FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The first session is an opportunity for discussion about what brings you in for services. Typically this includes a review of your/your child's history and a clinical interview to better understand your needs. At this session, we will also aim to set a goal and plan for therapy or assessment. Options for service will be reviewed as well as guidelines for how your information is kept private and confidential. If you are meeting regarding concerns about your child, it is usually best that the first appointment is with parents only to allow for a candid conversation about your concerns. This can be discussed at the time of booking.

In cases where parents are separated or divorced and there is joint custody, consent from both parents is necessary before services can be provided to your child. Legal guardians need to be in agreement for psychological services to be provided to children and adolescents and consent needs to be signed by both. Consent from the other parent is not required if you are seeking parenting support for yourself and your child will not be seen. If it is not possible to gather consent from the other parent (ie. their whereabouts are unknown), please discuss this with your therapist.

No. Although referrals are accepted from other healthcare professionals, a referral is not necessary. If you feel that you or your child may benefit from therapy or assessment, you are welcome to call in directly to discuss appropriate services.

At this time, direct billing is not available. Payment is due at each session. A receipt will be issued to you that may be submitted for reimbursement by your insurer. Please check with your insurer for details about your plan and coverage eligibility.

Usually, clients experience some relief after starting therapy. Often they have debated whether to ask for help for some time and are glad when they make the initial step. Sometimes, people feel somewhat restless and agitated after their first session. Often, people are discussing and reviewing events and feelings that they may have kept private for a very long time. This can result in some discomfort initially. It is important to let me know if you experience this. Clients are urged to consider the risks that major psychological transformation may have on their current relationships.

There is no definite length of therapy. The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the issue, or issues being addressed. A very general guideline would be 4-8 sessions. At the beginning of therapy, people generally come once a week, until some stabilization has been established. After that, there is some flexibility and more time can elapse between sessions. This will be something that is discussed with you in the session. It is important to let me know your feelings about how often you would like to meet.

All information is kept confidential unless you request or give consent that information is shared with others. It is important to be aware that there are some circumstances where information may need to be shared without your consent. This includes if there is reason to believe a child may be in need of protection if the threat of harm to self or others is indicated, if records are required by law and if the ability to operate a vehicle is significantly impacted.

I understand that sometimes things come up unexpectedly. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give no less than 24 hours notice. Notice of less than 24 hours may incur the full cost of the session. Most insurance companies do not cover cancellation fees.

Therapy sessions are billed at $160 per session. Assessments are billed at $180 per hour. The time required to complete an assessment varies. This will be discussed at the first appointment.

Moose Jaw Psychology currently accepts cash, cheque, e-transfer, and credit card.