Frequently Asked Questions

Rising Minds is here to help you feel confident taking the next step.

Rising Minds is here to help you feel confident taking the next step toward better mental health. Find answers to common questions about our psychotherapy services, individual therapy sessions, and what to expect when you begin. We offer virtual therapy across BC and Ontario, supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch.

Getting Started

You can book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if your chosen therapist is the right fit. During this call, you can:
- Ask about the therapist's professional and educational background
- Learn about their approach to therapy or coaching
- Share what prompted you to seek support (optional)
Do I need to be a Canadian resident to receive services?
Yes. Due to professional licensing regulations, clients must reside in Canada. Clients must be live in a province where the therapist is authorized to practice (currently BC, Ontario, or a province without a governing psychotherapy college).
Our clinical counsellors and psychotherapists are regulated by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These regulatory bodies limit where therapists are legally permitted to practice.
If you are travelling within or outside Canada or are away from your address listed on your client profile, please inform your therapist of your location at the beginning of each session. If you relocate outside of Canada, your therapist may not be able to continue providing care. If services must end due to jurisdictional limits, your therapist will support you in identifying appropriate resources in your new location.
No. Rising Minds Counselling and Psychotherapy is a Canadian virtual practice and is not affiliated with similarly named practices in the United States.

Understanding Therapy

Coaching
- Goal-focused and directive
- Not regulated; no Master's degree required
- Not designed for mental health treatment
- Not typically covered by insurance
- Does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions
Registered Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Regulated in BC (RCC) and Ontario (RP)
- Master's-level training
- Evidence-based, non-directive, supportive, reflective, and collaborative
- May be reimbursed by extended benefits
- Do not diagnose in Canada
Registered Psychologists
- Doctoral-level training (PhD or PsyD)
- Can diagnose and conduct formal assessments
- Typically higher fee structure
Our Commitment: All Rising Minds therapists are registered with their respective professional bodies, are members in good standing, and carry appropriate professional liability insurance.
For more information, contact:
- BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) – 1-800-909-6303
- BC College of Psychologists – 1-800-665-0979
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – crpo.ca
- A safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationships
- Support for self-understanding, coping skills, and resilience
- Evidence-based guidance for personal growth Note: Results cannot be guaranteed; therapy effectiveness depends on engagement and external circumstances.
Therapists provide evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy. They do not diagnose, prescribe medication, or provide medical/legal advice. They follow CRPO or BCACC standards, ethical codes, and professional guidelines.
If your therapist determines that your needs fall outside their scope of practice or clinical competence, this will be discussed with you openly and respectfully. When appropriate, referrals to qualified professionals or specialized services will be provided.
Being trauma-informed means we recognize that many individuals have experienced adversity, loss, or overwhelming life events — even if they do not identify them as "trauma."
We prioritize emotional safety, choice, autonomy, collaboration, trust, and empowerment in every session. You are never pressured to share details before you feel ready. We move at a pace that respects your nervous system, capacity, and consent.
Our therapists are trained to understand how trauma can impact the body, relationships, emotions, and behaviour. We aim to avoid re-traumatization by maintaining clear boundaries, transparency, and sensitivity to power dynamics. You remain in control of your therapeutic journey at all times.
Unlike coaching, counselling and psychotherapy are non-directive — designed to support your autonomy and self-trust, not create dependence. Rather than giving direct advice, your therapist helps you explore your values, patterns, emotions, and options. Lasting change is often more meaningful when it comes from your own insight and clarity.
Therapists may offer education, coping tools, or perspectives — but decisions remain yours. This approach strengthens confidence, resilience, and long-term growth. If you would like more structure or practical guidance, you are encouraged to discuss this openly — therapy is collaborative.
Therapy is intentionally centred on you and your needs. Professional boundaries help maintain a safe, focused, and ethical therapeutic relationship. Limited self-disclosure may be used when clinically helpful, but it is done thoughtfully. Sharing too much personal information can shift attention away from the client or blur boundaries.
You are always welcome to ask about your therapist's training, approach, or professional experience.
It can feel confusing or even frustrating when your therapist doesn't share a clear opinion about what you "should" do. Therapy is designed to support your clarity, values, and decision-making — not replace them. Offering strong personal opinions could unintentionally influence your choices or put pressure on you.
Decisions that emerge from your own reflection tend to feel more grounded and sustainable over time. This approach respects your autonomy and strengthens your confidence in navigating future challenges independently. If you ever feel stuck or need help thinking through options, you are encouraged to say so — therapy is a collaborative space.

