WELCOME
If you live in Nova Scotia and are struggling to access mental health care –whether due to long waitlists or not having a family doctor– you’re not alone. I offer confidential online psychotherapy that you can access without a referral.
Below, you’ll find information about how online therapy works for Nova Scotia residents. You can also visit the What to Expect and FAQs pages for additional details.
ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort between you and a Psychologist. It provides a supportive environment to talk openly about your concerns and feelings.
Every client brings their own unique history into sessions, and therapeutic work is tailored to your situation, goals and needs. Psychologists assist by applying their knowledge and experience in the areas of human behaviour, behavioral change, as well as mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
SERVICE HOURS
Services are available via video-conferencing and/or phone.
All times in Atlantic Standard Time.
Tuesday & Wednesday
12 pm to 9 pm
Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
FEES
Unlike appointments with a family doctor, a Medical Services Insurance card is not presented during visits.
Payment is due at the time of service via e-transfer or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX).
Extended health benefit plans may offer whole or partial coverage for psychological services. Direct billing is available.
REFERRALS
Self-referrals and referrals from health care professionals are welcome. If you are a health care provider and would like to make a referral, please use confidential voicemail or fax to send personal health information.
CANCELLATIONS
Clients who cannot attend their scheduled appointment are asked to contact the office by telephone at least 48 hours before. Charges are levied for missed appointments, except in exceptional circumstances.
TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED CARE
Services are available via the ZOOM tele-health platform, a secure (PHIPA/HIPAA compliant) and user friendly audio- and video- conferencing service. Zoom meeting require the use of an App on a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Links:
1. Zoom Software Downloads (free)
2. Zoom Mobile Apps for iPhone or Android (free)
3. Try a test meeting for Zoom on your desktop
YOUR FIRST VISIT
During your first session, you will be interviewed for about 1-1.5 hr and asked to complete questionnaires. The interview is focused on learning about your history (employment, education, physical health, medications, relationships, and self-care patterns), as well as about the current concern(s) that led you to seek out therapy.
Depending on the complexity of the questionnaires you completed, you'll receive feedback about your test results in the first or second session. A treatment plan is developed collaboratively, which includes setting specific goals, and making an agreement about the duration and frequency of sessions, areas to explore in-depth, and types of change strategies to be used.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Anyone who is in danger of harming themselves or someone else is asked to go to the closest hospital emergency room or call 911. Crisis lines offer assistance to persons who are not in imminent danger, but who needs support urgently:
Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7, bilingual, talk/text):
988
Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Line (24/7, toll free)
902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167
Hope for Wellness (Indigenous Persons, 24/7)
1-855-242-3310