Help & FAQs

You have a few options on how to book a session at Onyx.

Our administrative staff can assist you with the booking process. Reach out to our office in the following ways:

1. Phone us at  (587) 745-2662

2. Email us at info@onyxtherapy.ca

Or, you can book directly through our online booking platform, Jane: https://onyxtherapy.janeapp.com

Note: you will be required to create an account and add a credit card before scheduling an appointment. 

Yes! We offer in-person sessions at our Sherwood Park location:

2833 Broadmoor Blvd., Unit 260 (Second Floor), Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 2H3

Please note: Our office is on the second floor and accessible by stairs only. We face West onto Broadmoor Blvd.,and you'll find our entrance between Azia Spa and Twisted Banana.

Yes! We provide telehealth sessions (phone or online) to clients across Alberta. If you choose an online session, you’ll receive a secure link through our Jane platform 30 minutes before your session starts.

If you are unable to make it to your in-person session, you can always switch to a virtual session so you don’t lose your session or pay late cancellation fees.

We are located at 2833 Broadmoor Blvd., Unit 260, Sherwood Park. 

We are on the second floor and have stairs access only. We face West onto Broadmoor Blvd., and our entrance is located in between Azia Spa and Twisted Banana. Unfortunately, this building does not have elevator access. 

If you are unable to attend in-person, we also offer virtual therapy sessions to clients  across Alberta. 

Note: we share an office with Onyx Assessments. They have a separate entrance and administrative desk. When you arrive, please check in at the counselling administrative desk so we can confirm your arrival and check you in for your session.

Unfortunately, our office has stairs access only, as there is no elevator in the building. Parking is limited, but we do have a few reserved stalls available for our clients.

To accommodate clients with mobility challenges, we offer phone or online sessions as an alternative to in-person appointments.

Yes, there is  free parking however it is limited due to high traffic.  We have a few reserved stalls however parking is not enforced therefore these spots may be occupied. If you're open to parking a bit further, there are plenty of spots around the building and nearby properties—feel free to park wherever you find a space. 

Check-In Process

• We share our office space with Onyx Assessments, which has a separate entrance and administrative desk.
• Our entrance faces West onto Broadmoor Blvd., located between Azia Spa and Twisted Banana.
• When you arrive, please check in with our front desk admin to confirm your arrival.
• Our administrative staff will:
  • Greet you and check you in
  • Collect payment (if not already processed)
  • Ensure all required forms and consents are in place before your session begins

Forms & Consents

• All forms and consents must be completed in advance through our online platform, Jane, to secure your appointment.
• If required consents or payment details are missing, we reserve the right to cancel your session.
• If you still need to complete forms, please arrive early to allow enough time before your session starts.
• If forms are incomplete at the time of your session, you’ll need to finish them before starting, which may reduce your session time.

Comfort & Care

We understand that therapy can be emotionally heavy, and we want you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. Our space is designed to be warm, welcoming, and safe.

Help yourself to complimentary coffee, tea, water, and snacks at our refreshment station.

At Onyx, we believe in the power of community—“the village”—and we strive to create a space where you feel valued, cared for, and supported every step of the way.

A typical therapy session is typically 50 minutes long. However, your therapist works well-beyond that time to update notes and important information about the session, treatment planning, and preparing for your upcoming sessions. While you are billed for the full hour, much of the work happens behind the scenes to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Need More Time?
If you feel you need longer sessions, speak with your therapist to explore options and develop a treatment plan that best supports your needs.

While not all therapists offer longer session times, it is possible based on factors such as therapist availability and your specific needs.
It’s best to discuss with your therapist whether a longer session would be beneficial and appropriate for your treatment plan, as well as the associated costs.

Possible Longer Session Options:

• 90-minute sessions
• 2-hour sessions

Your therapist will work with you to determine what option best supports your goals.

Unfortunately, private counselling is not covered by Alberta Healthcare. However, it may be covered through your health benefits plan depending on your policy.

It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm:

• How much coverage you have
• Which types of therapists are covered under your plan

Please note that coverage can vary based on your employer’s specific plan.

Please refer to our fees page for more information. https://onyxtherapy.ca/fees/

Healthcare services are typically exempt from GST. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Psychologists and Registered Social Workers are among the health care providers that are exempted from charging GST.

