How long is a typical counselling session?
At Another Chapter Counselling, each professional has different offerings.
Sessions often last between 50-60 minutes, but can be up to 100 minutes dependent on the person providing services.
How many sessions will I need?
Based on your goals and budget, discuss with your counsellor what they recommend and how to best invest in yourself.
Is everything I share in therapy confidential?
For the most part, yes! Counselling professionals are required to disclose certain limitations. If we need to notify a third party or are obligated to provide information, ACC professionals will inform the client of any actions taken.
Limitations:
1. Imminent Harm to Self
2. Imminent Harm to Others
3. Child Welfare or Vulnerable Adult Reporting
4. Court Ordered and Legal Obligation
Do you offer online or virtual counselling sessions?
Absolutely! We do virtual counselling through Jane, which provides an encrypted link for privacy measures.
Each person offers virtual options, but not everyone offers in-person.
What if I don’t feel a connection with my professional?
Your time, energy and financial investment are best used when you have a GOOD therapeutic connection. If you feel the person you are seeing is not a good match for you, it is okay to speak with either your practitioner or email info@anotherchapter.ca to request having a consultation with another person. You are also welcome to seek support from someone outside of Another Chapter Counselling.
Do you accept insurance, and how does billing work?
Everyone working at Another Chapter Counselling has differing billing processes, so it is best to ask during your consultation or in an email before your first session. Also, it is best to check with your insurance company to see if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Clinical Counsellors, or Registered Social Workers.
Private Pay
- Credit Card: Added when completing Intake Form and charged right before or after session.
- E-Transfer: Inform the clinician that you plan to e-transfer. Once seen by Another Chapter, a receipt will be forwarded
Direct Billing
*Please Note: Not ALL Practitioners Have Each Coverage*
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
- Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
- Kelowna Christian Center Society (KCCS)
- First Nation Health Authority (FNHA)
- Jordan's Principle (Autism Funding)
- Telus Health *Coming Soon*
Can I bring a support person with me to my session?
Please inform your practitioner if you would like someone present. Some care providers may request your guardian, spouse, family member, or other person join a session or two, but only with your consent or if part of safety planning.
With adult clients, counsellors may say "no" to bringing another person into a session for a variety of reasons. This is best discussed on an individual bases with the person you are having sessions with.
What should I do if I have a mental health emergency outside of session hours?
Another Chapter Counselling is not a crisis or emergency support service, so care providers are not available at all hours.
Alternatives
Email Practitioner: Ask if available for an emergency session. If your condition worsens or you have not received a response by 24 hours, please refer to other options.
Safe Connections: Get in touch with people and pets that help you feel grounded, safe and supported.
Support Groups: Look into options in your community or online for support.
Crisis Line: You do not need to be considering suicide to contact a crisis line. Call or Text 988 in Canada & USA
Professional Support: If you report a risk of harming yourself, a risk of hurting others or feel that immediate mental health support would be helpful, go to the nearest emergency department. If you have a family physician, psychiatrist or other mental health support, consider reaching out.
What if I can’t afford counselling?
Unfortunately, Canadian health insurance does not cover our services at Another Chapter Counselling.
If you are unable to pay for counselling on a credit card, through an e-transfer or do not meet the criteria for the coverage mentioned in the section "Do you accept insurance, and how does billing work?", here are some suggestions:
- Workplace Insurance: If you are currently employed and have a benefits plan through your workplace, look into the mental health benefits.
- Educational Facility Insurance & Support: Some educational facilities have good insurance (Example: UBCO Students Receive $1100 per year for Counselling) and/or accessible mental health support on through the campus (Example: Psychologist, Sexual Assault Support, Mental Health Support, etc.)
- Private Insurance: If you do not have insurance through your workplace, are retired, or you are an entrepreneur, you can purchase private extended health benefits. Check to see how much counselling coverage you have.
- Local and National Supports: Search free or discounted services in your area or available within your country.
- Intern & Student Support: Some practices have people completing their education in a counselling profession who require direct client hours to graduate. Often these services are discounted and completed under supervision.