Fees

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 I follow the recommended fee schedule set out by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, which I've listed below.  I also keep 2 spaces a week for sliding scale, for up to a maximum of 10 sessions per client. All the fees listed below are subject to 5% GST. Third party payment may be a possibility for you, as counselling fees may be covered by extended health benefit plans, long-term disability plans, Crime Victims Assistance Program, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, or Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  Please contact your plan to see what resources may be available to you.  

If you are unable to pay full fees and are ineligible for third party payment, consider accessing some of the sliding scale or student led counselling in Vancouver, which offer excellent services as well.  The crisis lines (1-800-784-2433) are often helpful, both in terms of supporting you through an immediate crisis and in helping you find the resources which are right for you. 

Our first contact, whether by phone or email, is free, to give us both a chance to assess whether Balance Counselling is a good fit for your needs.  If I’m not the best starting place for you, I will give you suggestions about other services that may be a better fit.  Fees can be paid by etransfer or credit card at the end of the session.  

http://bc-counsellors.org/general/recommended-fee-schedule

Individual Therapy (50 min. session)                                              160.00

Couples or Family Therapy (50 min. session)                            160.00

Sliding Scale sessions (50 min. session)                                          70.00

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Telephone Consultation (pro-rated to the minute)                 160.00/hr       

Travel Time (pro-rated to the minute)                                             160.00/hr

Email or text consultation (pro-rated to the minute)             160.00/hr   

Often after an automobile accident, people are focused on the physical injuries and all the practical details that have to be addressed, like work, car repairs, or claim submission, and the possible mental health impacts of a traumatic event are missed.  If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing difficulties with sleep, anxiety, depressed mood, fear of driving, irritability, anger, nightmares or intense, intrusive thoughts of the accident, you may be eligible for funding for short-term counselling through ICBC.  Discuss any concerns you may have with your family doctor to see if a referral to a mental health provider makes sense for your situation.  More information about the claims process is also available on ICBC's website.

ICBC does not refer their clients directly to service providers, but they do screen providers, which means an extra level of security and reliability for you as well as for ICBC.  With regards to confidentiality, ICBC requires the service provider to write regular reports on your progress and also retains the right to access your chart if needed.  If you are referring for therapy as part of an ICBC claim, we can discuss confidentiality in more detail in our initial consult.  If you have hired a lawyer, you may also wish to discuss any confidentiality concerns with them.