At this time, Mental Health Therapists, Student Therapists, and unregulated practitioners are not exempt and must charge GST for their services.

There is a possibility that you may be able to claim a personal tax deduction for counselling services if the costs for services have not been reimbursed by your health benefits plan. You would need to discuss this with your accountant or tax professional to determine if you are eligible.

Yes, therapists can bill for time outside of regular counselling sessions, such as report writing, telephone consultation, letters, form completion, or other.

Administrative fees are billed at the therapist’s rate per hour for the service being provided. Your therapist will discuss these fees with you and get consent before proceeding with administrative services.

Once the service is agreed upon, your therapist will book in an appointment time labelled as “client administration” and the fees will be processed to the card on file.

Note: We typically charge upfront for administrative services before they are delivered.

Yes, as a client, you have the right to access your therapy notes. To do so, you must submit a written request to your therapist, and you may need to sign a release of information consent form.

If a third party requests information about your therapy, we will require written consent, such as a release of information form, specifying:

• Who the information will be released to
• The specific type of information being shared

It’s important to discuss with your therapist the information you are requesting, as personal health information is confidential. We want to ensure that you make informed decisions before releasing any sensitive details about your mental health. Together, you and your therapist will determine which information, if any, is necessary to be shared with a third party.

Fees:
Depending on the time required for processing the request and whether the information is delivered digitally or printed, there may be administrative or printing fees. You can discuss these potential fees with our administrative staff or your therapist.

We accept payment by credit card, debit, cash, or electronic funds transfer (EFT).

If paying by cash, we ask for the exact amount as we do not keep cash on premises and cannot provide change.

We require a credit card (or debit VISA/MC) to be kept on file which can be used to process payment for the session. This is requested when you schedule your first appointment.

Your credit card information is processed through an online billing platform that keeps your personal information encrypted and secure. Please ensure that your credit card information is kept up-to-date.

If you need to arrange an alternative payment method, please contact our administrative staff to discuss payment options. We aim to be as accommodating and flexible as possible.

Fees for therapy services vary based on the professional regulatory guidelines set by each therapist's regulatory college or professional association. We follow these industry and provincial standards to ensure that our therapists are fairly compensated for their essential work and the high-quality care they provide. We believe that therapists deserve compensation that reflects their ongoing commitment to professional development, education, and training.

We also recognize that accessing adequate mental health support can be challenging, especially with the overburdened public system and long wait times. While our regulated professionals do not offer a sliding scale, we strive to make mental health care accessible for everyone. To support clients with various financial situations, we offer fee options through student therapists and mental health therapists.

We are committed to open communication and are happy to discuss your individual needs, providing guidance on suitable options or referrals if necessary.

As a privately owned and operated practice, we do not receive external funding or grants for our services. Our fees are necessary to ensure the sustainability of our operations and to adequately compensate our therapists.

Our clinic offers the complimentary service of direct billing to most insurance providers. While we understand that the billing process can sometimes be stressful, our clinic holds a zero tolerance policy for aggressive or abusive behaviour, both in-person and over the phone.

At Onyx, we follow the strict guidelines set by each individual's insurance provider. It's important to note that we do not control the rules surrounding insurance billing—your insurance company does.

When booking over the phone, we do our best to match you with the best fit therapist for your needs, considering things like who is best equipped to work with the issues you are coming into therapy for, your availability, and cost considerations. However, we do not know which types/designations of therapist your insurance will cover, nor the amount of coverage you will receive until we bill for the session. This means that, depending on the therapist’s designation, we may or may not be able to direct bill to your specific insurance plan.

Coverage is set by your employer and the plan they have available for you. It is your responsibility to understand what your plan covers and advise us of this so we can make the best recommendation based on the provided information. If you are unaware of the details of your coverage, we recommend that you contact your insurer(s) before your first appointment.

Please Note:
Sunlife does NOT allow any mental health professional to direct bill at this time. If you have Sunlife coverage, you will need to pay the clinic directly, and we will issue you a receipt for reimbursement.

