Frequently Asked Questions

I am able to directly bill Blue Cross, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).  Sometimes Blue Cross requires you to make a co-payment for each session.  I suggest you check with your insurance company first to get specifics about what your particular plan covers.  If you are not insured by one of these agencies and have coverage with another insurance carrier, then you must pay for the cost of your session upfront and seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

Private psychological services are not covered by MSI. Those without insurance coverage may decide to use the cost of mental health related services as a tax deductible medical expense.  I accept e-transfers, Visa, Debit, MasterCard, or cash as forms of payment.  I do not accept personal cheques.

I require 24 hours notice of cancellation.  I require clients cancelling a Monday appointment, or a Tuesday appointment after a statutory holiday, to cancel before 1 o’clock on the preceding Friday.  Otherwise clients must pay the full fee for the session.

Each session is 50 minutes.  Therapy can be either short term or long term depending on people’s goals and the nature of their problems.  The average number of sessions that people have is between 8-10.  

I use a secure online HIPAA compliant therapy site called doxy.me. I will send you an email. You simply open the link and enter my virtual waiting room. I will admit you to our session. I originally started offering online therapy because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online therapy provides a convenient alternative for those of you who live out of town or out of province, are ill, or are unable to attend an in session appointment due to inclement weather. Please check with your insurance company regarding coverage for this option.

Therapy is completely confidential.  It is only breached under specific conditions: if there is child, elder, or animal abuse, if a person is at risk for harming themselves or others, or if our records are subpoenaed to court.  

People who are in abusive relationships often ask whether I have to report an abusive partner.  The answer is that I am not legally mandated to do so because both individuals are adults.  However therapy will explore why people feel trapped and remain in such relationships.

I am conveniently located in the Pillars of Health Integrated Health at 10 Portland St. Unit 101 in downtown Dartmouth, close to bus and ferry routes. There are two free parking spots available next to the clinic on Alderney Drive on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Services Page – Sanna Rahola

About Me Page – Karen Kulyk

FAQ Page – Karen Kulyk

Contact Page – Stefan Horik