How I Work
When can I see you?
Daytime appointments are available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Appointment slots are generally: 11 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
How long are sessions?
The first session usually lasts 80 minutes and follow up sessions are booked for either 50 or 80 minutes. I prefer that EMDR sessions booked for 80 minutes. Some clients prefer to utilize 50 minute sessions (for financial or scheduling reasons) - I can accommodate these requests but find that we will use fewer sessions overall if we utilize 80 min sessions. Generally I can accomplish more (with a client) in one 80 min session than in two - 50 min sessions.
In Person Sessions: I have a home office located in Taber, Alberta - I give you the address after we have spoken by phone and both feel like we are a "good fit" and have decided that we want to work together. The screening ("meet and greet") phone call (up to 15-20 minutes) is free. Contact me at: 403-331-0352.
Where are you licensed to practice? I am licensed in the province of Alberta and have a license to provide electronic (virtual) services in Newfoundland or Labrador. My clients and consultees must be located in one of those 2 provinces when I serve them.
Virtual Sessions: If you live in Alberta or Newfoundland, I can see you by video counselling. I use a secure program called "Jane App" which is a Canadian based company that uses Canadian servers and complies with provincial and federal privacy legislation. If you live outside of Alberta I can only serve you if you travel to see me - both the therapist (me) and the client (you) need to be in Alberta at the time of the service. This is not "my rule" but the rule of the ACSW that grants me my license to practice psychotherapy. For those who travel to see me - we usually do condensed work (see below).
Note: When working virtually I prefer to do the "meet and greet" virtually as well. This will ensure that we have good enough internet connection to support our work. I ask that you used "plugged in" internet if possible. If you must use WIFI please ensure that you are seated close to the WIFI source - it is important that we don't lose connection during a session due to fluctuating WIFI.
What are your fees?
Payment can be made by cash, check or e-transfer. Virtual sessions have an option of payment by credit card (through the Janap program). I do not have a debit machine at my office.
My fee is $180 for a 50 minute session and $225 for an 80 min session. Intake sessions are ALWAYS 80 min, but you can choose do do follow up sessions as 1 hour sessions if that works better in terms of using your benefits/finances.
Condensed work: Because EMDR does not usually require "homework" it can be done in a condensed format. This is often called and "EMDR Intensive". The most common format that I have used is doing 4 sessions in 2 days (each session is up to 2 hours long). This work is best suited for those who travel long distances to see me. Fee: $180/hr x hours used. Know that this type of work can be quite emotionally fatiguing and there are some special precautions that we need to take for your safety and wellness. If you are looking for an EMDR therapist closer to where you live please go to the EMDR Canada website and use the "find a therapist" locator/tab.
Can I use my insurance benefits?
- Check your insurance benefits for "psychological" or "counselling" services. Psychotherapy is considered a medical expense and may be covered by your extended health account, your health spending account, or both.
- I am able to direct bill for: Blue Cross and ASEBP (Alberta School Employee Benefits Program). I can do a "preauthorization" on line (like they do at the dentist's office). This will tell me if you are covered and how much of the fee the insurance company will pay and how much you have to pay. To do a "preauthorization" I need your coverage numbers, your full name, and your birth date. You can also find this same information out yourself by making a call to your insurance company.
- Great West Life, Sun Life, and WRAM all require that you pay and then submit receipts for reimbursement. Check to see what your coverage allows. Many company's now allow you to submit claims on-line by scanning them ore taking a picture with your smart phone.
What to check for when looking at your insurance coverage:
- Check that you are covered for a master's level social worker (i.e. MSW, RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Some plans only provide reimbursement for services provided by a Registered Psychologist.
- Note the total amount of benefits (i.e. $750 or $1,200) and the renewal date. Some companies "refresh" your benefits January 1st, others on July 1st.
What if I don't have insurance and can't afford those fees?
If you live in the Taber area there are free counselling resources available. Consider the following programs:
- Alberta Health Services - Addiction and Mental Health. The Taber Office is located in the the Taber hospital. The screening team is in Lethbridge and can be accessed by calling: 1-888-594-0211.
- Services for Children: Horizon School Division Family School Liaison Counselling Program - check at your child's school.
Contact me (Kirsten) at: (403)331-0352
