Effective July 1st, 2024, Atlas Counselling will be observing its first ever increase in fees per session to $135 per individual session. This increase in fees follows the guidelines that the British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellor's has set out for its members. Existing clients (who has sought out our services before July 1st, 2024) will observe this change on January 1st, 2025. 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 a discount for counselling fees. 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 me for more information.

The clinic address is as follows: Unit 306 - 6678 152 Street Surrey, BC, V3S 3L4 Please note that Google Maps directs you to the front of the building but to access the building you need to turn into 66A avenue. The building will be on your left side as your enter the Hyland Square complex. Free parking is available at the back of the building. You can access the clinic at the back of the building through the door labeled, "Main Entrance" next to Didi's Flowers. You can then take the elevator to the third floor and make your way to Unit 306. If you have any trouble accessing the clinic, you may call your counsellor for assistance.

The short answer is that it varies from person to person. Typically a given individual starts to see noticeable change between 3-6 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 you do so. 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.

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: - If your counsellor has to report any current acts of child abuse or neglect to the BC Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) - If your counsellor has to warn someone after becoming aware of a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else - 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 do direct billing from insurance providers from extended health benefits 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. If you experiencing symptoms that may indicate an oncoming sickness, but still feel well enough to have a counselling session, we ask that you consider switching to a virtual session (video or phone). If you experiencing any of the following symptoms we ask that you reschedule your in-person session or consider a video/phone session instead: 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