Counsellor | Quadra Island & Campbell River, BC | Online

Fees & FAQs

Individual counselling sessions are billed at the rates below plus 5% GST (# 730542818RT0001)

Initial Session

75 minutes

$155 ($162.75 after GST)

Subsequent Sessions

50 minutes

$125 ($131.25 after GST)

Longer appointments and couple/family sessions by special arrangement/fee.

CONTACT

First Nations Health Authority*: I am registered with the First Nations Health Authority to provide services under the Mental Wellness and Counselling Programme, the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Programme, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Programme. Clients who would like to work with me are required to register and be approved under these programmes.

Crime Victim Assistance Programme*: I am registered with the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General to provide counselling to survivors of and witnesses to major crimes. Clients are required to register with the Ministry and be assigned a case number prior to beginning their work with me.

Extended health benefits & private insurers: I accept clients with extended health benefits or coverage through private insurance companies. I will issue you with a receipt for you to file a claim with your insurance company. Prior to your decision to work with me, I encourage you to confirm with your insurance plan holder that they will cover counselling work with registered social workers. Please refer to FAQ to further understand the questions you should be asking your insurance company regarding coverage.

*The duration of each counselling session through the professional affiliates listed above is one hour/60 minutes (fee adjusted).

Sessions and Details

Is counselling with a social worker different from other specialised counselling providers?

Mental health clinicians from different disciplines bring differing philosophies, values, and approaches to their counselling practice while they also generally apply standardised types of therapy that are evidence based and sound in practice. However, social workers bring a different set of values that promote both individual well-being and social justice. My work is deeply rooted in social care which is the foundation that contributes to individual welfare.

What to expect in counselling?

Sessions are normally fifty minutes in length, except the initial session which is approximately 75 minutes long. I get to know you and your situation during the initial session by asking questions and listening.

This information gathering phase may take a few sessions for me to have a fuller understanding of your experiences before we determine a plan to reach the goals you set for coming to counselling. During the first session, we will also take a few minutes to review the Confidentiality Agreement and Informed Consent so you have a good understanding of my practice policies.

During our work together, you may be asked some personal and difficult questions. Counselling is a place where clients can be at a vulnerable point but feel safe to share, explore, and process their memories, thoughts, and emotions.

What should I know about online counselling through virtual platforms?

Online counselling through virtual platforms has increasingly become utilised to access mental health support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently. My online counselling services are available to clients in the communities of Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay on Quadra Island, in Campbell River, across Vancouver Island, and as well as clients throughout British Columbia. I use doxy.me which complies with Canadian regulations to ensure confidentiality and client privacy. doxy.me provides clients easy access to the counselling video session with just one click into the email notification you receive prior to the appointment. While there are concerns about the impersonal nature of virtual counselling, research has shown that the online method of counselling and psychotherapy is an effective method of providing mental health support.

Please make a request for a test session should you require one, so we can confirm that you are set up for our online work together.

How do I book an appointment?

If you decide to work with me after our 15-minute free consultation, I will book you an appointment. You will receive a notification confirming the appointment. For on-going appointments, you can contact me to book through info@francislavercounselling.ca or 1-250-203-3504. You will also receive a reminder for an upcoming appointment two days prior to the session.

Do you treat mental illness and provide psychiatric diagnosis?

My practice supports the mental health that clients are seeking to improve. However, If you are looking for specialised treatment for a perceived mental illness or seeking a psychiatric diagnosis, I may not be the best option for you. In this case I will do my best to recommend appropriate alternatives.

Insurance & Fee Related Policies

Do you accept coverage from extended health benefits and private insurance companies?

I encourage my clients to utilise coverage from their employers extended health benefits or private insurance programmes when available. However, I do not process direct billing from private insurance companies or extended health plans. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the details.

What questions should I ask my insurance benefit provider about my coverage for counselling with social workers?
  • Is counselling with social workers covered under my plan?
  • What is the total allowable amount for the coverage?
  • What percentage does the plan cover for each session?
  • Does the coverage determine the allowable time for each session?
What is your cancellation policy?

I require 24-hours’ notice for cancellations. The full session fee will be charged for sessions with less notice. The full session fee will also be charged for failing to show (no-show) for an appointment.

What methods of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, cheque, or direct e-transfer at the beginning of each counselling session.