Frequently asked questions.

A psychologist is a regulated mental health professional, typically with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or counselling psychology. In BC, psychologists are registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and are trained to conduct psychological assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and deliver evidence-based therapies (like CBT, DBT, or ACT).

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medication. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and behavioural interventions, while psychiatrists tend to focus more on medical treatments.

The term "counsellor" isn’t regulated in BC, meaning anyone can technically use it. However, Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) usually have a master’s degree and provide talk therapy. Their training is generally shorter and less specialized than that of psychologists, and they cannot provide diagnoses.

When choosing a provider, it’s important to check their credentials and registration with a regulatory body to ensure they meet professional standards.

Fees for services are $240 per 50-minute appointment. All other activities (e.g., report/letter writing, consultations,) will be pro-rated at the same hourly rate and charged accordingly. Fees are set in line with the recommendations of the BC psychological association, and can change periodically.

Finding the right therapist/psychologist for you is important. No matter who you decide to work with, rapport and trust are key. You should feel heard, respected, and safe from our very first meeting. We firmly believe in evidence-based care, meaning our approach is grounded in research, tailored for your needs, and responsive to your feedback throughout the process. Ultimately, trusting your instincts matters. If something doesn’t feel right, or you'd prefer a different style or expertise that’s completely okay. Therapy works best when you feel a sense of comfort, connection, and authenticity with your therapist. Although it typically takes one or two sessions to get a sense of this fit, we offer brief 15-minute phone consultations for clients which may allow you to get an initial sense of this.

It depends on your goals and what you’re looking for support with. Some people benefit from just a few sessions focused on a specific issue, while others prefer longer-term work that allows for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Many clients attend therapy regularly for a period of time, take a break, and return when new challenges arise. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to feel helpful and aligned with your needs.

I am currently registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia and the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, which means I can work with clients located in British Columbia or Nova Scotia at this time. In addition, I provide teletherapy services for clients in Quebec and New Brunswick. Unfortunately, if you are located outside these provinces, I’m not able to provide psychological services, even if you’re planning to move to BC or NS soon, are temporarily out of province, or are attending school elsewhere. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to clarify.

Unfortunately services provided by psychologists in private practice are not covered by provincial insurance plans such as MSP or MSI, though many extended insurance plans do provide some coverage for psychological services. 

No, psychologists are not medical doctors and therefore cannot prescribe medication. If you're currently taking medication or considering it, I’m happy to collaborate with your family doctor or psychiatrist as part of your care team, with your consent.

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. Late cancellations or missed appointments create gaps in the schedule that could otherwise be used to support other clients in need. To ensure fairness and efficiency, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours of notice for any cancellations or rescheduling of your appointment. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice or missed appointments will be subject to a cancellation fee at the full cost of the session. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and responsive practice.