The first step to getting started is reaching out. This initial step can often be the most challenging, and we want to normalize that feeling. We understand the courage it takes to reach out for support—and it’s common for this process to feel overwhelming, much like turning on a waterfall where emotions can come flooding out.

Ashliegh's goal during your intake call is to gather just enough information about why you are seeking help and your preferences so she can create personalized matches for you, connecting you with providers whose therapeutic interests align with your needs.

You are in complete control of your experience. It’s important to know that you are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

After completing your client profile and intake, Ashliegh will help you schedule your first sessions. You will receive a few e-mail notifications from us and all applicable electronic consent forms.

Once your client profile is established, you’ll have access to your provider’s online calendar, allowing you to effortlessly book, cancel, or reschedule appointments at your convenience. Through this portal, you can also review your session history, customize reminder settings, and access your receipts.

Not a fan of online scheduling? No problem! You can always reach out to Ashliegh via our main line or email your provider directly for any appointment changes or rescheduling requests.

Our service fees are guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) standards for counselling fees. Our current rate schedule is as follows:

Meet & Greets (Initial Sessions):
$220 for a 50-minute session

Individual Therapy (Online & In Person):
$220 for a 50-minute session

Family and Couples Therapy:
$220 for a 50-minute session

Reports, Letters, and Case Management Consultations:
$220 for a 50-minute session (billed pro-rated in 10-minute intervals)

The standard session length in our industry is 50 minutes. The remaining 10 minutes of the hour is dedicated to essential tasks such as maintaining your file, charting, and scheduling—important components for ensuring the continuity of your care.

For children, sessions typically last between 40 to 50 minutes, depending on their age and developmental needs.

Couples and family sessions may be more beneficial when extended to 60 to 90 minutes, allowing for deeper engagement and discussion.

(Longer or shorter session durations can be arranged in advance upon request.)

Payments are generally collected at the beginning of each session, though, sometimes may not be processed until the following business day.

We accept various payment methods, including Debit Visa, MasterCard Debit, e-transfer, Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX.

For e-transfers, you can send payments to payments@athreadofclarity.ca. No password is necessary, as we have auto-deposit enabled. A receipt will be sent to you once your payment is received.

A Thread of Clarity uses Jane Payments, which employs encrypted software to securely manage card information and process payments. Your card number will be partially obscured, displaying only the last four digits, ensuring that we never have access to your complete card details.

Many of our clients benefit from coverage through their private insurance plans and work benefits.

We encourage you to check with your health insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage. While some insurers cover the full cost of therapy sessions, others may not, and most have a maximum limit on coverage. Receipts will be issued at the time of payment and can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement of services. We recommend that you contact your provider before scheduling your initial session to confirm your coverage so there are no surprises.

When reaching out to your insurance company, be sure to verify the following:

• Are psychological services included in your policy?

• Are you restricted to specific providers chosen by the insurer?

• Who is covered under your plan?

• What is the extent of your coverage?

  • Does your plan cover the full session fee, or only a portion per visit?

  • Are there limits on the number of sessions, or a maximum dollar amount?

  • What is your yearly renewal date?

  • Is the length of each session a factor in your coverage?

  • Do you need a doctor’s referral?

  • What is the process for reimbursement?

Due to privacy laws in Canada, specifically the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), insurance providers do not provide us with access to verify these details ourselves.

In most cases, yes! We have streamlined the reimbursement process by reviewing the requirements from insurance companies regarding the disclosure of supervision by registered psychologists. This has helped many clients obtain reimbursement for services provided by provisional psychologists.

However, it’s important to note that it’s not always an exact science, and every insurer has unique requirements. We always recommend checking in with your insurance provider to avoid any surprises.

Yes! We offer our clients the privilege and convenience of direct billing. If you wish to utilize this service, your insurance provider will require you to complete an Electronic Transmission Authorization and Benefit Assignment consent form. Please note that our policy requires clients to keep a valid, active payment card on file as back-up for denied or partially paid claims.

Direct billing may be contingent upon your provider’s registration status. To avoid surprises, we strongly recommend confirming your coverage details before your initial session, as A Thread of Clarity cannot determine your insurance limits due to privacy laws in Canada.

