Question 1

Why choose a registered psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists have a higher level of training than most other mental health professionals. They are regulated by a licensing body, meaning that they must uphold a very high professional standard. Therapy from a psychologist is often covered under extended health insurance while therapy from a counsellor typically is not.

Question 2

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a referral or a diagnosis to see a psychologist. However, some insurance plans may require a letter from your doctor prior to your first appointment.

Question 3

What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

The fee for each session is $245. This fee is typical for psychologists in BC and is based on the 50-minute therapy session, overhead costs, and the time the psychologist spends documenting each session and preparing for the next session.

Question 4

Are fees covered by my extended health benefits?

Accepted Answer

Some extended health benefit plans will cover a percentage of a psychologist’s fees up to an annual maximum amount. Most insurance plans will not cover fees upfront and will instead require you to submit receipts for reimbursement. Some insurance plans may require a letter from your doctor prior to your first appointment. Please contact your provider to find out.

Question 5

Do you offer phone consultations?

Accepted Answer

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, I may be able to offer a phone consultation based on my availability and subject to a fee. Please email me to inquire.

Question 6

What happens in the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first session is your opportunity to describe your difficulties and outline what you are hoping to get out of therapy. It’s a chance for you to get to know me, ask questions, and decide whether my approach will work for you. At the end of the first appointment, I can share my impressions with you and give you an outline of what treatment might look like.

Question 7

How long is each session, and what will we do?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are usually 50 minutes long. There will be time for you to talk about recent stressors in your life or other things that have been on your mind, and time for me to go over some helpful coping skills. I will often suggest optional “homework” for you to practice outside of sessions. For therapy with children, parents may be asked to attend some sessions and help the child complete homework outside of sessions.

Question 8

How many sessions will I need to attend?

Accepted Answer

Some difficulties can be treated in just a few sessions while other difficulties may require long term therapy. After our first session, I can give you an estimate of how many sessions I think would be ideal, but ultimately, you can  decide how many sessions to attend. Many clients attend weekly sessions at first but then choose to taper off to every other week or once a month.

Question 9

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, virtual appointments are an option for adults and for older children/teens. Virtual therapy may not be helpful for everyone, so I will let you know if I think in-person sessions would be more effective. There is no difference in fees for in-person vs. virtual sessions.

Question 10

How effective is therapy?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that therapy is effective. However, it is not guaranteed to work for everyone, and it may not solve all of your problems. That being said, most clients experience some level of improvement, and many go on to experience long-lasting change that makes a huge difference in their life.

Question 11

I'm a teenager. Does my parent need to be involved?

Accepted Answer

Legally, teenagers can make decisions about their healthcare on their own if they understand what is involved. Ultimately, you get to decide what we work on in therapy, not your parent. Teenagers are entitled to their privacy. I don't have to tell your parent everything we talk about. With that said, there are some things I can't legally keep a secret from your parent, especially if it's something that impacts your safety or the safety of others. If you have questions about what information can or can't be kept private, please email me and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

Dr. Andrea Hamel
Registered Psychologist

Frequently asked questions