STACEY COOK

Come a few minutes early to your first appointment. This will allow you time to park and to feel comfortable with your surroundings. Parking is available in front of or behind the building.

Sessions are 50 minutes in length, which is standard practice.

I will ask you questions about yourself, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you are hoping counselling can help you with. It is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions about our experience, our possible approach in helping you and any other questions you may have. This first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin to formulate a plan for moving forward in addressing your particular circumstances.

Our session fees align with what is suggested by the Ontario Association of Social Workers at $175 per session. Please check with your Extended Health Benefits to determine if you have partial or full coverage.

Payment is required at the beginning of each session. Payment is made by credit card or email transfer. Please contact us at email info@cwtherapy.ca to discuss the current rates.

If you must change or cancel an appointment please notify me as soon as possible. The cancellation policy requires at least 24 hours notice otherwise you will be billed for the full session. Occasionally, exceptions may be made if there is a family emergency or illness. In such situations we can discuss the possibility of waiving the session fee.

Many insurance companies cover the cost of treatment with Registered Social Workers. Some benefit plans provide coverage up to a specific dollar amount per year while others pay a percentage towards each visit. It is up to you to explore your insurance coverage. It is also possible to claim Social Work and Psychotherapist fees as a medical expense on your Canada Revenue Tax Return if your medical expenses are over a specific amount during the tax year. I will provide you with a receipt with my name, designation and registration number that you can submit to your insurance company or use for your income tax purposes.

Go to your nearest emergency department. In Burlington it is Joseph Brant Hospital at 1230 North Shore Boulevard: 905-632-3737.

The following organizations offer 24 hour crisis support by phone:

• COAST Halton 1-877-825-9011

• COAST Hamilton Crisis Line 905-972-8338

• Suicide Prevention Hotline 905-522-1477

• SAVIS Sexual Assault Centre 905-875-1555

• Halton Women's Place 905-332-7892

• Barrett Centre for Crisis Support 905-529-7878

• Salvation Army Suicide Crisis Line 905-522-1477