Policies and Privacy Overview
Welcome! This page offers an overview of what you can expect from my clinical social work practice, including how therapy works, how privacy is protected, and the professional standards that guide my work.
This information is shared for transparency and general understanding. A full Informed Consent document, which includes detailed information about fees, confidentiality, records, and professional boundaries, is reviewed together and signed at the first session. Consent is ongoing and voluntary throughout our work.
Nature of Therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process. We work together to identify your needs, goals, and the approaches that may be most supportive for you. Many people find counselling helpful in reducing distress, gaining insight, and developing skills for coping and change, though outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Talking about personal experiences can sometimes bring up difficult emotions. While this can be uncomfortable, it is often part of the therapeutic process. At the beginning of therapy, we work toward a shared understanding of what brings you in and whether we feel like a good fit to work together. If not, I can help connect you with other supports.
Scope of Practice
I provide psychotherapy and counselling services within the scope of clinical social work, including bio-psycho-social-spiritual-assessment, therapeutic intervention, psychotherapy-related supportive documentation, and diagnostic impressions.
I do not provide custody or access assessments, expert witness testimony, medico-legal evaluations, or medical diagnoses. If you require services outside my scope of practice, referral options will be discussed.
Appointments and Fees
Sessions are typically 60 minutes and may take place in person or virtually.
My current fee is $165 per hour, payable on the day of the appointment unless other arrangements are made.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged at the full session rate. Fees for additional professional services requested by clients, such as letters or reports, may apply. Any changes to fees are communicated at least thirty days in advance.
Full details about fees, payment, cancellations, and billing are reviewed together in the Informed Consent process before therapy begins.
Insurance
My services are not covered by MSI. Many extended health insurance plans cover services provided by Registered Social Workers. I can direct bill many Blue Cross plans; for other insurers, I will provide a receipt after payment that can be submitted for reimbursement according to your plan details.
Clients are responsible for confirming their coverage and for any fees not covered by insurance. Only the minimum necessary information is shared with insurers, and only with consent unless disclosure is required by law.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Protecting your privacy is a central part of ethical social work practice. Personal health information is collected, used, and stored in accordance with the Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) Standards of Practice.
Information shared in therapy is confidential and is not disclosed without consent, except where I am legally or ethically required to do so. This includes situations involving risk of serious harm, concerns about abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, or court orders. Whenever possible, I will discuss the need to share information with you in advance.
Records
Clinical records may include reasons for seeking therapy, treatment goals, progress notes, and relevant correspondence. Records are kept securely and retained for the period required by professional standards.
You have the right to request access to your personal health information and to request corrections, in accordance with PHIA and PIPEDA.
Virtual services, online scheduling, and secure messaging are offered through PHIA/PIPEDA-compliant platforms such as Owl Practice and Zoom Health. While reasonable safeguards are used, no electronic system is completely risk-free.
Consultation and Supervision
As part of ethical practice and ongoing professional development, I participate in regular consultation and supervision with other regulated professionals who are bound by confidentiality standards. Identifying information is minimized whenever possible. Consultation supports quality of care and professional reflection.
Communication, Crises and Emergencies
I may not be immediately available by phone and do not provide crisis or emergency services. Messages are returned during regular business hours.
For urgent or crisis situations, please contact:
Email and text are used primarily for scheduling and administrative purposes and are not fully secure.
Professional Boundaries, Dual Relationships, and Equity
To protect your privacy and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, I do not communicate with clients through social media. I avoid dual or multiple relationships whenever possible. In small or rural communities where overlaps may occur, these situations are approached with care, transparency, and attention to your best interests to avoid conflicts of interest that could negatively impact therapy.
I am committed to providing services that are respectful, inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed social work values. You are welcome to share feedback about how therapy can better reflect your lived experience, identities, and needs, including any accessibility or accommodation requests.
Concerns or Complaints
If you have concerns about your therapy, I encourage you to discuss them with me directly. You also have the right to contact the regulatory body for social workers in Nova Scotia:
Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)
Phone: 902-429-7799
Website: www.nscsw.org
This page is provided for general information and transparency. A full Informed Consent document is reviewed together prior to the start of therapy.