How I Work
When can I see you?
Daytime appointments are available Thursdays and Fridays. Evening and weekend appointments are available only by special request and are charged at a higher hourly fee. I do not book appointments by email or text message - you will need to speak with me by phone in order to book.
How long are sessions?
The first session usually lasts 80 minutes and follow up sessions usually last 50 minutes. EMDR sessions are usually 80 minutes.
Virtual Sessions: If you live in Alberta I can see you by video counselling. I use a secure program called "Jane App" which is a Canadian based company that uses Canadian servers and complies with provincial and federal privacy legislation. If you live outside of Alberta I can only serve you if you travel to see me - both the therapist (me) and the client (you) need to be in Alberta at the time of the service.
What are your fees?
Payment can be made by cash, check or e-transfer. I do not have a debit machine. I use a sliding fee scale which ranges from: $140 per hour to $200 per hour. Sessions are billed to the closest 1/4 hour. Remember that a typical session is 90 min so the fee range for a session is between: $210 - $300. You can choose do do 1 hour sessions but you will find that it is more cost effective overall to have the 1.5 hour sessions (we will get more done in a shorter time if we work this way).
Evening and weekend sessions are billed at a higher rate ($170 to $225 an hour).
Can I use my insurance benefits?
- Check your insurance benefits for "psychological" or "counselling" services. Psychotherapy is considered a medical expense and may be covered by your extended health account, your health spending account, or both.
- I am able to direct bill for: Blue Cross and ASEBP (Alberta School Employee Benefits Program). I can do a "preauthorization" on line (like they do at the dentist's office). This will tell me if you are covered and how much of the fee the insurance company will pay and how much you have to pay. To do a "preauthorization" I need your coverage numbers, your full name, and your birth date. You can also find this same information out yourself by making a call to your insurance company.
- Great West Life, Sun Life, and WRAM all require that you pay and then submit receipts for reimbursement. Check to see what your coverage allows. Many company's now allow you to submit claims on-line by scanning them ore taking a picture with your smart phone.
What to check for when looking at your insurance coverage:
- Check that you are covered for a master's level social worker (i.e. MSW, RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Some plans only provide reimbursement for services provided by a Registered Psychologist.
- Note the total amount of benefits (i.e. $750 or $1,200) and the renewal date. Some companies "refresh" your benefits January 1st, others on July 1st.
What if I don't have insurance and can't afford those fees?
If you live in the Taber area, you are very lucky because there are excellent free counselling resources available. Consider the following programs:
- Alberta Health Services - Addiction and Mental Health (403)223-7244 (Located at the Taber Hospital).
- Family and Community Support Services: (403) 223-7230 (Also in the Taber Hosptial).
- Services for Children: Horizon School Division Family School Liaison Counselling Program - check at your child's school.
Contact me (Kirsten) at: (403)331-0352
