Working With Me

I offer in-person counselling, as well as sessions by web or phone, I have received training in both Web-Based and Telephone counselling.

I work with Adults (18+), Couples and Families.

If you would like to read more about the precautions I continue to take to maintain a comfortable and sanitary office space, please check out my ‘COVID-19 Gradual Re-Opening Protocol’ page:  http://simmscounselling.com/index.php/covid-19-gradual-re-opening-protocol-may-2020/

RATES:

*Sessions for Individuals are generally 50 minutes, cost per session is $120 plus GST

*Sessions for Couples and Families are generally 80 minutes, cost per session is $180 plus GST

FUNDED PROGRAMS

*I am an approved Crime Victim Assistance Program Counsellor (CVAP) – the Crime Victim Assistance Program pays for counselling services for victims of crime, their close family members, and some witnesses. More information about CVAP can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits

ICBC : I am an approved ICBC Vendor. ICBC insurance includes what’s known as ‘no fault’ benefits. This means we are entitled to these benefits no matter who was at fault in the accident. New ICBC rules came into effect on April 1, 2019. These rules expanded the coverage we’re entitled to after an accident. The benefits now include acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, kinesiology, massage therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, doctor visits, and counselling. The expanded coverage also includes day-to-day help such as homemaking services if we are unable to perform them due to the accident. Wage loss coverage is also included in situations where we are unable to work for a certain period of time.

Before April 1, 2019, we needed to get a doctor’s referral to these health care services to have them covered by ICBC. Under the new rules, we no longer need a referral. Within the first 12 weeks of the accident, we can get treatment at our discretion and the practitioner can bill ICBC directly. The number of approved treatment varies for different services but for clinical counselling, we’re entitled to up to 12 treatments within the first 12 weeks from the date of the motor-vehicle accident.

Book your first counselling session as soon as possible after the accident. This will also give your counsellor as much time as possible to assess your condition and take the necessary steps if they feel you’ll need more than 12 weeks.

EAP, EFAP & Extended Health Care Coverage: I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association. Many EAP, EFAP and Extended Health Care plans will cover the services of a CCC. Please check your coverage to see if my sessions are covered by your plan.

Gambling Support BC: I have been a contracted service provider with the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program (now called Gambling Support BC) since 2005. It is the primary Provincial clinical resource for anyone negatively impacted by gambling.  The program provides free, confidential counselling services for people who are dealing with a gambling problem, as well as those affected by the person with the problem.

Appointment Changes/Cancellations/No Shows: In consideration of fellow clients and myself, you will be asked to provide at least 24 hours notice for any appointment changes or cancellations, this allows me to reschedule that time period. Missed appointments and short notice cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) will be charged the full session fee.

Payment is requested at the end of each session and is accepted by cash, cheque, e-transfer, Apple /Google Pay, Debit or Credit

Please feel free to call me or send an email if you’d like to arrange an appointment, 604-888-9294 or shannon@simmscounselling.com