Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) clients have before working with us. Please read through them and if you have any unanswered questions, we would be happy to answer them. We can be reached by phone at 250-507-8363, email, or through our contact form.

  • As of September 2023, we now have two office locations!

    Fairfield Psychology is located at 1702 Lillian Road, Victoria, BC in the beautiful community of Fairfield-Gonzales in central Victoria, BC.

    Our office is located on the corner of Fairfield Road and Lillian Road (across from Hollywood Park). There is some free parking available around the building and a bike rack or bus stop outside. Our front door is kept locked for security reasons but we will meet you at the front door at your appointment time.

    Oak Bay Psychology is located at #202, 2186 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC and opened in September 2023.

    It is located above Starbucks and Ivy’s Bookshop on Oak Bay Avenue.

    There is two-hour parking available around and behind the building.

    Note: The office is located on the second floor of the building with no elevator access unfortunately.

  • There are a few different ways to book a session in person or online.

    Appointments can be made by either:

    We will respond as soon as possible!

  • Many people report being nervous about contacting a psychologist or attending a counselling session. It is normal to be nervous. We value and respect creating a safe environment to explore your experiences. Building a strong working relationship is one of the most effective aspects of therapy and one we take seriously.

    We believe it is important to connect quickly when someone seeks support.

    The first session is typically the most structured. It is important to spend time in the first session to discuss the expectations of therapy and give you the chance to ask questions. This includes ensuring you are freely consenting to receiving services, clarifying what is confidential and what is not, discussing the pros and cons of therapy, and identifying our roles and responsibilities.

    Following this, we will start to focus on the presenting concern. We will also ask questions that will help us understand your strengths and struggles. Once we have collaboratively identified the direction you would like to go, we can begin the work.

  • 1) Psychology services and sessions with Registered Psychologists (RPsychs) are $225 or $230 for a 60 minute session.

    2) Counselling sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are $161.91 (plus GST) for 50 minute sessions. Longer sessions are pro-rated accordingly.

    3) Counselling sessions with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) are $180 (60 minutes) or $270 (90 minutes) for children, youth, adult individuals, or parents/caregivers. For family therapy, sessions are $200 (60 minutes) or $300 (90 minutes).

    4) Low cost counselling sessions @ $50.00

    These sessions are with our practicum students (Master’s level) are $50 per session. Space is limited. Book online, fill out our online form, phone us at 250-507-8363 or send us an email.

    5) Low cost counselling sessions @ $75.00

    Robin Ashforth, our Intern Counsellor, is accepting new low cost counselling clients at $75 per session. Robin’s schedule is open for online booking in Jane starting September 2024. Click here to book.

  • As of October 2024, we now offer direct billing with some major health benefits companies.

    Extended benefits often have an annual cut-off date. If you have coverage, don’t let it go to waste. Now is a great time to review your plan and book your sessions before your benefits expire.

    Psychological, social work, and counselling services are not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan.

    However, they may be covered or partly covered for you and your family members through an extended health care benefit plan offered by your employer and/or post-secondary institution. 

    Coverage for psychologists, social workers, and counsellors typically range from $500 to $2,000 per year depending on the plan.

    Undergraduate and graduate post-secondary students who have opted into their insurance plans may be entitled to a certain amount of coverage per year for psychology, social work and/or counselling. Contact your benefits provider or your undergraduate or graduate student union websites for more details.

    Upon payment, clients will be provided with a signed receipt that includes a professional registration number. This receipt can then be submitted to certain employee benefit plans for potential reimbursement. 

    It is best to read through your benefit plan information or call the company directly to learn more about your coverage and how it may help.

    • Short-term and long-term disability. Please contact your case manager to determine if you qualify for coverage.

    • Fairfield Psychology is an approved provider for Registered Psychology (RPsych) services with various companies, including Pacific Blue Cross and Medavie Blue Cross, which funds Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the RCMP. We can often submit the claims for payment directly so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.Item description

  • Payment is due at the end of the appointment. Our preferred method of payments are via credit card, etransfer or cash.

  • In consideration of us and other clients, please provide 24 hours notice if it is necessary to cancel a scheduled appointment.

    Appointments missed with less than 24 hours notice given will be charged at the full amount. If payment is a barrier to accessing services, please contact our office for more information regarding possible alternatives (including referral to community services).

    If you are feeling symptoms related to COVID-19, please let us know as we offer phone or online sessions in lieu of face-to-face sessions.

  • Registered Psychologists (RPsych) are regulated by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC) through its Code of Conduct. The College regulates the profession of psychology in the public interest in accordance with the provincial Health Professions Act.

    Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and Registered Social Workers (RSW) have met specific educational and training criteria required by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and/or BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). They have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a variety of areas such as counselling psychology or social work. Many have additional training in their specific area of practice, and they practice according to an ethical code of conduct and standards of practice.

    Many health benefits providers offer annual coverage for our practitioners! Check with your provider.

“…deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.”

Carl Jung