What is a Registered versus a Candidate Registered Psychologist?
A Registered Psychologist is fully licensed with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP). Candidate Registered Psychologists are in the process of becoming fully registered with NSBEP and are supervised as part of this process. Both have either a Master or Doctoral degree in Psychology, and in both cases, psychologists are qualified to examine behaviour, diagnose psychological and emotional disorders, and provide therapy and counselling. Psychologists use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to achieve more effective personal, social, and vocational development.
What is the difference between a Registered Psychologist and a Registered Counselling
Therapist?
In Canada, both Psychologists and Counselling Therapists require graduate degrees from accredited universities and are regulated by provincial or territorial regulatory bodies. Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders using evidence-based psychological research and applications. They conduct psychological assessments and provide psychotherapy. Counselling Therapists are unable to formally diagnose but evaluate and treat mental health concerns, focusing on providing psychotherapy and support.
I am Scared/Nervous, I’ve Never Talked to Anyone About My Concerns Before?
It is perfectly natural, and even expected to be anxious or uneasy during your first few therapy sessions. It can be scary to face your fears, and uncomfortable to discuss private and personal issues with someone you don’t know. Having said that, it may be one of the best things you ever do. Therapy is about you, and so we discuss what you’d like to discuss, at a pace that is comfortable with you. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you with that as well. The idea is to put you at ease and develop a therapeutic rapport that allows you to feel comfortable talking about the issues that cause you concern. Research has shown that one of the best predictors of success in therapy is the fit between therapist and client. You need to feel comfortable with your therapist, feel like you’re working towards the same goals, and be able to develop a level of trust. If that fit is not there, then you may decide to look for another therapist, and that is okay because remember, this is about you.
How Long is a Therapy Session and What Are Your Fees?
Both initial assessment sessions and ongoing therapy sessions are booked for 50 minutes, with 10 minutes for file review and/or notation.
All sessions with a psychologist are billed at $225 per therapy hour (50-minute session), a fee recommended by the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) for Psychologists registered with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP). Sessions with a Registered Counselling Therapist are billed between $140-$160 per therapy hour (50 minute session).
Therapeutic services are considered Health Services and thus are tax exempt.
We accept e-transfer and cash at this time. Payment is accepted prior to each session, without exception.
Do You Direct Bill to Insurance Companies?
Please note that MSI does not cover the cost of private therapeutic services in Nova Scotia. If you have extended health care benefits such as Medavie Blue Cross, Sun Life, etc., our services may be fully or partially reimbursable. We direct bill to insurance companies that allow this; otherwise, you are required to make payment upfront and we will issue you a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Will I Be Charged if I Miss a Session? (Cancellation Policy)
We ask that you provide us with 24-hour notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment, as we will attempt to fill that appointment time with someone from our waiting list. For Monday appointments, please notify us of the change or cancellation by Friday at noon.
We understand that life happens so you will not be charged for the first missed or cancelled appointment (with less than 24-hour notice). After one missed appointment, the full session fee will be charged directly to the client, as referrals agencies and insurers do not compensate for missed appointments. Fees for missed appointments must be paid in full to schedule further appointments.
Our cancellation policy will not apply in the event of inclement weather. Please do not feel the need to keep your appointment should the driving conditions be poor. Notify us and we will rebook.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of therapy sessions required depends on your individual needs. Some clients may benefit from 2-3 sessions while others may require 10-12, or more. Some clients find it beneficial to come weekly, while others may find bi-weekly or monthly more suitable. After your first session, your therapist can provide you with more information about the suggested frequency and duration of your sessions.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
You can contact us via telephone at 902-895-7588, by fax at 902-895-5887, or by email at info@anchoredpsych.com. The first time you book an appointment you will speak with our Office Manager, Jackie, who will take your information and ask you general questions about the issues you would like assistance with.
Jackie will then set you up as a client in our practice management software, Jane. Once she has entered your information, you will be prompted to complete Intake and Consent Forms prior to your first appointment. Going forward, you will continue to book appointments through Jackie, but you will receive appointment reminders through Jane. Jackie is available to answer any questions you may have and will reschedule or cancel appointments that you are unable to make, at your request.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
On the date and time of your appointment, a therapist will contact you virtually or by telephone, as indicated when booking, and will review the informed consent with you, clarify any concerns and answer any questions you may have.
The initial appointment is an opportunity for your therapist to start to get to know you and allow you time to express any concerns and discuss what you would like to work on in therapy.
Your therapist will ask a variety of questions and include you in the development of a flexible treatment plan that is best suited for you and the nature of your concerns.
The number of therapy sessions required depends on your individual needs. After your first session, your therapist can provide you with more information about the anticipated frequency and duration of your sessions.
Is Engaging in Therapy Worth It?
Addressing problematic symptoms and behaviors and making personal changes often involves tackling unpleasant thoughts, emotions, and issues. Although this process sometimes requires ‘digging deep’, facing fears, and feeling uncomfortable, it can also be satisfying, rewarding, and improve your overall quality of life. Sometimes talking to someone who is completely unbiased in terms of your life, is all that is needed. Other times developing coping strategies and different life skills may be helpful. Sometimes, treatment for specific issues may be more complex. Regardless of the presenting issue(s) therapy is an opportunity for you to put yourself first and give yourself the attention that you deserve. Therapy is confidential and voluntary, and a client can decide to withdraw their consent, and terminate services at any time.