I will be offering a sliding scale within the next 6 months, as I am not currently financially able to offer this right now. The sliding scale will be for QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) individuals and/or sex workers experiencing economic marginalization. I will require those interested in sliding scale to self-declare an annual income of less than $35,000 and not have access to insurance or any other way of paying for therapy. Sliding scale spots will be limited, and a waitlist will be offered to those interested once spots are full.
What happens in the first therapy session?
Our first sessions will involve me asking you a few questions on my intake form. I digitally upload your answers to my confidential therapy software, where I chart and keep records. You are welcome to answer or not answer any intake questions. Throughout this process, I’ll welcome you to share about yourself, your background, your current situation, what brought you to therapy, past therapy experiences, and your goals with therapy. Typically, the first few therapy sessions involve establishing more information about your background and lived experience, as these pertain to the central reasons you sought therapy.
Do you take insurance (including direct billing)?
Yes, I take insurance. I offer direct billing through NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit individuals) and Blue Cross. If you have a different insurance provider, we can discuss potentially setting up direct billing with them, or I can help you figure out how to submit claims using receipts and invoices from our sessions.
How do I book and pay for a session?
You can book a session by emailing me here, or directly at madelineraetherapy@gmail.com. I offer both virtual and in-person sessions.
You can pay for your session via e-transfer to madelineraetherapy@gmail.com. If this is a barrier for you, please let me know and we will find an alternative solution.
Are our sessions confidential?
Yes. Social workers are required by our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics to safeguard the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and information obtained within that relationship. There are a few rare situations which would legally require me to break confidentiality. These situations include: 1) When disclosure of confidential information is essential to the prevention of harm to the client or others**, 2) legal obligation (court order), 3) requirements in accordance with legislation (ex. child welfare, criminal code, protection for persons in care)
**If you are experiencing suicidal ideation or self-harming (ex. cutting), we are allowed to discuss this openly in session without breaking confidentiality. If you disclose that you have imminent plans to die by suicide, or harm yourself in a way that could risk death, and we are unable to safety plan effectively for the next 24-48 hours, then I may be legally required to break confidentiality and seek outside support for you. If you have concerns around confidentiality, please contact me to discuss further.
What if I need to cancel or rebook my session?
Life happens. Please try your best to email me to cancel or rebook your session within 24 hours of the original scheduled time and date. If you are unable to do so before 24 hours, I will have to charge you a full session fee. If something unexpected has come up, like an emergency, please let me know and we can discuss rebooking and a potential wave of the missed session fee.
How often should I schedule therapy sessions?
How often you attend therapy is ultimately up to you. Most people seeking therapy tend to come 2-4 times per month, especially if you’re seeking support for something more acute. We can discuss your therapeutic goals in our free consultation call, the first session, and ongoing throughout our time working together. You may find that you want to come to therapy once every two weeks for six months, then taper out to one session per month. This may also vary depending on the insurance coverage you have, etcera.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
I welcome feedback from clients. If you have a complaint, I hope to create a safer space where you can express this to me, and we can figure out how to move forward in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and acceptable for you (this may mean a referral to a different therapist). If you feel that you cannot speak to me about your complaint, you have the right to send an official complaint to the Manitoba College of Social Workers. You can read about the complaints procedure of the Manitoba College of Social Workers here: https://mcsw.ca/complaints-and-conduct/complaints-process/
I don’t live in Manitoba, but I want to book a session with you. How should I proceed?
If you would like to work together virtually, but do not currently live in Manitoba, I may consider registering in your province so that we may work together. I might also be able to support you in finding someone with a similar therapeutic approach in your province of residence. Please email me to discuss or book a free consultation.
Will you work with teens/adolescents?
I typically do not accept clients younger than 18 years of age. If you feel strongly about working together, and are 16 years or older, please email me to set up a free consultation. I might also be able to support you in finding another therapist who can support your therapeutic goals.
Don’t see your question addressed? Contact me here to ask it!