Fees and Insurance
My current 2024 fee is $240 per 50 minute therapy session (or per hour for assessments).
There is no sales tax charged on mental health services (including therapy and psychology assessments). I currently do not offer a sliding scale.
Therapy (sometimes called counselling or psychotherapy) and parenting consultations are billed per session, with 50 minutes spent face-to-face with Dr. Van Bruggen and 10 minutes spent on chart writing and review. Payment will be required at the conclusion of each session.
Direct reimbursement of all or some of the cost of service is available for the following insurance providers: Canada Life and Pacific Blue Cross. Please note that you are responsible for paying any fees that are not directly reimbursed by your insurance provider at the time of the appointment. I accept credit cards, cash, and e-transfers.
Assessments
Fees for assessments are based on my rate above and the total price depends on the referral question and time needed for the assessment. Generally speaking, for every hour of direct contact with someone for assessment, 2-3 hours are spent in preparation, interpreting test results, gathering and synthesizing information, and writing a report. A typical assessment is 14 hours of service (15 hours for adults).
As of January 1, 2024: Assessments cost $3360 (adults are $3600) unless otherwise agreed upon during the consent process. A retainer deposit of $500 is due at the time of booking.
Jordan’s Principle: named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, Jordan's Principle is a source of funding that helps ensure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs.
To learn more about Jordan’s Principle and access to funding for therapy or assessments please call 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453).
Changes or Cancellations to appointments
A minimum 7 days notice is required to change a psychological assessment appointment (excluding meeting to review results). An assessment also requires a retainer deposit of $500 that is fully refundable if the assessment is cancelled 7 or more days prior to your first appointment, or before any questionnaires have been completed.
24 hours notice is required for changes to appointments for therapy, assessment results, and consultations. Clients are responsible for full payment of appointments that are missed, cancelled, or changed with less than the required notice. Insurance providers do not pay the cost of unattended appointments.