Restore. Renew. Revive

Frequently Asked Questions

Details you might like to know

How can I tell if you are the right person for me?

I offer a free 20 minute consultation so that I can make sure that my skill set is a good match for what you need. It also gives you the chance to decide if you think we’ll be a good fit and ask any questions you may have. If you have further questions, Contact Us

Est-ce que vos services sont disponibles dans une autre langue?
Bien que j’ai fait ma formation en anglais, je suis bilangue, et j’offre mes services également en français.
What can I expect from a counselling session?
People come to see me for all sorts of reasons. Our first session will be a chance for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what has been going on for you and why you are seeking counselling. It’s also really important for me to find out what your best hopes are for our work together. This will help us map out our way ahead. Our time together will be a a safe place for you to talk about your hurt, disappointment, fears and struggles. We will work together to come up with a plan to address these challenges and to help you live your life with greater hope and purpose.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions that are required varies depending on the person and their situation. Some people find that 2-3 sessions are sufficient while others may require counselling for a longer period of time to achieve their goals. Often in the beginning of my work with people we will meet more frequently, perhaps weekly or every other week and as we get closer to finishing our work together we may meet less frequently. My work is very collaborative and so session number and frequency are things we can discuss together to make sure your needs are being met and you are achieving the greatest progress possible in therapy.
How long is a counselling session?
First individual sessions are 60 minutes in lengthened ongoing individual sessions typically last 50 minutes. Couple sessions are longer; first couples sessions last about 75 minutes and follow up couples sessions are 60 minutes.
How much does each session cost? Do you offer a sliding fee scale?

Initial sessions are $210 for a 90 minute session marriage & couples counselling session (75 minutes + 15 minutes of documentation).  Initial individual sessions are $160 (60-65 minutes + 10 minutes documentation).  Subsequent individual sessions are $160 and couples sessions are $190. I have a very limited number of reduced fee spots  for clients who are committed to getting help,  but are unable to do so because of financial reasons. Please contact me for further questions or read about it here.

Does my insurance cover the costs?

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the province of Nova Scotia License #2276 and I have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Most insurance providers and employee assistance plan (EAP) cover my services.

However, because every insurance plan is different I strongly suggest that you reach out to your insurance company before our first meeting to make sure our work together is covered.

For certain Blue Cross plans, I am able to do direct billing. Please verify with the insurance company if this is an option for you.

Regardless of which insurance company you are with or if you have coverage, I will give you a receipt at the end of each session. You can submit this to your insurance company for reimbursement. You should also keep for your income tax submission as counselling services with a Registered Social Worker is considered to be an eligible health care expense.

Here are some questions you should ask your insurance company;

– Are services by a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree covered under my plan?

– Is there a deductible I need to pay before I am able to get reimbursed?

– Is there a limit per session that is covered?

– What is the yearly limit on my plan?

How can I pay?

I accept debit cards and all major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discovery Card). You may also pay with cash or by E transfer for your session fees.

What if I miss an appointment?
The time that you book is reserved just for you and I will have taken some time to prepare for our meeting. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or do not show up for an appointment, I will charge you half (50%) of a session fee. I offer email and text message reminders of your appointment in hopes of reminding you with plenty of time to reschedule if need be.

If you are ill on the day of your appointment, or some other life event prevents you from making to the office, I offer online sessions so that we are still able to keep on track with our work together.

Do you offer online counselling?
Yes, I am able to work with individual clients (no couples work) from a distance through a secure portal, with a similar feel to a Skype call. I offer online appointments as an alternative to in person meetings for people who live outside of Halifax, if you are ill on the day of your appointment, or some other life event prevents you from making to the office.
Is my information kept confidential?

During our sessions together, I take notes in keeping with the standards of my profession. In general, my notes, along with the paperwork you completed prior to your first session, are stored on a client portal. If you would prefer your case notes to written on paper I am happy to oblige and stored your documentation in locked filing cabinet.

All information that you share with me will be kept confidential with the exception of the following circumstances;

– If you pose an immediate and serious threat to your own life and safety or to someone else, confidentiality may be broken in order to prevent harm.

– If you go to court, my files may be subpoenaed for information pertaining to your treatment.

– If I have reason to believe that children or dependent adults are being abused or neglected, I am required by law to report these things.

If you have further questions, Contact Us

 

1600 Bedford Highway Suite 220, Bedford, NS B4A IE8, Canada I (902) 702-7722 I info@restorecounselling.ca
Office Hours: Mon/Tu/Wed/ & Fri 2pm-9pm Thursday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-5pm
Reception Hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

As a private clinic, we’re unable to handle emergency situations. If you are in crisis, please call the Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team at 902-429-8167 / 1-888-429-8167 (Toll Free), 911 or attend your nearest emergency department.
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