What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist is a registered health professional who is trained in psychotherapy and assessment. In Nova Scotia, psychologists may hold either a master’s or doctoral degree. These degrees involve 6-11 years of university study of how people think, feel, and behave. A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed specialty training in the area of mental health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to patients, and some are also trained in psychotherapy.

What conditions can a psychologist help treat?

Please see http://cpa.ca/psychologyfactsheets/ for more information on how psychology can help with a variety of difficulties.

Is a referral required to see a psychologist?

A referral is not required to see a psychologist privately, but may be required to see one through a government service.  Dr. Becky Keating accepts self-referrals but also referrals from physicians and pediatricians.

What are your fees?

Dr. Keating charges $225 per hour (e.g., 50 minutes therapy/assessment/consultations/collateral contacts; 60 documentation) consistent with APNS’s suggested rate for psychlogists in the province.

Private psychologist’s fees are not covered by Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI). They are, however, often covered by some insurance plans (e.g., Blue Cross, Canada Life) and some Employee Assistance Programs offered by employers.  Fees paid to a psychologist qualify as a tax deductible health expense. At the present time Dr. Keating accepts cash and E-Transfers.  Although not the preferred method of payment, credit card payments are accepted.

The full session fee is due in advance of or on the day of sessions.  Dr. Keating will reserve the right to go to collection agency for unpaid fees.  Please note that full session fees are charged if sessions are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, without exceptions.  Notifying Dr. Becky in advance of a possible need to cancel with short notice (less than 24 hours) may result in a reduction of the missed session fee.  In many cases, virtual sessions can occur in place of in-person sessions and/or parent sessions is an option when a child’s illness or unavailability prevents them from keeping a booked appointment.   

NOTE: Direct Billing to Blue Cross and Canada Life is available.

How long are sessions?

The first session, the Initial Consultation is typically up to 80 minutes (flat fee $360).  Additional assessment sessions and psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes (fee $225).

What can we expect at the Initial Consultation?

The first session is an opportunity to explore the reasons you are seeking services, your personal and family history, and your goals for treatment. At the end of the session, a plan for future sessions will be reviewed. You are encouraged to bring your child to the Initial Consultation.  Usually the full session includes both parent and child/youth but sometimes parents and/or youth are seen for some time on their own if requested and/or thought to be necessary.

Is my child’s information protected?

Dr. Keating abides by the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (http://www.cpa.ca/aboutcpa/committees/ethics/codeofethics/) which sets high standards for the protection of information.  All information shared is kept strictly confidential but there are some limits to confidentiality that Dr. Keating will discuss with you at your child’s first session.