Choosing a psychologist

Dr. Michael Elterman, Dr. Simon Elterman, and Dr. Jesse Elterman practise independently in Vancouver. Use this guide to compare their areas of work, consider the service you need, and decide what to ask when you get in touch.

Therapy

Practical support for the concerns you want help with and the changes you hope to make.

Approach, areas of practice, and fit vary by psychologist. Confirm fees, availability, and in-person or virtual options directly.

Dr. Michael Elterman

Michelangelo said that he didn’t sculpt the marble: he just chipped away the unnecessary pieces as the desired form was under there all along. Many people have experiences in life that hinder them and they cannot get past and which need to be resolved before they can move ahead.

Dr. Simon Elterman

My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based treatment, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Areas of my practice include mood and anxiety concerns, sleep and addiction, chronic health conditions, and the psychological effects of injury or illness.

Dr. Jesse Elterman

Jesse offers therapy in Vancouver and online through a secure telehealth platform. His approach is tailored, collaborative, and supportive. The process begins with a brief telephone call, offered at no charge, to consider whether the service is a suitable fit.

Assessment

An independent evaluation for a defined clinical, legal, or administrative question.

Start with what the report needs to address and who will use it. The psychologist considers the requested role, scope, potential conflicts, and fit with their practice.

Understand family-law assessments

Dr. Michael Elterman

Much of my later work has involved assessments for the Court. These have involved adults and children and most often after the family disruption of a separation. Assessing families involves evaluating the needs of the child in relation to the ability of each parent. The goal is to give children the happiest and healthiest childhood possible which is a core value for me.

Dr. Simon Elterman

I prepare independent family-law reports and psychological assessments in British Columbia. Depending on the referral and governing authority, this may include Section 211 assessments, Views of the Child reports, parenting-capacity assessments, and other court-related psychological assessments. I have been qualified as an expert in the Supreme Court of BC and have authored dozens of reports.

Dr. Jesse Elterman

Jesse provides third-party psychological assessments for organizations and legal matters, including work involving the courts, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and WorkSafeBC. His practice also includes assessments concerning parenting in family-law disputes.

Other professional services

Michael: Parenting coordination. Read his About page for the scope of this work.

Jesse: Consultation and supervision. His About page describes these services and the professionals he works with.

Simon: Consultation and trial preparation for lawyers. His About page describes these services and the professionals he works with.

Services differ across the independent practices. Contact the relevant psychologist to clarify the request, their role, and whether they can assist.

Begin with the concern you want help with and what you hope will change. Read the psychologist’s About page for their approach and areas of work, then ask whether they work with your concerns and age group. Ask what the first appointment involves and how you would decide together whether the approach is a good fit. Current availability, fees, and in-person or virtual options should be confirmed directly.
Start with the question the assessment is meant to answer and who will use the report. Tell the psychologist whether the request concerns diagnosis, a family-law matter, or another third-party referral. Ask whether they offer the specific assessment, what referral arrangements are needed, and what the expected process, timing, and fees involve. Assessment is distinct from therapy; if you need both, ask how those roles would be kept clear. Each psychologist considers the referral, requested role, scope, potential conflicts, and suitability before accepting a matter. Contacting a psychologist does not establish a professional relationship.
Choose the psychologist you want to contact on the shared Contact page. Briefly describe the service you are asking about, any relevant timing, and how you would prefer to be reached. You can also ask about fees, availability, and appointment format. Keep the first message brief; wait for instructions before sending detailed personal histories, health records, or legal documents.
Dr. Michael Elterman, Dr. Simon Elterman, and Dr. Jesse Elterman share this website while operating independent practices. Each is separately responsible for professional services, records, confidentiality, billing, and clinical or forensic decisions. Read the individual About pages for fuller practice information and use the shared Contact page to direct your inquiry to the psychologist you choose.