Direct billing is currently available for the following companies:

• Alberta Blue Cross

• Greenshield Canada / SSQ

If your insurance company is not listed, you may still be eligible for reimbursement. We will provide you with a receipt for submission to your insurance provider.

Please note: In cases of dual coverage, we cannot submit claims electronically. Therefore, clients must pay upfront and submit the claims directly to their insurance companies.

Additionally, any services provided by a psychologist not covered by insurance may be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return. Please be sure to retain all receipts for your records.

Our cancellation policy is designed to ensure that our services remain accessible to those who need them when they need them. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and our goal is not to be punitive but to provide a cushion for both our practice and your provider amid the variability of your circumstances.

Cancellation Notice:
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This courtesy gives us time to reach out to someone else who might need support.

Late Cancellations:
Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will incur a fee equal to the full session rate. This policy helps us maintain availability and continuity of care for all clients.

No-Show Policy:
Clients who miss their scheduled appointments without giving us a heads-up will be charged the full session fee.

Flexibility and Understanding:
We totally get that sometimes life throws curveballs. If you find yourself needing to cancel at the last minute, please reach out to us. We’ll do our best to work with you.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Your commitment to our cancellation policy helps us provide the best possible care to all our clients.

If you're dealing with a minor illness and prefer to stay cozy at home, we invite you to switch to a virtual or phone session. You can relax in your PJs with your favorite warm beverage while still getting the support you need! Just give us a call or email and we will help you switch your appointment.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, feel free to reach out to Ashliegh by phone or email. She’s here to help you navigate your provider’s schedule and find a new time that works for you! You can also contact your provider directly, but keep in mind that they only check their emails during business hours, so there might be a delay in their response.

Before we begin any therapeutic process with children under 16, we hold a parent session. This is your opportunity to meet with your provider without your child present, allowing you to discuss your goals and expectations for therapy openly. These are full, paid 50-minute appointments dedicated to discussing important background information and setting clear goals for therapy.

This session also gives you the space to create a thoughtful plan for gently introducing the idea of therapy to your child, which can help encourage their active participation in the process.

We understand that families come in all shapes and sizes, so we offer flexibility for parents and guardians during these sessions. For separated families, you can choose to share a session, split one, or have separate sessions altogether. It’s entirely up to you to decide what works best for your family!

Many people often confuse the roles of psychiatry and psychology—and we completely understand! The terms sound quite similar.

At A Thread of Clarity, we do not offer psychiatric services or medication management.

Counsellors and psychologists specialize in therapy and mental health support, using talk therapy and various therapeutic techniques to help clients address emotional and psychological challenges. While they provide invaluable support, they do not prescribe medications.

In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors, similar to your family physician, who undergo specialized training to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, emotional difficulties, and behavioral issues. They frequently prescribe medication as part of their treatment plan. While the costs for psychiatric services are typically covered by Provincial Health Care Plans, it's important to note that there can be long waiting lists for appointments following a referral.

It can be confusing with so many titles in the mental health field! Here’s a breakdown of each role:

• Mental Health Therapist: This is a broad term that encompasses various professionals who provide therapy and support, sometimes including Counsellors and Psychologists. However, not all mental health therapists are licensed. Unlicensed therapists may offer accessible services at lower rates and may bring diverse backgrounds and creative approaches. However, they may also lack regulation, which can impact the quality of care, and they often cannot diagnose mental health disorders or provide certain therapies. It's important for clients to be aware of these factors when seeking support.

• Counsellor: Counsellors may or may not be licensed, depending on their training and specific titles. Some may have certifications, while others work in less regulated capacities.

• Intern: An intern is typically a graduate student or recent graduate completing supervised training as part of their education. They work under the guidance of a licensed professional to gain practical hands-on experience.

• Provisional Psychologist: This title refers to someone who has completed the educational requirements to become a Psychologist but is still finishing their supervised practice. They can provide therapy under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.

• Registered Psychologist: A Registered Psychologist has completed the necessary education, training, and supervised practice and is licensed to practice independently.

We aim to offer flexible reception hours, but we’re also humans with lives outside of the practice! We believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance so we can rest and recharge. Ashliegh takes Mondays off, so any emails or calls sent on that day will be returned on Tuesday.

Each provider offers different availability, with some available for morning appointments and others available in the evenings and on weekends. If you have specific scheduling needs, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to match you with a provider who can accommodate you!