Frequently
Asked
Questions
Is Dr. Oliver accepting new clients/referrals?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the needs of existing clients have increased significantly. Unfortunately, this means that there very limited schedule availability for new referrals/clients. Dr. Oliver evaluates her caseload regularly and will open her practice to new clients when there is adequate space to do so. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist, please use the Contact tab to send a message. Check-in regularly for availability!
Is Dr. Oliver the right fit for me?
Choosing the right therapist is an important step in meeting your goals. Not every therapist will be a good fit and therefore, it can be helpful to speak directly with Dr. Oliver to discuss your needs. Additionally, it is important for your therapist to be competent in any areas of concern that you would like to address. Dr. Oliver will be able to determine best fit after a brief phone conversation.
Do I need a referral?
In general, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. Referrals can be beneficial, however, for a number of reasons. Firstly, if your extended medical plan includes coverage for psychological services, your insurance provider may require a referral letter prior to your first appointment. Secondly, referrals can provide Dr. Oliver with information about your concerns and any relevant medical or personal background information.
How long are appointments?
Therapy appointments are 50 minutes long and are typically scheduled on the hour. In some cases, double sessions can be booked. Assessment appointments typically vary in length and will be discussed with you prior to your appointment.
How do I make an appointment?
Please phone Dr. Oliver’s office, send an email to dr.haleyoliver@gmail.com, or send a message using the Contact tab to make an appointment.
How long do I have to wait for an appointment?
Wait times for an initial appointment vary, although Dr. Oliver does her best to book new client appointments as soon as possible. You can call the office or message Dr. Oliver at any given time for an estimate. Dr. Oliver strongly encourages existing and new clients to pre-book several appointments in advance to prevent long wait times between appointments.
What are your fees?
As a private practitioner, Dr. Oliver operates primarily on a fee-for-service basis. As with most professionals, her fees are not eligible for payment by the BC Medical Services Plan. In many cases however, fees are supported by a variety of government, employee assistance, or extended health plans.
Psychological service fees vary depending on the length and nature of services rendered, and all fees are set in accordance with provincial guidelines suggested for the profession. You will be notified of your fee prior to your first appointment.
Methods of Payment at this time: E-Transfer, Cheque, or Cash. Debit and Credit options coming soon. Please speak with Dr. Oliver about any special arrangements including payment schedule.
How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
If cancellation of your scheduled appointment is necessary, Dr. Oliver requires that you notify her at least 24 hours (one full business day) in advance of your scheduled appointment start time. Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow other clients access to that valued time. With 24 hour notice, we can then attempt to fill your appointment time with someone waiting for this opportunity. A fee may be charged for missed appointments up to 100% of a regular session fee.
If you need to cancel your appointment, please send an email to dr.haleyoliver@gmail.com. If necessary, you may leave a detailed voicemail message at 778-531-2786. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Privacy Policy
In general, the information that you share with Dr. Oliver during your appointment(s) is confidential. Legally and ethically, your records are protected, and no information is disclosed without your expressed written permission. There are a few exceptions to this rule, some of which are listed here:
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If a client makes a serious threat to harm themselves or to harm another individual, the law requires Dr. Oliver to try to protect you and/or that person. This may involve calling a loved one, calling 911, or the police.
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If there is suspected child abuse or neglect (or there has been in the past) or abuse/neglect of an older or vulnerable adult, Dr. Oliver is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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For clients involved with the criminal justice system, Dr. Oliver’s clinical records could be subpoenaed for court. This may also apply for divorce, child custody, and motor-vehicle insurance claims.
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If Dr. Oliver is made aware of another health care provider who has acted unethically with a client/patient, she is required to report this to the appropriate regulatory body/authority.
The limits of confidentiality will be included in your intake form to be read prior to your first appointment. Dr. Oliver will also review the same with you at your initial appointment.
What Is Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, short-term form of psychotherapy.
It helps people to develop skills and strategies for becoming and staying healthy.
CBT focuses on the here-and-now—on the problems that come up in day-to-day life. CBT helps people to examine how they make sense of what is happening around them and how these perceptions affect the way they feel.
In CBT, clients learn to identify, question and change the thoughts, attitudes and beliefs related to the emotional and behavioural reactions that cause them difficulty.
By monitoring and recording thoughts during upsetting situations, people learn that how they think can contribute to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. CBT helps to reduce these emotional problems by teaching clients to:
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identify distortions in their thinking
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see thoughts as ideas about what is going on, rather than as facts
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stand back from their thinking to consider situations from different viewpoints.