Frequently Asked Questions
What are your office hours?
We are open (and answering the phone)
8:30am - 8:00pm Monday & Tuesday
8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday & Thursday
9:00am - 11:30am Friday
We are closed Saturday, Sunday, statutory holidays, and between Christmas and New Year's.
Where are you located?
#301 9835 - 101 Ave
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 5V4
Fee & Payments
Our hourly rate for a professional counsellor is $130. Our counselling interns are $90.
Provision is available for low income clients.
What companies do you direct bill?
Aquatera
Arete
Blue Cross/ASEBP
FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities)
Brown's Social House
Jeffrey's Cafe Co.
Humanacare
Greenshield Canada
Neil & Associates (Canadian Benefit Pro)
Optima Global
GP Airport
Walmsley
Please check your plan and see what you are covered for i.e. psychologist, social worker, professional counselor.
Cancellation/No Show Policy
We require 24 hour notice for cancellation without penalty. Cancellations may be made 24 hours a day via office voicemail. If you will be late, please call the office as your counsellor may be gone after 15 minutes.
A half fee will be charged for last minute cancellations or appointments that are not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, and the full client fee will be charged for no-show appointments.
Referrals
No referral is necessary to book an appointment with one of our counsellors. Some people may be referred by lawyers, educators, courts, employers, employee assistant programs, doctors, shelters, or other agencies. However, you may also refer yourself.
Privacy & Confidentiality
The counsellors and staff of Burden Bearers are bound by standards of professional statutory, ethical conduct, and confidentiality at all times. No confidential information will be divulged to any person or agency outside of the client's session without their written permission, except as outlined below.
There are limitations to professional confidentiality where the counsellor may be required to contact the appropriate authorities with the required information. These limits of confidentiality include:
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If a person is deemed by the counsellor to be in a serious/severe risk of harming himself/herself or others.
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If there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse.
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Our records can be subpoenaed by the Court of Law.
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Other legal limitations/requirements not set out herein.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions a person needs varies greatly, depending on the situation or problem, your willingness to work and change, the type of therapy, and other variables. Some people come once and others come every week, sometimes for years. We do not restrict how many times you can come (though your benefit plan or EAP may only pay for a certain number). Many people come once a week or once a month.
Can I change counsellors if I want?
Yes. It is important that you connect with your counsellor in order for the process to be a success. Keep in mind that if you do switch, you will need to fill out the intake forms for the new counsellor.
If you have been referred by an EAP company, you will need to ask them to re-refer you. Please also let us know that you are doing so, in order that we can close your file.
If you have certain benefit requirements, be aware that your coverage may not be extended to all counsellors.