Our Registered Therapists (Registered Psychologists and Registered Social Workers) are typically covered under most insurance plans. We may be able to direct bill to the following:

• Alberta Blue Cross
• Medavie
• GreenShield
• Telus portal providers (see below)

For Registered Provisional Psychologists: We can only direct bill to the following insurance providers:

• Alberta Blue Cross
• GreenShield
• Medavie

For all other insurance plans, you will need to pay the clinic directly and manually submit the receipt for reimbursement.

Student Therapists, Mental Health Therapists (MHTs), and Unregulated Therapists (Certified Grief Counsellor):

These therapists are not covered under any insurance plans as they are not licensed. Submitting a claim using their supervisor’s information may be considered fraudulent by your insurance provider.

Always check your plan prior to booking a session to confirm whether the cost of therapy or specific therapists is covered.

We do not engage in any fraudulent billing practices:

We follow all legal and ethical guidelines when billing insurance. Here are some examples of what we cannot do:

• For couples/family/group sessions, we are required to submit the number of participants and their legal names. The insurance company will decide how coverage is applied, often splitting coverage equally among participants.
• If you are not covered under a plan, we cannot bill for your portion of the session under your partner’s plan.
• If each participant has their own coverage, we must bill in the order instructed by the insurance companies, with the primary plan billed first, followed by the secondary plan.
• If participants are covered under multiple insurance plans, please notify our billing administrators. They will guide you on how the billing process will work. Our billing administrators are available during business hours only. If we are unable to accommodate your billing needs, you may be required to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement.

Coverage for therapy services depends on the benefits plan decided by your employer. Some plans may cover all or a portion of fees for counselling services for the year. Some plans may only reimburse for the services of psychologists and not those of other practitioners. We won’t know what your plan will cover until we try to process payment.

It is always best for you to confirm with your insurance provider about your coverage before booking a session.

Please note:

• Insurance benefits do not cover the cost of missed sessions, late cancellation fees, or other administration fees. These would need to be paid out of pocket by the client.

Before starting therapy or booking a session, consider the following:

• How much does your benefits plan cover or reimburse for therapy? This will help you determine how many sessions you can access each year.
• Which types of counselling professionals does your plan cover? Ensure that your plan covers a Registered Provisional Psychologist, Registered Psychologist, or Registered Social Worker if applicable.
• Does the plan cover the full fee or just a portion?
• If more sessions are needed than your benefits plan covers, are you able to supplement the cost with personal finances?
• Are you comfortable paying out of pocket if necessary?

By confirming these details in advance, you can make informed decisions about your therapy services and ensure a smooth process.

As a client, you are responsible for full payment of all therapy sessions. Any outstanding charges or fees will be processed to the credit card on file unless prior arrangements have been made.

If finances are a barrier to receiving therapy, we can explore alternative options or refer you to a suitable provider.

Fee Structure:

• Regulated Professionals (Psychologists & Registered Social Workers): These professionals typically do not offer a sliding scale for fees. However, lower-cost options are available through our student therapists and Mental Health Therapists (MHTs). If you have insurance coverage, we cannot lower the fees for services with a psychologist or registered social worker to ensure you maximize your benefits. Your options are:

1. Use your benefits on a full-fee provider (Psychologist or Social Worker).
2. Pay out-of-pocket for a lower-cost therapist (student therapist or MHT).

Payment Methods:

• Credit/Debit Card: A valid credit card or debit card must be on file to reserve your appointment. This does not mean your card will automatically be charged, as you can choose to pay via the methods below.
• On-Site Payment Options: You can pay via debit on-site, cash (exact amount), or e-transfer to info@onyxtherapy.ca. If you are paying by cash, please ensure you bring the exact amount as we are unable to provide change.

Missed Sessions and Administrative Fees:

• Missed or Late Cancellations: If you miss a session or cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, the session fee will be charged to the card on file.
• Administrative Costs: Charges for administrative work (e.g., report writing, letter -writing, emails, phone calls, and consultation, etc.) will also be processed to the card on file.

Credit Card on File:

• Policy: A valid credit card or debit card is required to reserve your appointment. If payment is declined, you will need to contact our office to arrange payment. If payment arrangements are not made, future sessions may be canceled or booking suspended until payment is received.

Couples Sessions:

• Payment Policy: For couples therapy, each partner must have a credit card on their profile (per our policy). The same card can be used for both profiles if both parties consent.

