FAQ
Questions before you book.
A few practical details about getting started, sessions and coverage. If something is still unclear, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Availability & location
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. I am currently accepting new virtual clients in BC.
My in-person caseload in Langley and Maple Ridge is full while I transition toward the Kamloops area. If you are looking for future in-person availability, send me a note.
Where can virtual clients be located?
I provide virtual clinical counselling to clients who ordinarily reside in British Columbia.
If you will be travelling or temporarily outside BC at the time of a session, please tell me in advance. Whether the session can proceed may depend on where you will be physically located.
Getting started
Who do you work with?
I work with adults and couples, including people navigating trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, public safety work and justice involvement.
My practice welcomes clients of all genders and sexual orientations, including 2SLGBTQ+ clients and sex workers. You can read more about my approach on How I work.
What happens during the free fit check?
The fit check is a free, 20-minute conversation about what brings you here, what you are looking for and whether working together makes sense.
You can ask questions and tell me what has or has not worked in previous counselling. You do not need to share your whole history. A fit check is not a counselling session.
What if I am unsure whether your approach is right for me?
You are welcome to use the fit check to get a sense of how I work before deciding whether to book a session.
If you need something outside my scope or availability, I will be straightforward about that and can help you explore other counsellors or services.
Sessions, fees & benefits
How long are sessions, and what do they cost?
| Session | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fit check | 20 min | Free |
| Individual | 50 min | $165 |
| Extended individual | 75 min | $250 |
| Couples | 50 min | $220 |
Do you offer direct billing?
Direct billing is available with Sun Life and GreenShield, and through TELUS Health eClaims for participating plans, including Canada Life, Manulife, ClaimSecure and Chambers Plan.
Availability depends on your specific plan. If direct billing is not available, payment is due at your appointment and I will provide a receipt you can submit for eligible reimbursement. You are responsible for any amount your plan does not pay.
Will my extended health plan cover sessions?
Please check whether your plan covers services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), along with any per-session or annual limits.
Coverage depends on your plan, including when direct billing is available.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee.
The terms for missed appointments are provided during booking and in the informed-consent agreement.
Urgent support
Straight Goods Clinical Counselling is not an emergency or crisis-response service. The contact form and email are not monitored continuously.
If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Urgent support available in BC:
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 9-8-8 (or text 9-8-8) at any time for suicide-related crisis support or if you are worried about someone else.
- BC Mental Health Support Line: Call 310-6789 without an area code for emotional support and mental-health information.
- VictimLinkBC: Call 1-800-563-0808 (or text the line) for confidential, multilingual support and referrals related to family or sexual violence and other crimes.
Indigenous-specific crisis support:
- KUU-US Crisis Line: Call 1-800-588-8717 for 24-hour crisis support for Indigenous people across BC.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 or use the confidential chat at hopeforwellness.ca. Support is available 24/7 to Indigenous people across Canada.
- Métis Crisis Line: Call 1-833-638-4722 for 24-hour support through Métis Nation British Columbia.
Still deciding?
Book a free 20-minute fit check or send me a brief general enquiry.