QUESTIONS?
Below are some of the most common questions I get asked about working together.
FEES & POLICIES
FEES
My fees follow the guidelines recommended by the BC Psychological Association and reflect my specialized training and experience. Many third-party health insurance plans will cover (or partially cover) psychological services. Payment is required at the time of service. Clients are welcome to pay by credit card or e-transfer. Sliding scale rates are not available.
CANCELLATION POLICY
When cancelling or rescheduling your weekly appointment, you must email by 9:00 am two business days before your appointment to avoid being charged for the session. If your appointment is on a Monday, you will need to notify by 9:00 am the Thursday before. If you notify within the 48 hours before your appointment and I am able to fill your spot on short notice, you will not be charged. Otherwise, charges will only be waived in exceptional circumstances.
REFERRALS
I accept self-referrals. Preferred contact is by email at info@drrukavina.com to book an appointment. Referring physicians and other health professionals can encourage their clients to contact me directly at the same email in their referrals to the same email. Please note that I can only work with individuals who are located in BC and the Yukon.
THIRD PARTY PAYERS
I do not bill third-party providers directly. Clients pay at the time of service, and are provided an electronic receipt to seek reimbursement. For specific plan details, contact your provider and ask about coverage for online therapy, reimbursement rates, and required documentation. If you have questions, feel free to ask during your initial session.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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      Starting September 2025 I will be offering both virtual and in-person sessions. Virtual sessions are ideal for individuals who appreciate the comfort and convenience of attending meetings from their own space. Virtual sessions can also help minimize distractions, offering a more controlled and serene environment that leads to better focus and productivity for both myself and my clients. Please note I can only work with you if you are in the Yukon or the province of BC. 
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      I offer sessions on select days of the week, with some flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Understanding the nature of EMDR and couples work, I prioritize convenience and aim to provide a quick turnaround if needed. Please note that evening and weekend appointments are not available. 
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      Weekly 50 minute sessions are $250, with adjustments for longer sessions. Intensive EMDR sessions and Marathon Couples sessions are $350 per hour as they are a specialized service. A 50% non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due two weeks before the session. 
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      I accept all major credit cards and electronic transfers, and provide official electronic receipts for all sessions. If you need additional documentation for reimbursement or tracking, just let me know. 
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      When you schedule an appointment, the time is reserved for you. For weekly sessions, please provide at least 48 hours' notice to avoid being charged the full session fee, with flexibility for emergencies. Intensive sessions have a 2-week cancellation policy, with a full refund if canceled at least 2 weeks in advance. 
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      I don’t offer free consultations. While I understand this is a common practice for some clinicians, I find that the first session is the best space to begin exploring your needs and goals. If you decide to book an initial session, I’m happy to answer any questions and help you get a sense of whether we’re a good fit to work together. 
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      The duration of therapy depends on factors like your schedule, my availability, the nature of your challenges, and your engagement. Most clients complete their work in 12-16 weeks or through a 3-day intensive, though some may choose to continue addressing other concerns. My goal is to help you achieve your goals efficiently. 
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      My practice focuses on therapy, with informal assessments conducted to guide and tailor treatment for therapy clients. If you'd like to learn more about my approach to mental health, we can schedule an initial session to discuss how I can support you. Please note that I do not provide assessment reports for third-party reimbursement. However, if you're seeking support for a medical leave of absence, we'll need at least 4–6 sessions together to determine whether a leave is therapeutically appropriate. 
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      A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) typically focuses on providing talk therapy and emotional support for a range of mental health concerns, while a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych.) has broader training that includes both therapy and formal psychological assessment. Although RCCs and psychologists often treat similar issues, psychologists are more likely to work with complex cases due to their expertise in assessment and diagnosis. This allows them to identify nuanced cognitive, emotional, or behavioural patterns and tailor treatment with greater precision and effectiveness. 
 
                        