Frequently asked questions

The clinic address is as follows: Unit 205 - 12639 80 Ave Surrey, BC, V3W 3A6 Free parking is available in the plaza. You are permitted to park in any stall labeled "Visitor" or "SM Lighting Reserved 24 Hrs". You can access the clinic at the front of the building through the glass doors (see picture below). From there, make your way up the stairs or elevator to Unit 205. Please note that the clinic shares office space with Capstone Immigration. If you have any trouble accessing the clinic please call your counsellor for assistance. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/decfe6_5783aede0c074234be8690a681bf9384~mv2.jpg https://static.wixstatic.com/media/decfe6_b972ac6f380246d0b38e7bdae9666ecb~mv2.jpeg

If you are a low income earner, single parent, or student who relies on student loans you may be eligible for a sliding scale rate which entitles you to discounted counselling fees. Feel free to contact about coverage through ICBC, CVAP, or AgSafe BC to determine if you are eligible. If you are still unable to pay the discounted amount, we are happy to give you guidance on some low-cost or free counselling services that are offered in the lower mainland of BC. Contact u(https://www.atlascounselling.com/home)s for more information.

The short answer is that it varies from person to person. Typically a given individual starts to see noticeable change between 3 to 6 sessions. However, based on your needs, counselling can be shorter or longer than that time frame. It is recommended that clients see their counsellor on a weekly or biweekly basis in the initial stages of therapy.

If counselling is a new experience you may find yourself feeling uneasy or nervous. This is completely normal. Facing your life challenges can be an intimidating process. It is our job to make sure you are the most comfortable and safe while in sessions. In most cases, the first session of counselling involves us getting to know each other. In this time you will have the opportunity to share your story, your goals, and what brought you to counselling. If you don’t have the answers to any of these questions, this something we can discover together. Your counsellor will always be open to your feedback about how you would like the session to be conducted. Feeling too nervous to share what's on your mind in your first session? Let you counsellor know so that you want them to do more of the talking - we're here to help!

No one but you and your counsellor will know that you attend counselling. This is a private and confidential process. There are only 3 legal limitations that require us to break this confidentiality: 1. If your counsellor has to report any current acts of child abuse or neglect to the BC Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD). 2. If your counsellor has to warn someone after becoming aware of a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else. 3. If your counsellor is required to do so due to a court ordered subpoena.

A credit card number is required to be securely stored on file for payment. Credit cards will be billed after each session. In cases where credit card payment is not possible, cash or e-transfer payment may be arranged. Clients with coverage from ICBC, AgSafe BC, or CVAP do not need to pay as those providers are directly billed. We do not direct bill insurance providers from extended health coverage at this time. An invoice and/or receipt can be emailed to you after sessions at your request.

If you are feeling sick it's best that you contact your counsellor as soon as you can to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Alternatively, you can switch to a virtual (video or phone) session if you feel well enough to do so. We ask that you reschedule your in-person session or consider switching to a virtual session if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: • a new or worsening cough • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • temperature equal to or over 38°C • feeling feverish • chills • fatigue or weakness • muscle or body aches • headache • new loss of smell or taste • gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting) • feeling very unwell/malaise