Informed Consent and Confidentiality
As a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta, Susannah Horgan is bound by the guidelines outlined in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.
Passages Counselling + Consulting Services ensures that:
- Clients are fully informed of the nature, risks and benefits of services and interventions offered.
- Written consent for services is obtained from the client before therapy can start.
- All personal and health information related to psychological services is kept strictly confidential
- Written consent from the client is required for release of any personal or health information to a third party.
The parameters of confidentiality for psychological services are carefully reviewed during the initial therapy session.
Compliance with Provincial Privacy Laws
The profession of psychology falls under the purview of the Health Professions Act (HPA) and the Health Information Act (HIA). As such Susannah Horgan is accountable for maintaining standards of practice outlined in this legislation. All information relating psychological services – including electronic communication, documentation and administrative processes – is managed in compliance with the HPA and HIA.
Fees
Passages Counselling + Consulting Services follows the fee schedule that is recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA). For more information, please visit: https://www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/site/recommended_fee_schedule
Currently, the hourly fee for psychotherapy is $220. The cost of longer sessions is calculated accordingly (eg. 1.5 hours = $330).
Fees may be negotiated if there are exceptional circumstances.
Payment for individual sessions is made at the time of each appointment. Payment can be made by cheque, cash or e-transfer. Invoices and receipts are issued via secure email for easy record keeping.
Insurance Coverage
Psychological services are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Extended health care benefits through your employer usually reimburse costs for services provided by a Registered Psychologist. Please check with your benefits plan administrator prior to your first appointment to obtain specifics on your particular plan (number of sessions allowed, percentage of fees covered). This information can assist in planning your therapy.
If you have no additional benefits coverage, psychological services are a tax-deductible health expense. Keep all receipts for income tax purposes.
