FAQs

Here are a list of frequently asked questions clients have before working with us. Please read through them carefully. If you have any unanswered questions, we would be happy to answer them.

Where are you located? Is there parking available?

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.

Oak Bay Psychology (new) 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. Parking is available around and behind the building. Note: The office is located on the second floor of the building with no elevator access unfortunately.

How can I book a session?

There are a few different ways! Appointments can be made by either:

• calling our Clinic Coordinator directly at (250) 507-8363 (phone/voicemail)

• going to our online booking site (Jane App)

• sending an inquiry through our Contact Us form

• emailing us directly at contact@fairfieldpsychology.com

We will respond as soon as possible!

What are your rates?

1) Psychology services and sessions with Registered Psychologists (RPsychs) are $225 or $230 for a 60 minute session (new rate as of January 1, 2022).

2) Counselling sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are $157.50 (including tax) for 50 minute sessions. Longer sessions are pro-rated accordingly.

Please note: Starting June 1, 2024, our rate for RCC counselling will increase from $157.50 to $170 (including tax) for 50 minute sessions.

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.

Counselling sessions with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) are $200 (60 minutes) or $300 (90 minutes) for family therapy.

4) Low cost counselling sessions with our practicum students (Master’s level) are $20 (September 2023 to June 2024). Space is limited. Get started by booking online or phoning 250-507-8363 to speak with KC, our Clinic Coordinator.

Are your services covered by my employee or post-secondary benefit plan?

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 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 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 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.

Other Potential Sources of Funding:

• 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 ICBC, 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.

What can I expect if I decide to start counselling?

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.

What is your COVID-19 protocol?

We have been actively monitoring and adjusting to the COVID-19 situation. We are currently offering sessions that take place in person, via phone or video, or as “walk and talk” sessions outdoors.

The industry protocols for returning to operation with in-person counselling in British Columbia are listed on the WorkSafeBC website.

Precautions we are taking include the following: waiting outside the building until your appointment time; extending the time between appointments for sanitization; making hand sanitizer available; offering no contact payment options (e.g., e-transfer; credit or debit card tap); ability to wear masks during a session (please bring your own); running high-quality air purifiers in the office; and ensuring adequate chair spacing during sessions.

If you are feeling unwell prior to your appointment, please contact us 24 hours in advance to set up a phone or video session.

What are your methods of payment?

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

What is the difference between a Registered Psychologist (RPsych), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), and a Registered Social Worker (RSW)?

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.

What is your cancellation policy?

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.