Refunds:

• Refunds: No refunds will be provided for services received, late cancellations, or missed sessions.

Our clinic aims to be flexible and accommodating. If you have any concerns regarding payments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we will work together to find a solution that best meets your needs.

We require a valid credit card (or debit VISA/MC) to be on file before booking your appointment. This is standard policy at any private clinic.

• Payment Processing: Your credit card will be used to process payment for the session and any additional fees incurred, such as missed sessions, charges or administrative fees.
• Card Information Security: Your credit card details are processed through an online billing platform that ensures your personal information is encrypted and securely stored.
• Booking Requirements: A valid credit card must be on file when scheduling your first appointment. If a valid credit card is not attached to your file, we will be unable to book a session.

This policy helps us ensure the smooth processing of payments and maintain security for all clients.

We have a team of administrative staff available during our operating hours to assist you.

Our billing team is available from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

During the evenings and weekend, our part-time administrative staff do not do billing to insurance. Any billing questions will be referred to our billing administrators, who will contact you to discuss your concerns or questions.

Appointments can be cancelled up to 24hrs before an appointment at no charge. While we understand that life happens, appointments that are no-shows or cancelled with less than 24hrs notice will be charged for the full session time. This policy is in place to ensure we are valuing the time of our therapists as well as making it possible for clients (who have been waiting for a session spot) to be contacted with enough notice.

Our booking platform sends out email and/or text reminders 48 hours before the session. You can change these reminders through your client portal. However, they are there to remind you of your appointment dates and times.

If you have an in-person session booked, you can switch to an online or telephone session to ensure that you do not incur late charges.

Please ensure that sufficient notice is given if you are unable to make it to your session.

Additionally, if you are running late for an appointment, please contact our office so we can inform the therapist or potentially move the appointment to online.

Psychologists

In Alberta, Registered Psychologists and Registered Provisional Psychologists are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and require a master’s degree or a doctorate in psychology or a related field. Psychologists are qualified to conduct assessments, and provide psychological services including counselling and psychosocial interventions to individuals, couples, families, and groups in Alberta. They have met stringent professional standards and comply with the code of ethics set by CAP.

Registered Psychologists may be covered under most insurance plans. We can direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield, Medavie, and most providers through the Telus eClaims portal.

Registered Provisional Psychologists have met the educational criteria set by their regulatory board, CAP, but are in the process of completing the required number of hours of client therapy, supervision, and examinations to be licensed as a Registered Psychologist.

While several insurance providers will cover Registered Provisional Psychologists, we are only able to direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield, and Medavie at this time. For all other plans, you will be issued a receipt upon payment to submit for reimbursement.

Registered Social Workers

Similar to psychologists, Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are listed under the Health Professions Act of Alberta. According to the Government of Alberta, this Act governs the practice of regulated health professions, sets out standard processes for colleges for registration, continuing competence, complaints and discipline and establishes a board that advises the Minister.

RSWs in Alberta have received additional education and training in order to provide counseling and mental health services. They can work in private practice, and deliver counselling and psychotherapy services and deliver interventions that support a person’s capacity to cope and function personally and relationally.

RSWs practising as a counselling therapist in a private practice setting have completed a minimum of a Masters degree in Social Work and are registered to practice in a mental health capacity with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

RSWs at our clinic operate in a counselling/mental health capacity only.

RSWs may be covered under most insurance plans. We can direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield, Medavie, and most providers through the Telus eClaims portal

Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC)

Although the term counsellor is not yet regulated in the Province of Alberta, Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) require a master’s degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field as the minimum educational requirement to be certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). The CCPA is a national association that recognizes and identifies counsellors who are qualified to provide counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups in Canada. CCCs also adhere to professional standards and a code of ethics established by the CCPA.

Although counselling therapists are not currently regulated in the Province of Alberta, it is a consideration that the profession may be under the guidance and collaboration of Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) and the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).

Mental Health Therapists

Mental Health Therapists (MHTs) at our office have completed the minimum educational requirement of a master’s degree and can offer counselling services while they await registration or licensing with a regulatory board or association like CAP or CCPA, to be completed.

MHTs are NOT covered under insurance benefits because they are not yet licensed professionals.

