Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Psychologist and what do they do?

A Registered Psychologist (R. Psych) is a licensed professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or a related field, trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues and psychological disorders. They use evidence-based therapies to help individuals manage mental health concerns and disorders. They may work in private practice, hospitals, schools, or research settings, providing therapy, psychological testing, and consultation services. Some psychologists, like Dr. Robinson, also work in academic/university settings conducting research, teaching, and training the next generation of psychologists. 

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Are virtual sessions available?

Yes, Dr. Robinson provides virtual services. All video calls are conducted through the Jane application which is a secure, encrypted online Canadian health platform. Research suggests that the effectiveness of online psychological services is equal to traditional in-person sessions. However, this may vary based on personal preferences. If online sessions do not suit your preferences, Dr. Robinson will help connect you with services that better suit your needs. 

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What platform does Dr. Robinson use for videoconferencing? Is my data safe and secure?

All video calls are conducted through the Jane application which is a secure, encrypted online Canadian health platform. All data is stored within Canada so as to comply with the current legal and ethical privacy standards of Canada and British Columbia. The JaneApp ensures a high level of professional integrity and care. 

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I live in another province. Can I see Dr. Robinson virtually? 

Dr. Robinson only provides virtual services to individuals currently in British Columbia as per the Code of Conduct of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.

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Do I need a referral? 

​In most cases, a referral from your family physician is not required to see a psychologist—you can directly contact Dr. Robinson to book an appointment. However, if your extended medical plan covers psychological services, your insurance provider may request a referral letter before treatment begins.

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Is Dr. Robinson accepting new clients? Is there a waitlist? 

Yes, Dr. Robinson is accepting new clients. ​There may be a waitlist. Please reach out to Dr. Robinson to determine wait times. 

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What kinds of mental heath concerns does Dr. Robinson assess and treat? 

Please see the Services page for a detailed description of Dr. Robinson's assessment and treatment expertise. ​

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What are your fees? How can I pay?

Fees are set in accordance with provincial guidelines suggested for the profession. Dr. Robinson charges $235 for a 50-minute therapy session, with payment accepted via e-transfer, credit card, or direct billing insurance in some cases. Assessment fees vary based on the complexity of the case and the time required for interviews, document review, and report writing. For every hour of direct client contact, approximately 2–3 hours are spent on related assessment work. Psychodiagnostic assessments range in price—typically between $1500 to $2,000—depending on the complexity of your mental health needs and the level of detail you require in the written report. An estimate for assessment services can be provided. 

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Does Dr. Robinson take insurance/extended benefits or MSP? 
Dr. Robinson does direct bill some insurance/extended benefits companies (e.g., Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, CanadaLife). Please check with Dr. Robinson whether she direct bills your insurer.  Some extended health benefit plans cover some/all of the cost to see a psychologist. ​Clients should consult with their insurance provider regarding the nature and limits of any extended health benefits. Dr. Robinson will provide you with a receipt after each session. In British Columbia, services by private psychologists are not covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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What can clients expect during a first appointment?  

During your first therapy session, Dr. Robinson will gather information about your background, including relevant medical and mental health history. You will discuss your current mental health concerns, how long you have been experiencing them, any treatment goals you may have, and coping strategies you’ve tried. In the second session, you will have a clearer understanding of your treatment plan, including the approach that will be used and an estimated number of sessions. Dr. Robinson will check to determine if you feel that her therapeutic style and personality are a good fit for your concerns. 

 

How long are appointments? Are the meetings confidential?

​Therapy appointments are 50 minutes long. This is the standard clinical hour, with 10 minutes for notes and required documentation at the end of each session. All meetings with Dr. Robinson are strictly confidential. There are limits to confidentiality that Dr. Robinson will explicitly discuss with you (e.g., harm to self or others). 

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How many sessions will I need?

The duration of treatment varies for each client and depends on factors such as symptom severity, the number of concerns, treatment frequency, and commitment to therapy. Dr. Robinson emphasizes short-term therapy, focusing on equipping clients with practical skills to enhance their well-being. While many clients experience significant progress within 8–12 sessions, some may see results in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Dr. Robinson recognizes that time and cost are often barriers to engaging in therapy and she will discuss your individual circumstances with you. 

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What days and hours does Dr. Robinson see clients? 

Dr. Robinson sees clients on weekdays between 8am-5pm. 

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What is Dr. Robinson's cancellation and no-show policy? 
As your appointment time is reserved just for you, please provide 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, otherwise the regular appointment fee will be charged. You will be charged a full session fee if you do not attend your appointment. Extenuating circumstances may apply so please contact Dr. Robinson to discuss your situation.

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How do I get in touch with Dr. Robinson? 

Please see the Contact page.