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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist in BC?

In Canada, both psychologists and counsellors are mental health professionals who can treat mental health conditions, with slight differences.

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  • Counsellors: Have a master's degree in a relevant field, such as psychology or counselling psychology. Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)'s are registered with a regulating body such as the BCACC and provide psychotherapy for clients. They do not diagnose or prescribe medications. RCC's are regulated by the BCACC and can be covered by many extended health insurances.

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  • Psychologists: Have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and usually focus more in academic or clinical settings such as hospitals, universities or private clinics. They can provide counselling as well as provide assessments to diagnose mental health conditions.

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  • Psychiatrists: Have a medical degree and have completed a psychiatric specialization. They are trained from a medical model to prescribe medication for symptom-reduction. Psychiatrists usually do not provide psychotherapy or counselling.

What is the cost to attend therapy sessions?

My fee is $150 per 50 minute session, as is recommended by the BCACC's regulatory body. This fee can be paid by e-transfers prior to our sessions.

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Many extended health benefit plans in British Columbia cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), but it depends on the specific plan.  You can check your policy to see if it covers RCCs. If so, you can submit my session receipt and they will directly reimburse you or I can directly bill through TelusHealth.

Do you accept insurance or direct bill for counselling sessions?

Yes! I am approved to direct bill to select insurance providers as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) on the Telus Health eClaims portal:

  • AGA Financial Group inc.

  • Beneva

  • BPA

  • Canada Life

  • Canada Life - PSHCP

  • Canadian Construction Workers Union

  • Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

  • CINUP

  • ClaimSecure

  • Cowan Insurance Group (managed by Express Scripts Canada)

  • D.A. Townley

  • Desjardins Insurance

  • Equitable

  • First Canadian

  • GMS Carriers 49 and 50 (Express Scripts Canada)

  • GroupHEALTH

  • GroupSource

  • Industrial Alliance

  • Johnson Inc.

  • Johnston Group

  • LiUna Local 183

  • LiUna Local 506

  • Manion

  • Manulife Financial

  • Maximum Benefit

  • MDM Insurance Services

  • People Corporation

  • RWAM

  • Simply Benefits

  • TELUS AdjudiCare

  • Union Benefits

  • UV Insurance

 

If you have extended benefits coverage for counselling and are covered by one of the above approved Telus eClaims providers, please let me know. You will be asked to complete a consent form and provide your benefits information. You are responsible to cover the remaining balance for your session rate by e-transfer payments. Alternatively, if you have extended benefits coverage, you can cover your counselling fee and submit your own receipts to be reimbursed. 

Do you offer in person counselling?

At the moment I am only providing virtual counselling sessions for residents of British Columbia. Research shows that online therapy can be just as beneficial and effective as in-person. We use a secure video-network to have our sessions. 

Do you offer a sliding-scale?

Yes. If you are a full-time student or are in financial need, I can offer a sliding-scale to help cover therapy costs. If you are in need of support at a flexible cost, please contact me to discuss matching you with supports that meet your needs.

Do you offer faith-based counselling?

While I do not offer spiritual direction or Christian-based counselling, I can incorporate aspects of faith and spiritually into our sessions if this is important for you. I come from a Catholic-Christian worldview and faith background, but I can integrate and work with whichever faith/spirituality fits for you. 

What does the 'RCC' designation mean?

The term 'counsellor' is currently not regulated in BC. This means that anyone can call themselves a mental health counsellor, even if they have not had sufficient mental health or trauma-informed training.

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A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a protected title. Counsellors who have RCC beside their name are governed by the regulatory body, the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). These counsellors have had sufficient training: a minimum of having a Master's degree in Psychology, Counselling or Social Work, and have had extensive supervision during their internships.

 

The BCACC sets the ethical code and standards of practice for counsellors who practice in BC. The BCACC also protects my clients and provides them support in the event of complaints or regulatory issues. My RCC designation allows me to work with clients who reside in the province of BC, ensuring safe and supported therapeutic practice.

Do you work with couples?

At the moment I only work with individuals and families. I do not offer couples counselling.

I am ready to begin therapy - now what?

Great! This is an amazing step. Please contact me at aborkowskicounselling@gmail.com to have a free 15 minute consult or schedule yourself for our first session.

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I am currently accepting clients for virtual therapy who are residents of British Columbia!
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