We follow the recommended fee guide set for psychologists and counsellors in the NWT. Please inquire about current rates. If you have extended health benefits with your employer, your insurance will likely cover the majority of your session fee.

If you’ve never accessed your psychological benefits through your employer, you may wish to ask how much is covered in a calendar year. For example, the GNWT covers $2000 of services by a psychologist or counsellor per year for their employees. Other work places in the NWT may only cover up to $500 per year. 

Please note that psychologists are GST exempt as a classified health professional. Clinical counsellors at our practice are required to charge GST.

To inquire about booking an appointment, you can use the online request form or email us. You will receive a call from someone on the team to review the process and book your appointment. Payment is accepted by credit card at the time of booking to secure your spot.

Before your first session, you will complete an intake and consent form. During your first appointment, your therapist will ask you questions to better understand you and how your issues are impacting your life. Your first and subsequent sessions are a mixture of exploring and understanding your situation in new ways and processing what is going on for you with evidenced-based therapy. We will determine the changes you wish to see in your life and ways to get there. 

Some people choose to come to therapy for a long period of time, and others only come once or a few times. If you have been coping with something difficult for many years or decades, you may wish to work with a mental health professional for a period of time until you feel better. We can help you decide what you think is best for you based on your symptoms and the therapeutic approach that fits your needs.

We have a legal obligation to maintain your confidentiality and privacy. Information disclosed to psychologists and counsellors is considered confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent. However, there are some exceptions where we are required to disclose personal health information without consent. These include situations where we have reasonable grounds to believe that a client may harm themselves or someone else, or that a child or elder is suspected of being abused or neglected. There may also be legal situations in which we are compelled to disclose information by law. For example, we may receive a valid subpoena for a file. 

Aside from in-person sessions in the Fort Smith office, we offer virtual sessions to clients locally and across the NWT. Some clients prefer phone, but most clients prefer video. The secure video platform we use is compliant with HIPPA, which outlines the ways in which health data is collected, stored, exchanged and protected. Clients booking a video session will receive more information on how to access their virtual appointment and how to prepare for a session. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and mental disorders. They can diagnose and prescribe medications.

Clinical Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health issues using psychotherapeutic modalities. They specialize in psychotherapy. 

Masters level Clinical Counsellors are trained in therapy (intervention and treatment), but are not able to diagnose. 

Other counsellors and wellness professionals provide a wide variety of support and healing.

We do provide services to clients under the Government of Canada’s Indian Residential School Counselling program. If you attended residential school, or are related to, lived with, or impacted by someone who attended residential school, you are eligible to receive counselling services at no cost to you.

Send us a message or email hello@heidpsych.com to find out whether we are currently taking new clients under this program.