselling fees covered by the provincial health insurance?
-Unfortunately, counselling fees are not covered by the provincial health insurance. Please inquire about my sliding scale offers
Question: What are your counselling fees?
Please contact me directly for the cost of the session. Methods of payments include: cash, visa, MasterCard, e-transfer and debit cards
Question: What is your cancellation policy?
-I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Sessions that are missed will be charged the full fee at the next appointment.
Question: Is what I tell you confidential?
-Yes. This covers your identity, what you may share with me and your attendance and status as a client. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality that I must act on legally if they arise:
*Known or suspected harm to a child or adult
*When a client has expressed plans to harm themselves or someone else
* If the counselling records are subpoenaed by court
Question: I am nervous about trying counselling, how do I proceed?
-I’m with you on this one. Meeting a counsellor for the first time can be nerve-wracking. I recommend calling and doing the 10 minutes consultation first. During this 10 minutes you can ask the counsellor questions that will assist you and making a decision to book a session with the counsellor.
Question: What are your counselling credentials?
– I am a Registered Psychologist with College of Alberta Psychologists. I have obtained a Master of Counselling Degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, AB. I am also certified in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Gottman’s Couple Therapy, and have completed numerous trainings and workshops in various counselling modalities.
Question: How long is the counselling process?
-The length of treatment depends on the goals you have set for counselling, types of interventions used and the nature of the presenting issue and concerns. The frequency of the counselling sessions varies based on the needs presented and the availability of the counsellor.
Referrals
Question: Can you refer me to another counsellor?
– Yes. If you contact me briefly and explain your situation then I may be able to direct you to a counsellor (s) that works in that area, if applicable. I recommend that you contact the counsellor to see if they suit your needs being that each potential client has unique needs and requires the right counsellor.
Question: I am a parent. Can I refer my 18+ year old child?
-Parents can contact me with questions for their 18+ child if the child is feeling too shy. However, if the 18+ child decides they need counselling support, they will need to sign up themselves. This is an important psychological step in the counselling process.
Question: Can I put someone on the contact list?
-Please have the person that requires counselling contact me themselves unless they are a minor. It can be very daunting if a counsellor reaches out to an individual if they did not requested counselling support. Typical, counselling does not proceed in such situations being that the person privacy is being violated.
Question: How do I refer my child to counselling?
-Usually when a parent contact me to refer their child to counselling, I will have both the parent (s) and the child come in for the first session. I prefer to split the initial session in two parts ; one meeting with the parent (s) and the child and the other to meet with the child alone. After the initial session, I will then meet with the child alone, unless necessary to have the parent there.
Booking Appointments
Question: How do I get an appointment?
– Appointments can be made via email or via telephone contact me I will provide all the available that may suit your schedule.
Question: My situation is serious. Could you see me right now?
– I don’t offer crisis therapy however, sometimes I have cancellations and can see a person on the same day for sessions. If this is the case, please call me directly (587) 220-7789 and I can discuss this option. If I am unable to fit you in, I am happy to refer you to another counsellor.
If you are in Lethbridge and is experiencing an urgent matter you can contact for 24 hours telephone distress line at 403-327-7905 .