Frequently Asked Questions

Hollyburn Support Services follows the Fee Guide recommendations set by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). The BCACC determines these recommended rates through an environmental scan, which includes surveying over 7,600 members, considering inflation, and reviewing fees charged by other mental health professionals across BC and Canada.

You can view the BCACC’s 2024 Fee Guide here: BCACC Fee Guide 2024.

For specific rates at Hollyburn Support Services, please check out our Rates & Policies page here.

We’re pleased to offer some direct billing options, making it easier for clients across British Columbia to access counselling services. This option can help reduce the financial and administrative burdens associated with therapy, so you can focus on your well-being. Please head over to our Direct Billing page here for a detailed list on individual insurers.

Although our services are not covered by MSP, thankfully, most group insurers and extended benefit plans recognize the necessity of counselling services and do provide coverage. Just to be sure, prior to booking with us, please check with your insurance provider to confirm that your plan covers services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), or Registered Social Worker (RSW). After each session, you’ll receive a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement.

Click here to learn about which of our counsellors are RCC’s, CCC’s and/or RSW’s.

The cornerstone of effective counselling is a trusting and respectful professional relationship. When choosing a counsellor, it’s important to find someone with the training and expertise to address your specific concerns. Our counsellors offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to ensure they are the right fit for you. This ‘fit’ is crucial, as it helps create a space where you can speak openly and honestly.

The consultation is also an opportunity to confirm that the counsellor has experience relevant to your needs, such as working with individuals of your age or dealing with similar issues. Feel free to ask questions about their experience, training, and professional registration. Keep in mind that not all counsellors have the same credentials, so if you plan to use an extended health plan, make sure your counsellor’s qualifications (e.g., RCC, CCC, RSW) align with what’s required by your specific plan.

Click here to learn about our counsellors. If you’re interested in working with a specific counsellor, please select their name from the list when completing the form after clicking the “Book Now” button. Alternatively, we can also recommend someone who may be a good fit for you.

No problem at all – we understand! At Hollyburn, our priority is your well-being. If you feel that you haven’t connected with a counsellor or that they might not be the best fit for you, simply email us at counselling@hollyburn.ca or call 604-968-8211. Our intake coordinator will be happy to refer you to another counsellor. We’re here to help you find the right match!

Each counsellor at Hollyburn Support Services offer a variety of therapeutic modalities, each designed to address specific needs and goals. This range of approaches allows clients to find a style of therapy that resonates with them, whether they are seeking strategies to manage anxiety, work through trauma, or improve relationships. To explore the different types of therapeutic approaches our counsellors offer, please click here. To see which counsellors specialize in each approach, please click here.

The frequency of counselling sessions varies based on each individual’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Many clients start with weekly sessions to establish a strong foundation and to build momentum in addressing their concerns. As progress is made, some may shift to bi-weekly or monthly sessions, depending on their comfort level and the nature of their goals. Your counsellor will work with you to find a schedule that feels supportive and manageable. Consistent attendance can be beneficial, especially in the beginning, to help create lasting change, but ultimately, the decision on frequency is up to you and what best suits your journey.

The frequency of counselling sessions varies based on each individual’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Many clients start with weekly sessions to establish a strong foundation and to build momentum in addressing their concerns. As progress is made, some may shift to bi-weekly or monthly sessions, depending on their comfort level and the nature of their goals. Your counsellor will work with you to find a schedule that feels supportive and manageable. Consistent attendance can be beneficial, especially in the beginning, to help create lasting change, but ultimately, the decision on frequency is up to you and what best suits your journey.

Yes, counselling sessions are confidential, and Hollyburn Support Services prioritizes your privacy and trust. Information shared in sessions remains between you and your counsellor, with a few important exceptions. Confidentiality may be legally breached if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases involving child protection concerns, as counsellors are required to follow specific laws and regulations. Additionally, if your records are subpoenaed by a court, some information may need to be disclosed. Outside of these situations, your personal information and what you discuss remain private. Your counsellor can explain these limits in more detail, ensuring you feel informed and secure in your sessions.

The timeline for improvement varies for each individual, as progress in therapy depends on many factors. It’s challenging to predict the exact length of service needed for a particular issue. One key factor to consider is how long you’ve been dealing with the problem; issues that have persisted for years may require a longer course of therapy.

Your counsellor will work with you to monitor and assess your progress. If you feel you’re not making headway after several weeks, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your counsellor. It may be helpful to explore other services or consider a referral to another professional.

In the case of couples therapy, research indicates that couples often wait up to six years before seeking help. As a result, couples therapy may require a longer commitment to achieve meaningful results.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who focus on treating individuals with specific, often diagnosable, mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication to help manage mental health symptoms. It’s common for individuals to see a psychiatrist for medication management while also engaging in talk therapy with a counsellor or psychologist.

Psychologists in BC hold a PhD and typically charge higher rates due to their advanced credentials and wider scope of practice. This scope includes formal testing and assessment to evaluate mental, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Many psychologists offer talk therapy services in both private practice and public programs.

Counsellors have academic and professional training in therapeutic processes aimed at enhancing social, emotional, and relational functioning. They focus on finding solutions to a client’s identified problems and are trained in various therapeutic methods that promote changes in thinking, emotional regulation, and behavior. The highest-qualified counsellors in BC are registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC), or the BC College of Social Workers (RSW).

Please contact the Director of Counselling Services, Lissy Snowden, anytime by email at: lsnowden@hollyburn.ca or phone: 604-987-8211 ex. 5002.