Are you presently accepting new clients?

We are always accepting new clients. Individual practitioners may have a waitlist due to fluctuations in demand. As well, some practitioners close their waitlist to new referrals when their waitlist becomes unwieldy. Depending on the concern for which treatment is sought, there may be limited numbers of clinicians available. If we are unable to help, we can almost always recommend other resources in the community.

What are your hours?

The hours and days of work of individual clinicians varies. In most cases, service is provided within the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. At present we do not generally have appointments available on weekends or in the evening.

Are all providers registered psychologists?

Most of our providers are registered psychologists, and this status is indicated on the OUR TEAM page. At times we add particularly talented individuals to our service who have recently completed their doctoral-level work but are not yet registered with the provincial regulatory body. These individuals are identified as “Clinician” rather than “Registered Psychologist,” and are supervised by a registered psychologist. In addition, we participate in the UBC/SFU training practicum program, and often have a post-masters student working under the direct supervision of a registered psychologist. These individuals are identified as “Practicum Student” at the TEAM page, and typically bill at a reduced rate.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor?

A psychologist is a mental health professional registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and, in most cases (in all cases with our clinic) has a doctoral-level degree in clinical or counselling psychology. Usually this means they have followed a bachelor degree in psychology with both a master’s and PhD or PsyD program involving both a research and a clinical component, and have completed an approved residency within a hospital-based or other program. A psychiatrist is a physician who has a specialization in psychiatry. The term “counsellor” is not controlled within the province of BC, and so does not in itself provide an indication of the level of training. Most clinical counsellors, however, have a master’s degree in clinical or counselling psychology, but not a PhD.

Can I do in-person AND remote sessions?

A few of our practitioners offer remote service only; all others offer both in-person and remote services. Some clients prefer to have certain sessions in person, with the option of remote sessions at times - for example, while traveling within BC, when time does not permit them to attend at the office, or when they are feeling unwell. We request that when either the individual or the clinician is possibly suffering from a cold, flu, or covid that service shift to remote.

Do you offer couples or family counselling?

We do not at present offer couples therapy nor family therapy. At times, an individual in therapy may benefit from the inclusion of a family member for one or more meetings (at the client’s request), and this may be arranged.

I need a diagnosis for an insurance/disability claim - can you do that?

Changeways Clinic is predominantly a psychotherapy service. We do not provide medico-legal assessments, and our services are not designed for individuals whose primary requirement is support in the form of diagnosis or report for an insurance claim, lawsuit, custody issue, or disability claim

Are your services covered by MSP?

Unfortunately, the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover appointments by private psychologists - even if arranged with a physician referral.

What are your fees?

Clinician fees are set in line with the recommendations of the provincial psychological association, and change periodically. Please ask about fees when you contact the office.

Can I book an appointment online?

Unfortunately, not at present. Our front desk team can help with appointment bookings and are generally available 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. You can self-refer. Some insurance plans may require a physician referral in order for you to receive reimbursement, though most do not. Check with your plan to find out - or our front office team may know the answer.

How do I pick a therapist

The Our Team page provides brief sketches of all of our clinicians, and each one links to a page providing more detail on that particular clinician. This may help you get a sense of which provider you might like to see. Not all clinicians have availability at all times, however. Our front desk team can let you know who might be available. They have in-depth familiarity with all clinicians and can help you with a recommendation.

Do you direct-bill to insurance companies?

At present we are only able to do direct-billing for military, veterans, or RCMP members. Most of our clients pay for their own services then, if they have applicable coverage, submit receipts to their insurance agency.

What is your cancellation policy?

Unlike your physician, who may see many people in a day, our clinicians see people for extended lengths of time - usually 50 minutes. Late cancellations typically make it impossible to offer your time to others who may be waiting. Consequently, we ask that if you must cancel an appointment you do so 48 hours or more prior to your scheduled time. Late cancellations are billable. As an exception, if you find that you have a cold, flu, or covid, we ask that you NOT attend your appointment even if this means cancelling with less than 48 hours notice. If you are well enough to attend remotely, your clinician will often be able to provide a video session.

Do your providers prescribe medication?

Psychologists (and those in training) do not prescribe medication. If you are taking medication, your clinician can consult with your physician or psychiatrist if desired.

I need a form filled out for work; can you help with that?

Clinicians can help with certain forms of documentation, though many require that your personal physician do this. As completion of forms can take considerable time, this service is typically billed for the amount of time that it takes the clinician. Individual clinicians may not provide some services - eg assessments for legal purposes, for disability pension, or for emotional support animals. Please ask your clinician.

How long does therapy last?

This depends very much on the nature of the problem. Certain difficulties may be treated within a small number of appointments, while others may merit considerable support over time. The average number of sessions at Changeways Clinic is eight to fifteen. Some find that they wish fewer sessions; others find that they benefit from a longer contact with a clinician. Please ask your clinician about the projected length of therapy given your concern. We are also very conscious of the cost of psychological services and want to ensure that clients receive benefit without imposing a financial burden.