Counselling therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in treating various mental health issues. However, it’s important to note that there are no guarantees regarding treatment efficacy. If you or your therapist believe that an alternative treatment might be more beneficial, we encourage you to explore those options. Your therapist can provide appropriate referrals if necessary to ensure you receive the most suitable care.

Licensed therapists at Ekko Wellness, including RCTs and RCT-Cs, offer a sliding scale for fees. Individual sessions range from $110 to $140 per 50-minute session. Clients are welcome to pay within these scales according to their ability at any given time. Please let the front desk know which rate you choose.

No preparations are necessary! You can attend with topics you wish to discuss, a willingness to continue previous conversations, or even without any specific ideas at all! If you have specific topics in mind, that’s excellent. Otherwise, we’re here to assist and guide you through the process. 

 Do I need to be seriously unwell to seek therapy?

Absolutely not. People come to therapy at various points in their journey. Some may arrive when they’re feeling unwell, while others seek help for specific issues they want to address. Some attend therapy to maintain accountability for their behavior, while others use it as a preventive measure or for ongoing maintenance of their mental health. There’s no right or wrong reason to seek therapy!

 Why consult a therapist instead of confiding in family or friends?

Therapists are equipped with specialized training to help you address your concerns in a structured and comprehensive manner. Moreover, we offer unbiased support, allowing you to freely express yourself without concerns about our personal feelings, unlike with friends or family with whom you may share a reciprocal relationship.

 If I begin therapy, will I need it for life?

Absolutely not. Some individuals engage in therapy for brief periods to address specific concerns, while others may utilize it intermittently throughout their lives. There’s no shame in how you choose to utilize therapy; the goal is to use it in a way that best serves your needs.

What if I only require medication and not therapy?

We believe that addressing most issues can be effective with either therapy alone or a combination of therapy and medication. Occasionally, issues may appear to be primarily chemical in nature, and we may recommend starting with medication to assess its impact. However, medication solely influences the chemical processes in your brain and its effectiveness can vary among individuals and over time; it does not address cognitive patterns or behaviors. Therapy remains the most effective method for addressing those aspects of your concerns.

What if our therapist is not best suited for you?

The most crucial element for successful therapy is the compatibility between client and therapist. If you feel that we’re not a good match, please don’t hesitate to inform us! We genuinely understand and won’t take it personally. Our priority is your well-being, and if you determine that we or our practice aren’t the ideal fit for you, we’re more than willing to refer you to another mental health professional who can better address your needs. Your satisfaction and progress remain our primary concern.

 Appointments & Cancellation Policy

We kindly ask that you arrive on time for all scheduled appointments. If you need to cancel, we request at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to accommodate other clients who may be in need of appointments. Please note that appointments for Mondays should be canceled by the preceding Saturday, as Ekko Studio is closed on Sundays. Email reminders are sent in advance to provide ample time for cancellations if necessary. While you have the freedom to discontinue therapy at any point and for any reason, we encourage you to inform your therapist in advance so that termination can be discussed and managed appropriately. Your cooperation ensures smooth scheduling and facilitates open communication throughout your therapeutic journey.

Confidentiality

All information discussed during your sessions is strictly confidential. Your data will be securely stored in a locked location or encrypted digital records and will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except when mandated by law.

In Nova Scotia, counselling psychologists and all healthcare providers are legally obligated to breach confidentiality in the following situations:

1. Suspected cases of child abuse or neglect require reporting to the Department of Children’s Services.
2. If there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others, such as potential self-harm or harm to others, this must be reported to appropriate authorities or individuals who can ensure safety.
3. If you are involved in legal proceedings and your psychological records or testimony are subpoenaed.

Please be aware that administrative staff may have access to your name and contact details for scheduling and billing purposes only. They do not have access to the content of your sessions or session notes. Your privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and we adhere to legal and ethical guidelines to protect your information.

Consent

By registering for wellness services, you acknowledge that you have read and comprehended the aforementioned information. You confirm that you have had the opportunity to seek clarification or discuss any unclear points, and you agree to these terms. Additionally, you consent to granting administrative staff access to your name and contact details for scheduling and billing purposes. Your registration signifies your understanding, agreement, and consent to these conditions.

Service Fees & Health Insurance

Ekko Wellness operates as a private fee-for-service mental health clinic, and our services are not covered by provincial health care. However, many extended health care plans, such as personal insurance, may offer funding for private counseling services. It’s important for each client to understand the nature and extent of their service plan. Prior to booking an appointment, we advise checking with your insurance provider to determine coverage.

Currently, Medavie Blue Cross is the only health insurance provider we directly bill. In cases where full coverage is unavailable, clients will receive a receipt upon payment for services rendered. This receipt can be submitted to their extended health provider for potential reimbursement.

Please be aware that extended health care plans typically do not cover missed or late-cancelled appointments. Clients are responsible for the full session fee for any missed or late-cancelled appointments. It’s essential to honor scheduled appointments or provide sufficient notice to avoid incurring these charges.