Clinic Policies & Informed Consent
Informed Consent
Counselling is a collaborative process designed to support your personal growth and address challenges related to thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Your participation is voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from counselling at any time.
Session Details
Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes in length, with extended time available for couples therapy. The cost of each session ranges from $150 to $185, depending on the session type. Payment is required at the time of service, and a receipt will be provided for your records. If you are accessing services through an Employment Assistance Program (EAP) or have a pre-approved sliding scale arrangement, different payment terms may apply. Please head to our service fee page or contact us for more information.
Therapeutic Process and Risks
Counselling may involve exploring difficult topics, memories, or emotions, which can sometimes lead to discomfort or heightened emotional responses. This is a natural part of the healing process, and your counsellor will work with you to manage these feelings constructively. It’s important to communicate openly about any emotional challenges that arise during sessions.
Your Role in Counselling
You are encouraged to take an active role in your counselling experience. This includes being open and honest during sessions, completing any agreed-upon assignments, and expressing any concerns or difficulties you encounter. Your counsellor is here to guide and support you, but the effectiveness of counselling depends largely on your engagement and effort.
Confidentiality
The information you share during counselling sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed to others without your written consent. However, there are legal exceptions to confidentiality, including situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult. Additionally, counselling records may be subject to court subpoena.
Consent to Counselling
By attending counselling sessions, you are providing your informed consent to engage in the therapeutic process. You have the right to ask questions and to be fully informed about the nature of the counselling process, the techniques used, and the expected outcomes. Your counsellor is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and confidential environment to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. A late cancellation or missed appointment disrupts the therapist's schedule and denies another patient the opportunity to receive care. Therefore, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Clients who cancel within 48 hours or miss their appointment will be charged the full session fee.
Payment Policy
We are a cashless clinic - we accept Mastercard, Visa, debit, and e-transfer for payment, all payments are taken at the beginning of the session.
For e-transfer, payments must be sent prior to the scheduled appointment time. We kindly ask that you contact us before your appointment to arrange the details, if payment is not arranged prior - debit or credit card will be accepted only. Please note that full payment is required prior to your session.
To coordinate your e-transfer, please email us at info@pacificpines.ca Receipts will be provided upon payment.
Many workplace extended health care plans cover some of our services. We kindly ask that you check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm coverage. Please note that we do not offer direct billing at this time.
Telephone and Video Counselling
Pacific Pines offers virtual counselling services. All of our video sessions are conducted using the HIPAA-compliant doxy.me platform, accessible through a web browser. If you choose to use an alternative video platform, please be aware that we cannot guarantee its HIPAA compliance, and this choice is made at your discretion.