You will be sent a new client counselling intake form where you are free to share whatever you think is important for me to know ahead of our session. You will also be sent counselling and telehealth informed consent forms that must be signed prior to the first session.

Please ensure that you are in a quiet and private space in order to maintain confidentiality.  Privacy is also important in order to feel safe opening up. Let others in your house know you will be busy with an important call or meeting and unavailable for the duration of the session.

Phone appointments: I will call you from a private number at the start of our session. If you miss the call, I will attempt one more call five minutes later.

Video appointments: You will receive an emailed link to the video platform (which runs through Colib). Please ensure you are using Google Chrome if using a laptop or desktop and the Colib mobile app if using your mobile phone.

Headphones with a mic are helpful as they minimize surrounding noise and increase privacy.

Ensure your WIFI connection is working well and your device is charged.

Close any web browser tabs and/or applications that may cause distraction, and turn on Do Not Disturb or Silent mode on your devices to avoid interruptions.

After your session you will be emailed an invoice, and an e-transfer may be made to christina@christinavasakcounselling.com. In certain cases, a credit card payment may be processed at the end of each session.

Once payment is received, you will be emailed a receipt.

Payments for sessions and/or No Shows must be made before your next session can commence.

GST is no longer charged for counselling sessions.

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another client. As such, please provide 24 hours advance notice when cancelling or changing your appointment time. Less than 24 hours notice will result in a full session charge. If Christina must cancel within the 24 hour period, she will contact you as soon as possible to provide an opportunity to reschedule a complimentary session.

Christina Vasak is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Services may be covered under extended health plans that recognize the Clinical Counsellor designation. Please check with your insurance provider. Direct billing to insurance providers is not available at this time. If you have external coverage, please submit your receipts directly.

Christina Vasak Counselling is not an emergency service and cannot prioritize urgent or crisis situations.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis or emergency, or at risk of harm, please seek immediate support from the following resources:

• Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room

• BC Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 9-8-8 or Text 9-8-8 (https://988.ca/)

• Circle of Care: KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line Support Available 24hrs 1-800-588-8717.

I am happy to provide an optional, complimentary 15 minute phone or video consultation that can be booked online at www.christinavasakcounselling.com

Consultations are not counselling sessions, but rather an opportunity to ask questions about the counselling process and to see if we are a good counsellor-client fit.

Christina Vasak Counselling uses Colib, a web-based practice management software that ensures data is encrypted and securely stored in Canada. Colib complies with PIPEDA, PHIPA, PIPA, and Loi 25.

All sessions are confidential with the exception of the following Limits to Confidentiality:

1. If a child or vulnerable adult is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection.

2. If I believe that you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm.

3. For the purpose of complying with a legal order such as a subpoena, or if the disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law.

4. I may also disclose information for the purpose of a professional consultation with my clinical supervisor, my colleagues, or other mental health professionals, as necessary to ensure best possible care.