What should I expect after I call in or self-refer?
After completing our self-referral form or leaving a voicemail with our intake coordinator, you should be contacted within 2-business days to help walk you through your intake. We try to ensure your concerns can be met by one of our psychologists, and if not we may suggest another practice/provider (or refer you to apns.ca where you can browse a list of many providers). A referral from another medical professional is not necessary to meet with us (but your insurance provider may require this for later reimbursement).
I'm calling your number and no one ever picks up - why?
Our clinic does not employ an administrative assistant, meaning all calls are directed towards our voicemail system. When you call us you'll hear the extension for each of our psychologists where you can leave us a voicemail if needed (please know that voicemails are not monitored 24/7 and not meant for emergencies).
Should I do anything before my first appointment?
Yes. Please ensure you have completed any relevant forms you have received (likely a History Form + a Consent Form). These forms are both required and also help your provider prepare for your first meeting, saving a large amount of time during your first appointment. If you have private medical insurance, please ensure you've called them to fully understand your specific coverage as this can vary immensely per person/family.
How is my privacy protected?
Privacy and confidentiality are extremely important when seeing a psychologist, and during your first meeting your psychologist will discuss what confidentiality means along with the "limits of confidentiality" that apply. This can be especially sensitive with adolescents and young adults, and our consent form identifies specific concerns with adolescents. Our online practice management software, "Jane," is compliant with local and national (Canadian) laws governing security of Private Health Information (PHI).
Does anyone offer evening or weekend appointments?
Each provider sets their own hours which can vary throughout the year. Appointment times and availability can be discussed when you call or email to set up an appointment or discussed directly with your provider. You can view each providers availability 24/7 on our booking site (click on the providers face and type of appointment you are looking for - please note this is for existing clients only).
Do you accept insurance or do direct billing?
We do not provide direct billing to any agency or insurance provider. All of our billing is completed online using securely stored credit card information on our system, with receipts being emailed to you once payment is complete (as a PDF attachment) that you can use for reimbursement purposes if you have coverage. Please check the Fees section of our website for detailed information related to billing practices.
How many sessions are typical when seeing a psychologist?
This can be difficult to answer, as sessions will vary immensely depending on your specific concerns and needs over time. In some cases people see change in as little as one session, whereas in other cases a longer-term treatment relationship develops. Please know that you can choose when treatment ends at any point, and you can book as many or as few sessions as you'd like.
How do I use your online booking site to make, change, or cancel my appointment?
Please note our online booking system is reserved for individuals who have already visited the practice (online or in-person) and met with us. If you are reading this and have not yet had your initial appointment with us please do not book yourself in as the appointment will be cancelled immediately. You can complete a Self-Referral form (on this website) and follow our intake process. If you aren't receiving email reminders or information from us, please ensure you've checked your Junk or Spam folder or email us directly to see if we can assist.
If I'm not feeling well last minute or something has come up, do I have any options other than cancelling?
Our Cancellation Policy applies to any session cancelled within 2-business days, but we know sometimes surprises come up. If you have an in-person appointment booked and are feeling a little under the weather (or have an unexpected event pop up) please know you can ask your provider to change your appointment to telehealth (online). Just email them directly or leave a voicemail and we'll try to accomodate as quickly as we can.
Does anyone at your office conduct/complete psychoeducational assessments?
We do not currently staff anyone who performs these assessments. Please visit APNS and use the "Find a Psychologist" search feature for help in this area.
Does anyone at your office prescribe medication?
No - psychologists do not prescribe medication in Nova Scotia. A psychiatrist (an MD who has specialized in mental health and using medicine to help individuals manage mental health concerns along with providing some therapy) may be who you are looking for. For child psychiatry options, please contact the IWK Children's Hospital (Halifax, NS).
What is evidence-based treatment and/or 'cognitive behavioral therapy?'
Our psychologists have a strong focus on providing therapy that is based directly on research and scientific evidence. This is typically a combination of years of research along with specific client characteristics, your values, culture, and individual preferences so treatment is still tailored to you specifically. The majority of evidence at this time identifies cogntiive-behavioral therapy (or its close offshoots), commonly known as "CBT," as the most effective treatment approach for most mental health issues. A CBT therapist will work with you to help identify your goals, teach you skills to help better understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors work together, and assess/monitor your progress throughout treatment. If you're interested in learning more on this topic, please visit the APA Division 12 website devoted to this topic.
How can I explain to my child what a psychologist is/does?
A common and understandable question! Depending on your child's age and development or maturity level, you will likely be asked to attend the first meeting with your child/teen so let them know you'll be there with them unless they ask you to step out. In almost all first meetings we require a parent/caregiver to be present (both in-person and online meetings).
For very young children (e.g., around preschool-aged) we often suggest clarifying that there are no physical procedures done at a psychologist office (e.g., no needles!) so language should be simple but clear. We suggest something like "We are going to visit a 'talking doctor' who doesn't give needles. They ask a lot of questions and talk to us to help us with our thinking and our feelings. We just talk to them."
For school aged children, they may be concerned about being 'different' or 'abnormal' because of visiting a psychologist. It's important in this age group to normalize mental health, and one way to do this is to compare it to physical health. For example, you could say "We're going to visit a psychologist to help us learn ways to think different and mange our feelings and behaviors. We're doing this to help you and our family learn more about worry/anxiety (or other concern you are visiting for) so we can work on tackling this together." Sometimes watching a movie like "Inside Out" by Pixar can be helpful (or Inside Out 2 for older children and teens).
For teens/adolescents, it's vital they don't feel like treatment is a 'punishment' or 'consequence' for their behaviors or choices. Instead, it's a way to help them through whatever is going on. Please note that older adolescents will likely have the maturity/ability to refuse treatment if they choose. Treatment is and always should be voluntary. In really challenging situations a teen may refuse to attend altogether or say they aren't attending at the very last minute. Please let them know that they can leave treatment at any time while gently encouraging them to give it at least one chance or meeting. If they completely refuse, most of our providers will encourage parents to meet with us so you can talk about your options as parents/caregivers and maybe discuss ways to help motivate the child/teen to attend future meetings.
Please know that we NEVER recommend surprising your child/teen with the appointment at the last minute. Discuss the meeting with them early on, use the strategies discussed above, and check in with us or other online resources (like HereToHelpBC) on how to motivate your child/teen to attend treatment.