What is the cost of psychotherapy?

Therapy sessions are generally priced at $150 per session. Payment is made at the end of each session and can be submitted automatically if you have a credit card on file. We are also able to accept debit and credit payments in the office. You will be emailed a receipt for insurance purposes, once payment is made.

Do you accept insurance?

You will be provided a receipt to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. The Pulse is happy to provide direct insurance billing where available. See the list below of insurers we current have direct billing for. There is a form at the bottom of this page to check with us, if you have any questions regarding direct billing. Insurers generally cover a portion of the cost. The remainder of your balance would be charged to your credit card of file or can be paid at the end of each appointment.

Insurers accepting direct billing (where available based of the parameters of your individual plan) - Manulife Financial, Desjardins Insurance, GreenSheild, Canada Life, Beneva Inc., Equitable, AGA Financial, Johnston Group, ClaimSecure, Empire Life and more (complete the form below to check if we can direct bill your benefit provider).

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes, we offer virtual therapy sessions for those who prefer the flexibility of online appointments or are unable to attend in person. Virtual therapy can be a convenient option, especially for individuals in remote areas or with busy schedules. All online sessions are conducted securely through encrypted platforms.

Do I need to complete paperwork prior to my first appointment?

You will receive an email with forms to complete prior to your first session. This will include personal demographic information, the reason for your visit, and a few background questions. You will also be asked for a credit card on file, insurance information and to complete consent forms. We will go over all of the forms in your first session but completing them ahead helps to get started in the first session.

What is Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)? Do you offer it?

Yes, we are registered to accept NIHB clients. The NIHB program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with up to 22 hours of mental health counselling per calendar year with an eligible provider.

To be eligible for NHIB coverage, the client must provide their 10-digit registration (status) number at the time of booking.

Are fees income tax deductible?

You are able to claim psychotherapy as a medical expense provided by a regulated health professional. For more information or restrictions speak to an accountant or visit the Canada.ca website. Individual situations may vary.

What is the cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee to the card on file.

How long is a session? How many sessions will I need?

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long. Your therapist spend the additional 10 minutes ensuring documentation and invoicing is complete. The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients may see significant improvement in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist will work with you to determine the most effective approach and timeline.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario references HPRAC: New Directions, 2006; Chapter 7, Regulation of Psychotherapy, p.208, stating “The practice of psychotherapy is distinct from both counselling; where the focus is on the provision of information, advice-giving, encouragement and instruction, and spiritual counselling, which is counselling related to religion or faith-based beliefs.” Whereas psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional and behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication.