Frequently Asked Questions
Fees (payable via cash, cheque, debit, or credit card)
Upon arrival for therapy sessions, a fee of $310 is payable via cash, cheque, debit, Visa or MasterCard.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 24 hours in advance will gladly be rescheduled to a later date. Should an emergency or sudden illness prevent a client from attending therapy, this will certainly be understood and respected. Please note that if a pattern of cancellations develops, clients will be subjected to paying the full fee of $310.
Are therapy sessions covered by insurance?
The cost of seeing a Psychologist or Counsellor is not covered under your Medical Service Plan of B.C. (MSP). Only your medical doctor (GP) and Psychiatrist are covered by the government plan. Psychologists and Registered Clinical Counsellors (R.C.C.s) are generally covered on many extended health benefit plans, however, this depends on your company’s specific plan. We invite you to speak to your human resources department or consult your benefits booklet which contains the specifics of your company’s health plan to determine what kind of professionals are covered, and also, what amount you are entitled to per calendar year. Note that some clients who are self-employed or who own their own company are able to offset the costs of counselling against their taxes.
Do I Need a Referral?
While you do not require a referral to see Dr. Cluff, they are welcome as they can provide valuable information about your concerns and any relevant medical or personal background information.
How long are sessions?
Dr. Cluff’s treatment sessions are 80 minutes in length. Many psychologists or counsellors offer 50-minute therapy sessions. Because adding extra time to appointments enables clients to better immerse themselves, Dr. Cluff feels strongly about adding extra time to her sessions.
What is your privacy policy?
The information that you disclose during sessions will be kept strictly confidential. It is your legal right that your files be kept confidential. Your privacy is protected by the ethics of the clinical counselling and psychology profession. There are a few situations, however, in which your confidentiality may not be protected. Please read carefully:
Dr. Cluff’s records are subpoenaed and she could be asked to testify in court.
If you are a threat to yourself or another person, the law requires Dr. Cluff to protect you or that person.
If Dr. Cluff has reason to believe that a minor is being (has been) physically or emotionally abused and/or neglected, she is legally required to report this to authorities.
Limits of Confidentiality will be discussed upon your initial visit. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions. You will also be asked to sign a consent form.