FAQs

Sandy has a limited number of appointments available on a sliding fee schedule. Please speak to Sandy about your current situation and she may be able to help you directly, or she may be able to assist you in accessing services specific to your circumstances.

Please check with your insurance provider to verify if your plan covers counselling services with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Most plans cover partial coverage with a yearly maximum allotted for counselling services. Each plan is unique so please check with your insurance provider or with your employer relative to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits. All fees are paid directly to the therapist by the client after each session and the client submits their receipts to their insurance company/plan for reimbursement. Sandy’s invoice will stipulate her registration number with the B.C Association for Clinical Counsellor’s as well as, her GST registration number. The invoice will not detail why you are seeing a counsellor as this information is strictly confidential.

There is no set time-line for counselling as so much is dependent on your unique situation and/or circumstances. Sandy will speak with you about your goals for therapy, and together, a plan will be devised that best meets your needs.

So much of your success in therapy will be dependent on you feeling safe, supported, and comfortable with your therapist. Sandy understands this and will work with you to ensure that a “fit” is in place. She encourages you to honestly share and discuss any concerns you may have and Sandy will do everything possible to provide alternate suggestions should you seek a different match.

It is imperative that you know and trust that all conversations shared with Sandy are kept in the strictest of confidence. Nothing will ever be shared without you and Sandy first having a conversation about what it is that you wish to share, and with who. Only after written permission has been provided, will that information be disclosed. There are a few legal exceptions that require a counsellor/therapist to disclose information that include: -if physical or sexual abuse to a child under the age of 19 is disclosed or suspected, then this must be reported to the appropriate authorities; -if there is reason to believe a person’s life is in jeopardy; -if a subpoena is issued compelling a counsellor/therapist to testify in court or release contents of a file, then the counsellor/therapist must comply. Sandy will speak with you in greater detail should you have questions or concerns around confidentiality matters.

As a registered member of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellor’s, a suggested fee schedule is provided to act as a guide for practicing therapists throughout the province. Variations in fees between counsellor’s may be influenced by your geographic location, the type of services provided or, the time of day those services are provided (i.e.-after hour’s appointments, week-end appointments).

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and they are the only therapists that are able to prescribe medication. They specialize in psychiatric and mental health issues and they are accessed through a referral from your family physician or an attending hospital physician. If you think you are in need of a psychiatric referral Sandy can help you navigate the steps required by working with you and your primary care physician. Psychologist’s practicing in B.C. belong to the College of Psychologists of British Columbia and with only a few exceptions, hold a Doctoral Degree. Their training in counselling and psychology allows them to deal with more complex cases that may require specific specializations and, in that regard, client’s may directly seek their assistance as no medical referral is required. If you would like to consult with a psychologist, Sandy would be most willing to assist you with this process. A Registered Clinical Counsellor (“RCC”) in the Province of British Columbia is a therapist who hold’s a minimum of a Master’s Degree. RCC’s may come from a number of different areas including Social Work, Education or Psychology and they may have further specialized training in their specific areas of practice. As a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellor’s, therapists are accountable to upholding the ethical practices set out by the Association. Every member must have a clean criminal record check and all members are encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development to further enhance their knowledge and clinical skill set.

Cancellations and missed appointments are part of everyday life, and I understand that sometimes illness, car problems, traffic, meetings, and child-care issues can occur. Having said that, I have a policy that is fair to you, your therapist, and other clients who need appointments. I will not charge clients for one missed appointment however, any subsequent missed appointments that are not canceled at least 24 hours in advance or are missed, will be billed at the regular hourly rate.

Landmark 6 is the newest of the six Landmark Towers and is centrally located just off Highway 97. Situated across from Bean Scene Coffee Works, off-street parking is available at no charge. As well, free two-hour parking may be accessed in the parkade just south of the Landmark 6 tower. Access to the building and parkade is restricted after 5:00 p.m. and on week-end’s therefore, please speak with Sandy about where to park and how to enter the building if your appointment is outside regular Monday to Friday hours.