Question 1

What does confidentiality mean?

Accepted Answer

As outlined by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), all registered Psychologists in Alberta follow strict standards regarding confidentiality.  Confidentiality means I am ethically bound to protect your personal information.  I cannot share your personal information without your express knowledge and signed and dated consent.  There are a few exceptions to this rule.  If you tell me about abuse that is happening to a child, I am under a legal obligation to inform Children’s Services.  If you are an immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else I may also need to break confidentiality in order to keep you and others safe.  I have a duty to report a possible work-related psychological injury to the Worker’s Compensation Board or share information if a request is received from WCB.

Question 2

How long will my file be kept?

Accepted Answer

Files are kept for 11 years after the last date that professional services were provided.  Files of minors are kept for a period of 2 years after the date the client reaches 18 years of age or 10 years after the last date professional services were provided, whichever is longer.

Question 3

How long is each therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes, leaving the last 10 minutes for documentation/notes. With children this often includes time to talk to parents before and/or after the child’s session. The first session for clients age 11-18 years is typically 80 minutes, leaving the last 10 minutes for documentation/notes, as I meet with parents/caregivers individually then the client joins the session. Every additional session will be 50 minutes.

Question 4

How do I prepare my child for their first session?

Accepted Answer

What you say depends on their age and how many questions they are asking about therapy.  Before your child’s first session, you may share that it is my job to help kids learn and talk about their feelings or about things or thoughts that might be bothering them.  We will do this by talking, drawing, and playing with toys and/or games.  It is important that you tell your child that they are not coming because they are in trouble, but that coming to see me will help make them feel better.  Also let them know they are in charge and they will not be made to say or do anything they do not want to do.  You can support them by telling them you want them to feel better too and need some help doing so.

Question 5

How many sessions will I or my child/teen need?

Accepted Answer

Every client is unique and every client will progress through therapy at their own pace.  Length of time depends on the presenting issue and willingness or motivation to engage in change.  Some clients only need a few sessions to work through their issue or to learn some coping tools.  Others have been through more traumatic events or have limited social support and require longer-term therapy.

Question 6

What is your fee for therapy?

Accepted Answer

My fee is $220 per 50 minute session.  My fees are in accordance with the recommended fee schedule set by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta.  Most extended health benefits plans will cover a portion or total amount of psychological services up to a maximum annual amount.  Please check with your insurance provider regarding your coverage for psychological services.  I am able to direct bill many insurance companies so please bring your insurance information to your initial session.  After payment is received, I will provide you a receipt by email that may be used for reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Forms of payment accepted are:
    * E-transfer
    * Credit Card
    * Cash
    * Cheque