Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services are offered at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic?
2. What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
3. How can I make an appointment?
4. Is there a long waiting list?
5. What types of referrals are suitable for the NSSAC? What types of referrals are not suitable?
6. Are services at NSSAC covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
7. What is the fee for treatment, and what forms of payment do you accept?
8. Are there appointments later in the day?
9. Can I reschedule an appointment?
10. Are the issues discussed during my appointment discussed with anyone else?
11. How long are sessions and how many will I need?
12. Is group treatment offered?
1. What services are offered at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic?
At the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, we offer assessment, consultation, and therapy services to a wide range of clients. Our professionals work with individuals across the lifespan from very young children (and their parents) to older adults. We have expertise in providing assistance for a wide variety of difficulties, including problems with stress, anxiety, mood, behaviour, learning, and attention. Some of our clients are dealing with fairly short-term life struggles and transitions while others are coping with diagnosable disorders. We also help couples and families to communicate better and develop more fulfilling relationships. Back to top
2. What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is widely considered to be the most effective treatment for a range of problems, including anxiety and depression. This approach helps you make positive and lasting changes in your life. You will learn skills to reduce distress, improve your coping, and enhance your overall quality of life.
CBT is a practical skills-based treatment where you learn how to make changes to your behaviours and thoughts to feel better and be more effective in your life. You learn new tools and techniques for managing difficult situations or troubling emotions. It is a collaborative process where you work as a team with your psychologist to set and work towards goals. Back to top
3. How can I make an appointment?
Call our office at 604.985.3939 or toll-free at 1.866.985.3535. A referral from your family physician is not necessary to make an appointment with one of our psychologists. However, some extended health benefits programs require a referral from your physician before they will help to cover the costs of your visits. Please contact your extended health provider before your first appointment to find out if they require a physician referral. Back to top
4. Is there a long waiting list?
We try to arrange your first appointment as soon as possible. Please call the clinic to ask about how soon you can be seen by one of our psychologists. Back to top
5. What types of referrals are suitable for the NSSAC? What types of referrals are not suitable?
We accept referrals for individuals across the lifespan from very young children (and their parents) to older adults. We have expertise in providing assistance for a wide variety of difficulties, including problems with stress, anxiety, mood, behaviour, learning, and attention. Some of our clients are dealing with fairly short-term life struggles and transitions while others are coping with diagnosable disorders. We also help couples and families to communicate better and develop more fulfilling relationships. Please see our Services pages for more specific information.
We do not currently accept referrals for clients who require treatment for psychotic disorders, personality disorders, primary substance problems, primary eating disorders, and severe bipolar disorder. Back to top
6. Are services at NSSAC covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
Psychologists’ services are not covered by MSP. Individuals with extended health benefit plans (e.g., Pacific Blue Cross) may have some or all of their sessions with psychologists covered. Clients are encouraged to contact their extended health provider for more information. Back to top
7. What is the fee for treatment, and what forms of payment do you accept?
Fees are $200 per 50-minute session for visits with registered psychologists. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard), debit (i.e., Interac), cheque, or cash. Back to top
8. Are there appointments later in the day?
The hours of the clinic are typically 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, but some psychologists book earlier morning appointments and some book later afternoon and early evening appointments. The clinic receptionist is available from 9am to 5pm (except for 12-1pm) Monday through Friday. Back to top
9. Can I reschedule an appointment?
We are happy to reschedule your appointment to a more convenient time. Please be aware that a minimum of 48 hours notice is required for cancelling an appointment and that late cancellations and/or missed appointments may be charged at the regular rate. Back to top
10. Are the issues discussed during my appointment discussed with anyone else?
Information discussed with your psychologist is strictly confidential. In some specific cases (e.g., safety issues, mistreatment of a minor), there are limits to confidentiality; these limits will be discussed at the beginning of your first session. With your consent or at your request, we may contact your extended health provider or family physician as appropriate. Back to top
11. How long are sessions and how many will I need?
Treatment sessions are typically 50 minutes long, and many people are able to obtain significant benefits within 8 to 20 sessions. However, the frequency and length of your treatment will be tailored to your specific needs. Some clients require more long-term intervention while others only attend for a handful of sessions to get more information and learn some key coping skills. Most clients come every one to two weeks. Clients traveling a great distance may have longer appointments (e.g. two hours at a time or two appointment days in a row before returning home until the next set of appointments).
Psychoeducational assessments and medical-legal assessments follow a different format and typically involve longer appointments. Please contact the clinic for more information. Back to top
12. Is group treatment offered?
Group treatment is periodically offered at our clinic. Please see our News & Events page or contact the clinic for more information. Back to top
