Do I need a referral from my doctor?

You can contact me (Dr. Elterman) directly by filling out the form on the home page.

While you may be referred by another health professional, it is not a requirement to receive services.

Do you take insurance?

I do not currently accept insurance or provide direct billing for extended health benefits.

However, if you contact your extended health insurance provider, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement of certain psychological services.

What is a psychologist and how is it different from other mental health providers (for example, counsellors, psychiatrists, etc.)

From the website of the British Columbia Psychological Association:

"Psychologists and psychiatrists both undergo many years of extensive formal training. The basic difference is the focus of the training they have received.

Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine like your family physician, followed by specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems. They may more often choose to prescribe medication in the treatment of difficulties. Their fees are covered by the Medical Services Plan, but there can be long waiting lists to be seen on referral. In British Columbia, they are licensed and regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

Psychologists have completed a bachelor’s degree and then continued in graduate training in psychology (the study of human development, learning, and behavior), and may have specialized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems. Although they may have training in the uses of medication to treat mental illness, they do not prescribe medication. Psychologists work to help people understand the nature of difficulties they may be dealing with, develop insight and skills to minimize and manage the impact of problems, and may coordinate with other health service providers, including physicians. Psychologists are also the only professionals specifically trained and qualified in the development, research, and administration of specialized psychological tests used to assess elements of intelligence or achievement, personality characteristics, mental and emotional disorders, and/or the effects of brain injury. Fees for psychologists’ services are covered by private payment, extended medical plans, employee assistance programs, or through government agencies or other special programs. Psychologists in British Columbia are licensed and regulated by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Counselors may have a range of backgrounds, and may have master’s or doctoral level degrees from counseling programs. However, individuals may otherwise refer to themselves as a "therapist" or "counselor", but may or may not have training in the assessment or treatment of mental health issues. Titles such as "Registered Clinical Counselor" do not mean that individuals are formally regulated or specifically trained. Counselors are not regulated under the Health Professions Act."

What are your fees?

Fees will differ based on services provided.

For therapeutic services, I follow the recommendation from the British Columbia Psychological Association of $235 per clinical hour. For consultation, forensic assessment, and other services, please contact me directly.

I accept debit, credit, cash, and cheque for payments. For certain services, such as forensic assessments, you may be asked to provide a retainer.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require 24 business hours notice for any changes or cancellations of scheduled appointments. Advance notice is appreciated.

Unattended appointments, without proper notice, will be charged in full.

Life happens, such as in the case of an emergency. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment and are unable to give notice, please contact me as soon as you are safe to do so. You can be rescheduled at a later date.

If you do find yourself in an emergency/crisis please call 911 or go to the nearest urgent care centre.

Will my confidential information be shared?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components of clinical psychology, along with client safety. In order for there to be a trusting, therapeutic relationship, you should be able to know that your information is confidential. If you are my client, all of your information will be kept confidential - in line with federal and provincial guidelines.  

Please be aware that there are limits to confidentiality, which include if you are planning to harm yourself or someone else, if a child or a vulnerable adult might be in need of protection, if you drive and I am concerned that you may not be able to drive safely, if a court orders the release of your records or information, or if another health professional is behaving in ways that may cause danger to the public.

If you would like me to contact a healthcare professional, legal counsel, or someone else, you can sign a release of information form documenting your consent. As with all consent, you may choose to withdraw this consent at any time and for any reason. 

Please note that if your services are court ordered, that the rules for informed consent may be different, but your informed assent will always be sought.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Before your first appointment, please contact me about a free 15-minute consultation. Then, once you have decided to go ahead with your first visit, you will be sent a consent form and a few other forms to fill out.

For individual therapy:

At your first session, we will begin with informed consent, which includes an overview of what therapy might look like, confidentiality and its limits, how to make a complaint with the college, and so on. After that, I will ask about the issues you have been facing and we will begin to make a treatment plan.

For other services:

Depending on the service you need, your first appointment might look different. The best way to find out is to contact me or ask during your initial consultation appointment.