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1. Do I need a referral to see a therapist at Waterman & Associates?
A referral is not necessary to see any of the therapists at Waterman & Associates. However, some insurance or extended benefit plans do require a referral from your physician. Some insurance plans may also require an initial assessment followed by a brief report before psychotherapy/counselling sessions will be approved. You will need to check with your particular insurance provider or extended benefit plan to find out what the requirements are. To make an appointment with any of the therapists, please call 250-754-8559 or 1-888-422-5888 (toll free within BC).
2. Are your services covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
Although the standard BC Medical Plan does not cover our services, many clients may have other sources of funding available to them to help defray the cost of our services. These may consist of funding from an Employee Assistance Program, ICBC, Crime Victims Assistance program or other such programs. Many insurance providers require that their clients pay for therapy services directly and submit receipts for reimbursement. Some insurance providers may also require a referral from a physician or pre-approval for services.
3. What are the differences between Registered Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers?
Registered Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose problems dealing with thinking, feeling and behaviour as well as to help people overcome or manage these problems. They are uniquely trained to use psychological tests to help with assessment and diagnosis. Undergraduate and graduate work in psychology, usually in one or more areas of interest is completed. Psychologists do not have the ability to write prescriptions for medications and do not have admitting privileges at hospitals. The regulatory body for Psychologist in BC is the College of Psychologists of BC (CPBC). The College’s role is to protect the public’s interest by regulating the practice of psychology and monitoring the practice of psychology practitioners
Registered Clinical Counsellors assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups in a wide variety of methods and settings. The regulatory body for Clinical Counsellors is the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) whose principal goal is to regulate the professional practice of Clinical Counsellors.
Registered Social Workers are health care professionals responsible for implementing the practice of social work in concert with other health care professionals. They function as therapists performing individual, couples, family, or group Counselling. Social Workers in BC are registered through the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW).
4. How long will my treatment take?
The length of treatment required for a particular problem varies depending on the seriousness of the situation; your ability to respond to treatment interventions; the kind of situation you are trying to resolve; whether there is one or more area of difficulty to be treated; and other such aspects can all influence the duration of treatment. In some situations, there are different ways in which a problem can be addressed. Your therapist will discuss the options with you after he has assessed your specific situation.
5. How confidential are your services?
Confidentiality is extremely important within our practice. Any staff member found breaching confidentiality is subject to immediate disciplinary action including dismissal. Any therapist who breaches confidentiality is subject to disciplinary procedures through his respective College or Governing Body. Under the law, we are required to report any child abuse that we learn about or any threat of harm to another person and we must act to protect anyone who is at risk of harming him or herself. Otherwise, we do not release any information without your permission. In some cases when you are being sent for assessment or treatment by a third party who is paying for our services (i.e. WCB, ICBC etc.), they require information about your progress and therefore it will need to be sent to them but this is clarified with you in your initial session.
6. Can clients been seen after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends?
Our usual hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, in special circumstances, arrangements may be made for late afternoon appointments or other suitable times.
7. Do I have to pay at the time of each session?
Unless your psychotherapy or assessment is being paid for by a third party or you have made special arrangements with our office, our expectation is that you will pay before your session.
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FAQ