Consent & Your Rights

Informed consent means you agree to participate in therapy freely and knowingly. You have the right to ask questions, share feedback, and withdraw consent at any time. Consent may be required from a parent, guardian, or authorized decision-maker if the client is a minor or legally incapacitated.
It ensures you understand the services being offered, know your rights as a client, and can make an informed choice about participating in therapy.
An informed consent agreement will be presented to you. It is your responsibility to review it thoroughly and ask any questions. Your therapist will review the agreement in session. Your consent must be given freely and knowingly.
You can choose which activities or interventions to participate in. You may end therapy at any time or request a referral to another therapist. You are encouraged to ask questions or share feedback at any time.
Yes. You may withdraw consent at any time. You may also stop participating in any activity or intervention, end therapy entirely, or request referrals and transition support.
- Attend sessions regularly and communicate openly
- Engage actively and participate in interventions
- Ask questions and share feedback to ensure therapy is aligned with your goals
- Take responsibility for your well-being outside of sessions
- Keep financial accounts with Rising Minds up to date
- Inform your therapist if attending from outside your home location or province
- Maintain privacy and device security for online sessions
- Ensure a private and safe setting for sessions
- Use email only for administrative matters
Yes. You are encouraged to find the therapist who best fits your needs. Your current therapist can provide referrals or support a smooth transition.
Yes, with consent and collaboration. Sessions with couples, families, or youth may involve multiple participants while maintaining confidentiality for each individual.

Virtual Therapy

Research shows online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, and stress (Andersson et al., 2014; Backhaus et al., 2012; Varker et al., 2019). Results cannot be guaranteed, just as with in-person sessions.

Benefits may include:
- Strong therapeutic alliance comparable to in-person sessions
- Reduced stigma: participate from home, avoiding perceived judgment
- Convenience & time savings: no travel required, easier scheduling
- Accessibility: ideal for rural clients or those with mobility challenges
- Improved attendance and engagement
Important: Virtual therapy may not be suitable if you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms, are in crisis or at risk of harm, or require immediate medical care.
Online therapy carries some inherent privacy and security risks, including unauthorized access, technical failures, or connectivity issues. Sessions may be interrupted due to internet outages; in this case, sessions may be completed by phone.
Online therapy may not be suitable for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, risk of self-harm or harm to others, or requiring immediate medical attention.
You are responsible for participating from a private, secure location and maintaining device security (e.g., passwords, updated software, firewalls).
- Find a private, quiet space
- Ensure a stable internet connection if using video
- Bring materials you would like to discuss (journals, notes, worksheets)
- Be ready to reflect and share what matters most to you
For technical issues, your therapist will attempt to reconnect within 2 minutes. If not possible, the session may continue by phone or be rescheduled. In emergencies, contact local services first, then notify your therapist.

Client Confidentiality, Privacy & Records

All discussions are private, except when disclosure is required by law or ethics (e.g., risk of harm, court orders, clinical supervision). Online sessions carry inherent privacy risks; we use the Jane platform, which is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant. Session recordings are only for supervision, with written consent, and are securely deleted afterward. Unauthorized client recording is prohibited.
- Client information is stored securely in the Jane platform, which is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant
- Only authorized staff and your therapist's supervisor (for supervision purposes) may access records
- Session recordings are used only for supervision, with separate written consent, and are securely deleted afterward
- Unauthorized client recording is strictly prohibited
Records are stored securely for 10 years, in accordance with CRPO/BCACC standards. Only your therapist and authorized staff/personnel can access your records. Records will not be shared without your consent, except as required by law (e.g., risk of harm, court orders).
In the unlikely event that your therapist becomes incapacitated or passes away, a designated professional may access client records to ensure continuity of care. You retain the right to request access to your records or be referred to another qualified therapist. A fee will be applied for the time required to complete the transfer.
Rising Minds does not provide legal advice or court assessments unless explicitly agreed in writing. A fee will apply. Therapy records may be subpoenaed; clients are informed if this occurs.

Fees, Scheduling & Policies

50-minute sessions: Individuals $200 | Couples $230 | Families $260
80-minute sessions: Individuals $260 | Couples $290 | Families $320
Payment via credit card through our secure NousTalk platform. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice: 50% fee. Missed appointments: 100% fee.
Sliding-scale rates are available at the therapist's discretion. Agreements are reviewed every 8 weeks. Renewal is not guaranteed and depends on availability and practice capacity.
Counselling is not covered by provincial health plans, but some extended health insurance plans may reimburse. Clients submit their own claims.
We require one full business day's notice for cancellations or appointment changes (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM). Notice must be provided during business hours to be considered received.
For example, cancelling a Monday appointment requires notice by Friday at 9:00 AM. If less than one full business day's notice is given, the session will be considered a missed appointment, and the full session fee will apply.
We recommend speaking directly with our administrative team to confirm cancellations or changes rather than relying solely on voicemail or email.
From time to time, your therapist may offer worksheets, questionnaires, or assessments. Participation is voluntary. Tools are used to support therapy, not to diagnose.
Most clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build connection, establish trust, and create momentum. As therapy progresses, sessions may become less frequent depending on your goals and your therapist's clinical recommendations.
Some evidence-based therapies are short-term and goal-focused. Other concerns may benefit from longer-term support. Treatment planning is collaborative — we will regularly review your goals, progress, and session frequency.
Rising Minds does not directly bill or contract with WCB, ICBC, or other third-party insurance providers. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service. If your insurer allows reimbursement, you may submit receipts on your own. We recommend confirming eligibility with your insurer before booking.

