Frequently Asked Questions
How much are your sessions?
I like to start with a free 15 minute phone call where we determine if I'm the right counsellor for you. A subsequent 50 minute video or phone session is $140.00.
Many third party insurance plans cover the cost of Social Work Services and I can issue receipts for such purpose. Please note that it is your responsibility to determine if Social Work Services are covered under your policy. I am a Registered Social Worker in Ontario.
How do I book an appointment?
Email hello@heatheryoungcounselling.com or call 1-226-270-7032 to book your free initial 15 minute phone consultation.
Do you offer in-person counselling?
No, only video or telephone counselling is offered at this time.
Is video counselling right for me?
There are many benefits to using video counselling such as convenience, no contact communication during COVID-19, no commute or parking issues, and meeting in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Many clients prefer video counselling to phone counselling because of the benefits of non-verbal communication that takes place with face-to-face interactions. But there are things to consider before moving forward with video counselling. Do you have access to a private space where you will feel at ease and comfortable discussing all you need to? Do you have a reliable, secure wifi connection? Are you comfortable with computers and communicating through a screen? If you have any concerns at all, feel free to contact me and we can discuss if phone counselling would be better for you.
What platform do you use for video counselling?
All video sessions are held using the telehealth system through Jane.app. They ensure their system is secure and compliant with PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). Using this platform, all data flows are encrypted so you can be sure our communication is private and secure.
What can I expect and how many sessions will I need?
As your counsellor, I will hold space for you to process what you need to. I will be a sounding board, guide, alternate point of view and provider of information. My role is not to tell you how to parent your children, but to help you find ways to connect with yourself so you can make parenting decisions that are true to you and your values. We will discuss tools and strategies that you can use in the context of who you are as a parent. You will get the most out of our work together if you take notes during session and practice the skills learned between sessions.
This process is yours and so we will decide together how often to meet and how many sessions are needed. Some clients find that a single session may suffice. Others may prefer to meet weekly, biweekly or monthly and others may prefer to book on an as needed basis. I recommend we start with a single session and we can go from there.
Can other family members join a session?
Yes! Absolutely! I offer individual counselling sessions, as well as parent support counselling sessions for all adults in a parenting role in the family. Although this is not considered family or couples counselling, we will likely discuss conflicting parenting styles, the co-parenting relationship and other relationship issues that are affecting the parenting dynamic within the home. The cost per hour remains the same.
Do I need a referral?
From my perspective, you do not need a referral from another health care professional to access my services. However if you intend to submit the receipt for reimbursement from your insurance provider, please check with your benefit provider before our first session to determine if they require a referral for coverage of the cost of service.
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
No problem! Life happens, things change, and it's realistic that you may not be able to make the appointment you scheduled. Please call or email 24 hours or more before our scheduled appointment if you need to change it. This allows the opportunity to offer the time slot to someone else who may be waiting for a session. If you need to cancel within 24 hours, then you are at risk of being charged a cancellation fee. If you miss the appointment without notice, you will be expected to pay for that appointment.
What are your hours of operation?
Office hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday. All phone calls and emails will be received and responded to during regular office hours. If you would prefer an evening appointment, let me know as I have some evening time slots available.
Please know that I do not provide a crisis service. If you need more urgent support, please go to your local emergency department. You can also call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000), ConnexOntario for mental health support (1-866-531-2600) or 911. If in the Waterloo-Wellington area, call Here 24/7 for addiction, mental health and local crisis support (1-844-437-3247)