Practicum Student Therapist

Student therapists have completed their educational requirements at a Master’s level and are in the process of completing direct client sessions and working toward graduation before engaging in formal registration with a governing or licensing body.

Students are required to receive supervision from a qualified supervisor (Registered Psychologist) and will work alongside their supervisor to build and enhance their therapeutic skill and competency when working with clients.

Students are NOT covered under insurance benefits because they are not yet licensed professionals.

Unregulated Therapists

Our Certified Grief Specialist at Onyx, Lori-Ann, is not licensed or regulated with a governing body but has received the necessary advanced training and certifications in her area of practice. Paired with over a decade of experience as a grief counsellor, Lori-Ann is well-equipped to companion clients through their grief and loss experiences.

Our unregulated therapists are NOT covered under insurance benefits.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the number of sessions and frequency of therapy will depend on several factors that are unique to you, including:

• The concerns and severity of the issues that brought you into therapy
• Your goals for therapy
• The treatment approaches used to help you address your concerns
• Your availability to attend sessions
• Financial considerations, among others

Some therapeutic approaches can be adapted to offer a limited number of sessions or focus on a specific issue if needed.

Once you meet with your therapist and they have a clear understanding of your concerns, needs, and goals, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Remember, you are in control of your therapy and its outcomes. You have the autonomy to decide what works best for you, including how often you attend sessions.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please:

• Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate support.
• You can also reach out to 2-1-1 or Access 24/7 for resources and support.
• For immediate crisis support by phone or text, dial 9-8-8.

Please note, our clinic is not equipped to handle immediate crisis or emergency situations. We provide ongoing therapeutic support but cannot address urgent needs in real time.

If your concern is not an emergency but you need to see a therapist quickly, we will do our best to accommodate you. However, therapist availability may be limited, and we may not have an opening the same day or week.

We can add you to our waitlist or cancellation list in case a spot opens up earlier than expected.

Due to high demand for mental health services, your therapist's schedule may fill up quickly, and specific date and time options may not always be available. In some cases, their schedule may be booked weeks in advance.

To ensure you have regular spots, especially if you're looking for a specific day or time, we recommend booking multiple sessions in advance. This helps secure your preferred time slots and ensures consistent progress in therapy.

If you’re flexible with timing or need a sooner spot, we can add you to your therapist’s cancellation list. Should a spot open up, you’ll be notified promptly.

In private practice, we strongly advise planning ahead and booking ahead whenever possible to ensure ongoing therapy with your chosen therapist.

It's completely normal for a therapist to not be the best fit for every client. Therapy is a personal journey, and sometimes a therapist's approach, style, or personality may not align with your needs. This is okay, and you have options.
If you've had one or more sessions and feel it's not the right fit or you're not seeing the progress you'd like, you can switch to another therapist — either within our clinic or elsewhere. You always have choice and autonomy in your therapy process.

Here’s what you can do:

• Talk to your therapist: Share your thoughts about the mismatch. A good therapist will want the best outcome for you and can assist in finding a referral or recommending another therapist who may be a better fit.
• Let our admin staff know: If you're not comfortable discussing it with your therapist directly, simply let our administrative team know, and they will help find a suitable therapist within our clinic or connect you with a referral.

At Onyx, we are committed to helping you access the right therapist and therapy for your needs.

Choosing the right therapist is an important step in your healing process, and we are here to support you in finding the best fit. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Browse Therapist Profiles:
   Visit our website at onyxtherapy.ca/our-team to explore our therapists' profiles. These will give you a sense of their specialties and experience. Keep in mind that the profiles might not list every concern a therapist can help with, so don't hesitate to ask about specific issues you're dealing with.
2. Contact Us for Recommendations:
   If you’re unsure about which therapist might be the best fit, feel free to call or email our clinic. Our administrative team can discuss your needs, availability, and insurance coverage to recommend a therapist who could be a great match.
3. Book a Free 15-Minute Virtual Consult:
   We offer free 15-minute virtual consultations where you can meet the therapist, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach to therapy. These are not therapy sessions, but rather an opportunity to determine if it’s a good fit for you. Please note that these consults are limited to 15 minutes.

By using these steps, you can find a therapist who aligns with your goals and needs.

Starting therapy is a brave and important step in taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, and we understand that the first session can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect when you come for your first session at Onyx Therapy:

1. Introduction and Warm Welcome

• When you arrive, our friendly administrative team will check you in and make sure all your paperwork is complete. They will also take any insurance information and process any payment for the session.
• You'll meet your therapist, who will introduce themselves and help you feel comfortable in the space. We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel supported and heard.

2. Review of Your Concerns

• Your therapist will likely start by asking you about the concerns or challenges that led you to seek therapy. This is an opportunity for you to share your reasons for seeking help, your goals for therapy, and any past experiences with mental health or therapy, if relevant.
• Your therapist may ask you some questions to get a better understanding of your background, any significant events in your life, and how these concerns are affecting you.

3. Setting Goals for Therapy

• Your therapist will work with you to identify your goals for therapy. This could include anything from managing stress, improving relationships, addressing past trauma, or simply gaining more self-awareness.
• Together, you’ll discuss a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.

4. Confidentiality and Therapy Process

• Your therapist will explain the confidentiality guidelines in place to protect your privacy. This includes what is and isn’t shared with others and the exceptions to confidentiality (for example, if there is a risk of harm).
• You’ll also be informed of the frequency of therapy sessions and how to schedule or cancel appointments moving forward.

5. Therapeutic Approach

• Your therapist may share the approaches and methods they use in therapy. Whether it’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Method, or other evidence-based approach, your therapist will ensure you’re comfortable with the plan and adjust it as needed to fit your preferences.

6. Questions and Concerns

• Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process, your therapist’s approach, or the next steps. It’s important that you feel informed and confident in your journey. Therapy is a collaborative process and it is essential that you discuss your needs and concerns with your therapist so they can adjust their approach or direct you to the best fit options for you.

7. End of the Session

• By the end of your first session, you and your therapist will discuss what to focus on in future sessions, based on the conversation. You may be assigned "homework" or strategies to reflect on before the next session.

Remember, your first session is just the beginning of your wellness journey. It may feel like there’s a lot to unpack, but over time, you’ll begin to feel more comfortable and gain more clarity. Your therapist is here to support you through this process at your own pace.

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a session, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. You have every right to feel comfortable and supported in therapy.

You can:

1. Speak Up: Let your therapist know how you're feeling. They are trained to navigate these situations and will work with you to make adjustments.
2. Discuss Boundaries: If a specific issue or topic makes you uneasy, your therapist can help set boundaries to ensure you feel safe.
3. Switch Therapists: If after discussing your concerns you still feel uncomfortable, you can request a referral to another therapist, either within our clinic or externally.

Your emotional safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Yes, your therapy sessions are confidential. Your therapist will not share any details from your sessions without your explicit consent, except in certain situations where disclosure is required by law (such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others). This confidentiality ensures that you can speak openly and honestly in a safe, supportive environment. If you have any questions about confidentiality, feel free to ask your therapist at any time.

Yes, you can bring someone with you to therapy if it feels helpful for you. Some clients choose to bring a trusted friend or family member for support in specific sessions. However, this time is allocated for you and your healing. It’s important to discuss this with your therapist beforehand to ensure that the presence of another person aligns with your therapeutic goals and so you can make informed choices about this decision. We will require you to sign a consent form to have another person attend your session.

If you're attending couples or family therapy, it’s typically expected that both or all participants are present for sessions.

At our clinic, therapy for minors requires parental or guardian consent. If there is a court order in place, we would need a copy of it for our files.
If parents or legal guardians are separated/divorced, or blended families are involved, we need the consent and contact information from both biological parents or legal guardians. We will need to confirm payment arrangements and how information will be shared. If separate sessions are needed for parents/guardians due to conflict, each parent session or consultation will incur fees at the therapist hourly rate.

We aim to create a safe, supportive environment for young clients. Depending on the situation, the therapist may involve the parents or guardians in the process, while also respecting the minor's privacy. We encourage open communication with parents or guardians to ensure the best care and support for the minor's needs.

Sometimes a therapist may meet with parents only, or parents together with the child. The therapist may engage with parents via telephone, email or in-person meeting. You and your therapist will discuss the requirements that is best for your family and the fees for the services the therapist provides.