FAQ

Registered psychologists are 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. In both cases, psychologists are qualified to examine the behaviour of adults and children, diagnose psychological and emotional disorders, and provide therapy and counselling to individuals, families or groups. Psychologists use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches that often involve “talk therapy” to achieve more effective personal, social, and vocational development.

Social Workers are registered professionals that help individuals, families, and communities to better their wellbeing and develop the required skills to resolve problems. In private practice, Social Workers provide their clients with counselling, psychotherapy, mediation, among other services to help them be successful.

A psychiatrist is a fully licensed medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental health conditions. They provide proper medication management as part of the treatment of mental health conditions.

Please note that the psychiatric services offered at True North Psychological Services are not open to the public. We do not accept physician or self-referrals for psychiatric services, unless you are starting a claim with a governmental organization that supports veterans. Psychiatric services are only available to Veterans and pre-approved specialty groups.

All of these designations fall under the counselling and psychotherapy profession and consist of registered professionals that help individuals, families, groups and organizations.  Counselling addresses wellness, relationships, personal growth, career development, mental health, and psychological illness or distress. The counselling process is characterized by the application of recognized cognitive, affective, expressive, somatic, spiritual, developmental, behavioural, learning, and systemic principles.

Although your clinician will provide support, making personal changes can involve addressing unpleasant feelings and topics. Making such changes can be rewarding, significantly improving the quality of your life. Without treatment your concerns may resolve on their own, return periodically, stay the same, or even deteriorate. Your clinician can give you more information about the risks and benefits involved in you receiving or not receiving psychological treatment and counselling. Your clinician can also advise you on alternative methods for dealing with your concerns. In most circumstances, assessment and treatment are voluntary and you may refuse or withdraw at any time without prejudice. Your clinician will inform you if any exceptions to this apply and, if so, advise you of your options.

HST is billed for some services.  Please ask the staff at your clinic about HST as it relates to your specific service.

We put 100% into your treatment and hope you are 100% committed as well.

Our clinicians reserve time in their schedules specifically for you, so we ask for your cooperation by making your best effort to keep and attend scheduled appointments.

No Shows/Late cancels affect not only your treatment plan, but also leave a hole in your clinician’s schedule that could have been used by another client.

Please be aware of our policy regarding cancellations and no shows:

Each client is entitled to one (1) late/no show per year, for which they will not be charged.

We required 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

If there is a second no show or failure to provide 24 hours notice in the same year, you will be charged the full price for the missed appointment.  No further appointments may be booked until payment is made.

We do understand that emergencies can arise, making it impossible to provide adequate notice.  If this is the case, feel free to discuss your situation with your clinician.

Most insurance plans cover the services of our clinicians (psychologists, registered social workers, and therapists), but, we strongly suggest that you have this conversation with them or double check your benefits package before your first session.

Helpful questions to ask your insurance provider:

1. Does my plan cover me to see a registered social worker?
2. Does my plan cover me to see a Licenced Counselling Therapist (NB), Registered Psychotherapist (ON), Registered Counselling Therapist (NS)
3. What is the maximum amount covered per therapy session?
4. Are there any deductibles?
5. Do I need a physician’s approval/prescription for coverage for therapy/counselling?
6. Who else in my family is covered for this service?
7.  Is the annual total coverage amount for this service (per person)?
8. Does my plan renew at the end of the calendar year (December 31st) or the end of the fiscal year (March 31st)?

You don’t need to navigate this alone.  We can help you understand your insurance coverage.

All personal information will be kept confidential. However, there are times when we are legally and ethically obligated to breach confidentiality without your consent. These circumstances include:

• Third party payers responsible for your care will be provided with relevant written and/or verbal feedback.
• If there is a reason to believe that you are at serious and imminent risk of physically harming yourself or another person.
• If there is reason to believe that a child is suffering from abuse and/or neglect.
• If you have been sexually abused by another regulated health professional.
• A court has subpoenaed your records.

At True North Psychological Services, all information related to your services is kept in a securely encrypted record keeping service online. Because of the rapid expansion of data technologies, we now manage information through the use of electronic health record keeping.

Through this process, the practice uses diligent levels of encryption and password protected access to maintain security and safety of digital information. The software True North is now using for note keeping, houses their data on a secure and encrypted server in Canada.

You must pay for each session the day you receive services.  Some insurance companies allow us to bill them directly, but some require you to pay the full amount up front and then submit the receipt to them for reimbursement.  We will be able to tell you what to expect at your first appointment.  We accept cash, debit or credit card payments and will provide you with a receipt at the time of payment.

Yes.  Most of our clinicians offer in person or online appointments.