We are aware that seeking counselling may be a new experience and that some may be nervous or apprehensive about soliciting counselling services.
This introduction is designed to ease you through the process and answer frequently asked questions….
Is a referral necessary?
First, no referral from a health professional is necessary to initiate counselling services.
How do I book an appointment?
Counselling services are by appointment only. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate walk-ins.
To book a session, call (780) 289-6112 for all office locations or email clarencecounsellingcentre@gmail.com.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday – Friday 9 – 9 p.m. Some Saturday or Sunday appointments may be available upon request, as well as SKYPE sessions for long distance counselling.
Do I have a choice of counsellor?
You can access the services of Simon individually or Ruth individually or as a couple. Please state your preference.
Note: We can offer our services with a religious perspective or without any religious connotation. We respect your wishes and preferences in this regard.
How long are the counselling sessions?
Sessions can be booked for one hour, one hour and a half or two hour time frames.
We would recommend booking a two-hour appointment for your introductory or first session – the first hour will be biographical in nature and the second hour will develop a response to the information you have shared.
Two-three hour appointments may be feasible for those travelling long distances for their sessions.
Please be on time for your appointment. Please contact us if you are going to be late for any reason.
At your first session, your counsellor will discuss and book future appointments if desired. Since continuity of treatment is vital to therapy, we encourage you to plan ahead in scheduling your appointments.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen events such as car problems, traffic considerations, business commitments, illnesses and childcare concerns can occur.
However, since your appointment requires your counsellor to reserve a significant amount of time exclusively for your benefit, we have a policy regarding cancellations and missed appointments, which we believe is fair to you, the counsellor and other clients needing appointments.
Because the appointment is reserved for you, you will be charged the established hourly fee for appointments which are not cancelled 24 hours in advance.
The only exception to this agreement is in the event of an emergency. If this is the case, please contact us as soon as possible.
Is there anything I need to do before my appointment?
Please fill out our Client Intake Form. If you are unable to send us the form, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the form prior to your session.
What is the fee structure?
Because the fees for counselling are based on a sliding scale, you will need to indicate your gross household income, so that the fee can be established when the appointment is booked. The counselling service you are paying for includes the time and expertise of a counselling professional during the session, as well as necessary preparation time, record keeping and processing.
Session fees must be paid at the end of each session. We accept cash, cheques, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You will receive an email invoice following the session for your records.
Some insurance companies will cover the sessions costs, but not all. Check with your insurance provider to ascertain this. We provide pastoral counselling and are not registered psychologists, psychiatrist or medical doctors.
We can offer our services with a religious perspective or without any religious connotation. We respect your wishes and preferences in this regard.
Where are your offices located?
Click here to view our various office locations throughout Alberta.
Can I set up a session by phone or by Skype?
Don’t Let Distance Prevent You From Getting Help. Our Telephone/Skype Counselling Service allows clients to receive the full benefit of a counseling session without travel time, or childcare costs in the comfort of their own home.
Please follow these easy steps to set your telephone/SKYPE counseling appointment:
- Please have your personal schedule and credit card ready.
- Call (780) 289-6112 to discuss appointment details. At this time, the 50-minute session fee will be billed to your Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
- Mark your appointment time in your calendar.
- Call (780) 289-6112 at the scheduled appointment time. The counselllor will be waiting for your call.
- Your 50-minute session will end with the scheduling of another appointment and confirmation of the appointment once the credit card billing for the next appointment has been authorized.
- You need to supply your SKYPE Address if you are accessing SKYPE counselling.
Are my sessions confidential?
Conversations with the counsellor are kept in strict confidence. This includes the handling of files that contain case notes and records.
Legal Limitations to Confidentiality: Counsellors are required by law to report to the appropriate authorities if there is physical or sexual abuse of a child under the age of 18 or if there is reason to believe a person’s life is in jeopardy.
If a judge subpoenas a counsellor to testify in court or to release the contents of a file, the counsellor is required to do so.