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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, fees, and booking process.
1What are your fees and billing options?
Our counselling fees are based on a 50-minute session (+10-minute administration time). Currently:
• Psychologist fees: $225 for individual sessions, $235 for couples/family sessions.
• Clinical social worker fees: $190 for individual sessions, $200 for couples/family sessions.
• Registered counselling therapist fees: $175 for individual sessions, $185 for couples/family sessions.
These fees also apply to paperwork (letters, forms, reports), consultations, and external meetings, with the exception of legal reports ($240/hour) and court testimony ($345/hour).
Our psychological assessment fees are determined by the type of assessment required. The type, process, and cost of the assessment will be determined and agreed on between the client and practitioner before the assessment begins.
Please contact our clinic for further information.
Private practice services are not covered by MSI. Many personal health insurance plans cover the full or partial cost of services. Some government agencies (e.g., Veterans Affairs, RCMP, Indigenous – First Nations and Inuit Health Services) may also cover the cost of services. We encourage you to check with your agency or insurance provider to determine if you have coverage. We directly bill insurance companies and third-party agencies where possible. A detailed invoice is provided on the day of your appointment; where direct payment is required, cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and e-transfer are accepted.
• Psychologist fees: $225 for individual sessions, $235 for couples/family sessions.
• Clinical social worker fees: $190 for individual sessions, $200 for couples/family sessions.
• Registered counselling therapist fees: $175 for individual sessions, $185 for couples/family sessions.
These fees also apply to paperwork (letters, forms, reports), consultations, and external meetings, with the exception of legal reports ($240/hour) and court testimony ($345/hour).
Our psychological assessment fees are determined by the type of assessment required. The type, process, and cost of the assessment will be determined and agreed on between the client and practitioner before the assessment begins.
Please contact our clinic for further information.
Private practice services are not covered by MSI. Many personal health insurance plans cover the full or partial cost of services. Some government agencies (e.g., Veterans Affairs, RCMP, Indigenous – First Nations and Inuit Health Services) may also cover the cost of services. We encourage you to check with your agency or insurance provider to determine if you have coverage. We directly bill insurance companies and third-party agencies where possible. A detailed invoice is provided on the day of your appointment; where direct payment is required, cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and e-transfer are accepted.
2Do you accept insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover psychological services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about your coverage details. We provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please note that some insurance plans may require a referral from your family doctor.
3How do I book an appointment?
For new clients, please contact us by phone at 902.461.8133, email at admin@dartmouthpsychological.ca, or use our contact form. We'll discuss your needs and match you with the most appropriate practitioner. Current clients can book appointments directly through our online booking system at janeapp.com.
4Do I need a referral?
A referral from your medical doctor is not required to make an appointment. However, a referral may be necessary for insurance coverage or other funding purposes. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you plan to make a claim. For youth 18 years or younger, a parent or guardian is required to attend the first appointment to complete paperwork and speak with the practitioner.
5What is your cancellation policy?
Please provide a minimum of 24-hours notice (or by 12 noon on Friday for Monday appointments) if you need to change or cancel an appointment. This allows us to offer the appointment to someone on our waiting list. If an appointment is missed or cancelled without sufficient notice, it will be billed in full and cannot be billed directly to insurance or third party providers. For extenuating circumstances, such as a a medical emergency or power outage in the city, we require you to contact us to determine if fee will be waived.
6How long are the sessions?
Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes allocated for administrative tasks. The first session may be longer as we gather background information and discuss treatment goals. Assessment sessions vary in length depending on the type of assessment.
7Is my information confidential?
Yes, all information shared in therapy is confidential and protected by law. There are limited exceptions to confidentiality, which include situations where there is risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse, or when required by court order. Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and its limits during your first session.
8What should I expect in my first session?
Your first session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and discuss what brings you to therapy. You'll complete some paperwork, discuss your concerns and goals, and begin to develop a treatment plan together. It's normal to feel nervous, and your therapist will work to make you feel comfortable and supported.
9Do you offer virtual/online sessions?
We are pleased to offer the option of virtual and/or phone sessions where preferred and deemed appropriate. When scheduling your appointment, please inform us of your preference for an in-person or telehealth appointment.
10What about parking & office access?
For evening and weekend appointments, should the main building entrance be locked, please use the intercom on the right-side main entrance door. For parking, there are several options around the building, including paid parking lots at Alderney Landing and on Queen Street, as well as on-street parking.
11Is your office accessible?
Our office is accessible. There are elevators in the main lobby. There is an accessible and gender-neutral washroom located directly outside our office (to the left of the office entrance).