Insurance

While clients are responsible for payment at the time of service, many extended health benefit plans in BC provide partial or full reimbursement for sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), Registered Psychotherapists (if applicable), and pre-licensed therapists practicing under supervision (where permitted).
Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend confirming with your insurer which professional designations are covered, annual coverage limits, and per-session reimbursement amounts. Private psychotherapy services are not covered by MSP.
Many extended health benefit plans in Ontario reimburse sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and pre-licensed therapists practicing under supervision (where permitted).
Our Registered Psychotherapists (RP) are regulated by CRPO. Insurance coverage varies. We recommend confirming with your insurer which designations are covered, annual limits, and per-session amounts. Private psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP.

Community Resources

BC211 – Free 24/7 service connecting people with local support services. Dial 2-1-1 or visit bc.211.ca Here2Talk – Free, confidential 24/7 support for BC post-secondary students. Visit here2talk.ca Now Matters Now – Free tools and resources. nowmattersnow.org
Crisis Lines:
- BC Mental Health Support Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
- KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line – 1-800-588-8717
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (Talk Suicide Canada) – 988 (available 24/7)
- Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Affordable/low-cost counselling with graduate intern therapists or through non-profit agencies is also available in BC, often priced at only $35 per individual session.
ConnexOntario – Free mental health, addiction, and gambling support. 1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca
Talk Suicide Canada – 988 (24/7)
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Good2Talk – Post-secondary student support. 1-866-925-5454 | good2talk.ca Now Matters Now – nowmattersnow.org
Affordable counselling options: Many community agencies and non-profits offer low-cost services, sometimes starting around $35 per session for graduate intern therapists.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Boundaries & Legal

Dual relationships (social, financial, business) outside therapy are avoided. Gifts and non-therapeutic interactions follow ethical guidelines. Therapy is culturally responsive and inclusive; you are encouraged to share aspects of your identity, beliefs, or traditions relevant to care. Therapists will not communicate with clients via social media.
Either client or therapist may end therapy at any time. If therapy ends due to scope, availability, or clinical reasons, referrals or transition support will be provided.
Rising Minds does not provide emergency crisis services. In crisis, call:
- 911 for life-threatening situations
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
Therapists may contact emergency services or your emergency contact if you are at risk of harm.
Rising Minds and Rise Today Consulting Corp do not provide medical, psychiatric, or legal services, and therapy is not a substitute for these services. Clients are responsible for their decisions or actions taken outside therapy sessions. Therapy outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Emergency situations should be addressed by calling 911 or the appropriate local crisis services. Clients are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of their environment and technology during online sessions.
While Rising Minds strives to provide a professional and supportive environment, each therapist is individually responsible for the services they provide. Erica Harris / Rise Today Consulting Corp is not responsible for the professional actions, errors, or omissions of other therapists practicing at the clinic.
All therapists are independently licensed, regulated, and accountable to their respective professional colleges (CRPO or BCACC). Clients are encouraged to direct any concerns about another therapist's care to that therapist or their regulatory body.
Rising Minds therapists do not prepare formal custody or access reports, including Section 15 Custody and Access Reports. We do not provide court-ordered custody evaluations or act as expert witnesses in family court proceedings.
Our role is therapeutic. Therapists may review existing court documents to better understand family context. We may assist families with developing parenting plans, improving communication, mediating conflict within a therapeutic framework, and supporting children through transitions.
If you require a formal custody assessment or expert report, we recommend obtaining a referral through your lawyer or requesting one from a qualified custody assessor.
Rising Minds does not provide legal advice or court assessments unless explicitly agreed in writing. A fee will apply. Therapy records may be subpoenaed; clients are informed if this occurs.
You are encouraged to first share concerns with your therapist and also with our clinic director, Erica Harris.
Ontario (CRPO): complaints@crpo.ca | 416-479-4330 (Option 4) BC (BCACC): 1-800-909-6303 | hoffice@bcacc.ca | complaints.bcacc.ca