Confidentiality

All members of the RFCC team are contractually obligated to keep your information strictly confidential. The following people may have access to your file: your counsellor; management for the purpose of dispute resolution or legal proceedings; the supervisor of your counsellor for the purpose of teaching and consultations; and administration for the purpose of updating the file. If you request to have any information from your file transferred to another professional such as your lawyer, doctor, or pastor, we require that you sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form.

Limitations to Confidentiality

Counsellors are required by law to report to the appropriate authorities if there has been physical abuse of a child under the age of 18, or if there is reason to believe a client or another person’s life may be in jeopardy. If a judge subpoenas a counsellor to testify in court or to release the contents of a file, the counsellor is required to do so by law.

The Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) requires a counsellor to report work-related psychological injuries to WCB within 48 hrs. The requirement to report remains even if the client expressly refuses disclosure to the WCB.

Termination or Refusal of Services

If at any point you determine that your relationship with your counsellor must come to an end, you have the right to request a referral to another counsellor. Our counsellors reserve the right to terminate or refuse counselling services at any point, without notice or explanation. Your healing and growth is our priority.

Appointments

Counselling services at RFCC are by appointment only. Sessions vary in length. Continuity is vital to the healing process, so we encourage you to plan ahead in scheduling your appointments. If you are faced with an emergency, we encourage you to contact the appropriate local support services. We will do our best to give you the information needed to make these connections. Click here for a list of emergency resources. 

Cancellations or Missed Appointments

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. However, since your counselling requires your counsellor to reserve a significant amount of time exclusively for your benefit, we have a policy regarding cancellations and missed appointments. *RFCC charges 50% of the regular fee for appointments that are not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments that are missed without notice will be charged in full.

*Charges for late, cancelled or missed appointments often cannot be submitted for health insurance reimbursement.

Fees

RFCC operates on a fee-for-service basis. The fee covers the counselling session as well as the preparation time and administrative record keeping. If you are unable to afford the fee, we encourage you to have an open conversation with an RFCC administrator to discuss available options for financial support.

Insurance Coverage and Employee Benefits

RFCC employs counsellors from a variety of educational backgrounds such as Registered Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Social Workers, Restoration Coaches, etc. Counsellor fees may be covered by your extended health insurance or employee benefits in Canada.

Please check with your insurance provider or employee administrator to check the types of counsellors or therapists that may be covered within your policy.

Direct billing to insurance providers may be possible from the RFCC office. If you have further questions about coverage, please speak with an RFCC administrator.

Telecounselling

RFCC is pleased to offer services to our clients through distance delivery (“telecounselling”) – via videoconferencing. The platform used at RFCC is called Owl Practice. Owl Practice offers a third-party video communication service that uses industry standard privacy and security measures. For additional information regarding their privacy standards and tips on privacy, visit the following links: https://owlpractice.ca/privacy.php

Recording Sessions

We understand that you may want to record your therapy sessions to refer back to them later, however creating a personal recording of your sessions, including audio, video or transcript recordings, is strictly prohibited. This is done to protect you, your counsellor, and RFCC. We highly encourage clients to take notes and ask questions to understand the context of your therapy.

Billing

A valid credit card is required for your file (or: to be kept on file). Your card will not be charged until the time of your session. A credit card is kept on file for your convenience or in the case of an unpaid balance, no-show, or late cancellation. Your credit card information is stored in a secure system available to only the director and administrator. It may be removed at any time at your request.

To make appointments without a credit card on file, you will need to call or email the Run Free Administrator to confirm the method of payment.