Counselling Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before reaching out - fees, insurance, what to expect, and how to get started

I'm interested in getting help. What's the next step?

The best first step is to book a free 15-minute video consultation via the online booking portal. This is a no-obligation call to discuss your needs, ask any questions, and see if we're a good fit — before committing to anything.You're also welcome to reach out directly by emailing kiran@sunraycounselling.com or calling 431-814-1492. A response within 24 hours is typical.

What is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)?

An RCSW (Registered Clinical Social Worker) is a distinct and specialized registration classification with the BC College of Social Workers. Achieving this designation requires:

Specialized coursework in counselling and mental health
3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience
Professional references
Successful passage of the ASWB Board Clinical Exam

RCSWs in BC are authorized to use the DSM-V for clinical assessment. This designation is recognized by most extended health insurance plans for direct billing purposes.

What can I expect from the first session?

After the free consultation, the first full session is an intake and assessment. This is a longer session (75 minutes, or 90 minutes for family intakes) where we explore your background, goals, and what’s brought you in. For children, this may involve separate time with parents and the child. By the end, we’ll have a clear understanding of your needs and a collaborative plan for moving forward.

Are virtual sessions available?

Yes — virtual sessions are available for teen girl counselling, parent counselling, and family therapy via a secure, confidential video platform. As a registered social worker, Kiran is able to provide virtual services to clients located in British Columbia and Ontario, and clients must be physically located in one of these provinces at the time of receiving services. Play therapy is offered in-person only, as the physical environment and materials are essential to the therapeutic process for this service type.

Where are in-person sessions held?

In-person sessions are held at the Victoria, BC office, located at:
Suite 550 – 2950 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC

The office is accessible and located in central Victoria. Please contact us if you have any accessibility requirements.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on the individual, the presenting concerns, and the type of service. Some people see meaningful change in 6–10 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. Progress and session frequency are reviewed collaboratively throughout — there's no fixed program and no pressure. You set the pace. Regular attendance is important to making gains.

What is the cancellation policy?

A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for any cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before a scheduled session will incur the full session fee, except in genuine emergencies or exceptional circumstances (at Kiran's discretion).

Please contact us as early as possible if you need to reschedule.

What are the session fees?

Service	Duration	Fee
Assessment
Initial Intake Assessment	75 min	$200
Family Intake Assessment	90 min	$240
Individual Services
Play Therapy	60 min	$160
Parent-child Play Therapy	60 min	$160
Teen Girl Counselling	60 min	$160
Parent Counselling	30 min	$80
Parent Counselling	60 min	$160
Family
Family Therapy	60 min	$160
Family Therapy	75 min	$200

Payment is due at the time of each session. Accepted payment methods:

💳 Visa💳 Mastercard📧 E-transfer🏦 EFT

Cash is not accepted.

Do you accept insurance and extended health benefits?

Yes — services from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) are covered by many extended health plans. Direct billing is available through Sunlife, Greenshield, and Telus e-claims for over 28 insurance providers, including:

Alberta Blue Cross

Beneva (SSQ)

Canada Life

Chambers of Commerce

ClaimSecure

Cowan

Desjardins

First Canadian

GroupHEALTH

GroupSource

GreenShield Canada

Industrial Alliance

Johnson Inc.

Johnston Group

LiUNA

Manulife

Maximum Benefit

Medavie Blue Cross

PDAP

People Corporation

RWAM Insurance

Sun Life Financial

Telus AjudiClaim

UV Insurance

Additional accepted programs:

BlueCross Medavie — including VAC, CAF, RCMP, and IFHP
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) — approved provider
Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP)

Please contact us to confirm coverage under your specific plan before your first session.

Is the free 15-minute consultation really free?

Yes — completely. The 15-minute consultation is a no-charge, no-obligation video call. There's no commitment to book a session afterwards. It's simply a chance to connect, ask questions, and decide together whether it's the right fit.

Need Urgent or Crisis Support

Sunray Child and Family Counselling does not provide crisis or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact one of the following services immediately.