All hours are offered in Mountain Standard Time Zone Monday/Tuesday 11:30 to 7:30 MST Wednesday/Thursday 9:30 to 5:30 MST *At this time we are unable to offer weekend availability. I'm often not immediately available; however, I will respond to you within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. *Note- business hours are adjusted in accordance with the specific time zone where the client resides.

Information that is shared during sessions is private and confidential. We do not release information about you or your adolescent to anyone without your written consent. However, there are three exceptions when we would have to break confidentiality: If clients share information that leads us to believe that they or another person is at imminent risk of serious harm; If clients share information that leads us to believe that a child (17 and under) or dependent adult is being abused or neglected; If clients become involved in a court case and therapy records are subpoenaed by a court of law. For children under 18 years of age, their legal guardians have the right to information that is being discussed in session. If parents/legal guardians would like us to share information about sessions with other professionals, we require a written release of information from all legal guardians.

You may notice that therapy is working when you notice progress toward your goals, improved emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and feel supported by your therapist. At the beginning of therapy, you and your therapist will likely set some goals (e.g., reducing anxiety, improving relationships, managing depression). Then, together, you both will regularly assess whether you're making progress toward these goals with questions, such as Are you noticing changes in your behavior, thoughts, or emotions?”, “Are you handling stress better?”, “Are your relationships improving?”, “Do you find it easier to manage emotions or challenging situations?”. Also, actively engaging in sessions and applying what you learn can enhance the process. Progress may take time, so be patient and open to discussing your concerns or feedback with your therapist.

Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Social Workers are all regulated titles; only those who meet the requirements and are registered with their regulatory body can use these titles. Master’s in Social Workers (MSW) have a minimum of a masters degree in Social Work and have completed additional supervised practice. Whereas, a Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) have additional education, training, clinical supervision and have completed entrance exams. Psychologists have a minimum of a masters degree in psychology and have completed additional supervised practice and entrance exams. Psychologists may provide psychological testing or counselling services (or both). Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed additional training in psychiatry. Some Psychiatrists may provide counselling services but most tend to focus on medication regulation. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

Austin Counselling (Natalya Austin) is registered in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. In person sessions are offered in Airdrie, Alberta, while video sessions are offered in all of the noted Provinces above.

Counsellor, therapist, and coach are general terms and are not regulated by legislation. In other words, anyone can use these terms to refer to themselves regardless of education or training. Natalya is Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). The title of RCSW is a protected title under the Mental Health Act, and requires post secondary education, practice hours, clinical supervision, along with a comprehensive, competency-based exam developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Natalya will often refer to herself as a counsellor or therapist when looking for a general term for the work she offers.

The type of professional you choose to work with will be influenced by your personal preferences and needs. However, I encourage people to always make sure any mental health professional you work with is registered with a regulatory body. Regulatory bodies: Recognizes the profession (Social Worker, Psychology) with the mental health act or other associated provincial or federal legislation. Ensure the professional's education and training meet minimal requirements. Have codes of ethics and conduct along with standards of practice that members must abide by. Are a space for you, the client, to voice any ethical concerns around a professional's conduct.

Yes. Just click the book now button and you will be redirected to the Austin Counselling booking system. You can also email Austin Counselling at austincounsellingservices@gmail.com or use the Contact Us button on the website to have a more direct and interactive experience with your therapist when booking your consultation.

Most therapy sessions are around 50-60 minutes long. Some sessions may be booked for longer periods of time, such as 90min. Sessions longer than 60 min can be discussed directly with your therapist.

The number of sessions is difficult to predict as it depends on the issues you bring. Many clients are able to meet their goals in 8-12 sessions (some will meet their goals in fewer sessions, and some need more). Some clients also choose to make therapy part of a longer-term coping and wellness plan. The frequency of sessions also varies. Generally, we will likely meet more frequently in the beginning (every 1-2 weeks) and then space out sessions as we progress. We will have an open dialogue about the frequency and amount of sessions.

Austin Counselling uses Owl Practice for all its video sessions. Owl Video Therapy complies with global data security standards, including PHIPA, PIPEDA, and HIA in Canada. Every Video Therapy session is encrypted, guaranteeing secure communication between you and your therapist.

Yes! We offer in person sessions at Unit 4, 118 Main Street Airdrie, Alberta. In person sessions are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. You can find us in the McKee building on main street, on the side of the street where RBC is. We share the second floor with GP Law.

Our Video Therapy feature is compatible across devices like laptops, smartphones and tablets. Enjoy a seamless call experience, no matter where you are.

Our first session will lay the foundation for our work together by going over paperwork and hearing your story. We will go over consent for counselling and discuss important details such as confidentiality. I will do a little bit of history taking (personal history and family history). Then I will ask you to share your story about why you are seeking counselling. We will discuss your struggles and your hopes for counselling. I will share some ways counselling might be helpful for you and we will collaborate on setting goals and a game plan for our work together.

After your initial session, ongoing booking of sessions will be done with you and your therapist.

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another client. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee ($215). Clients who fail to show up for a scheduled appointment (“no show”) are billed for the full cost of their scheduled session. Receipts will be marked “Late Cancallation” or “No Show” depending on the situation. There are a range of valid reasons for cancelling an appointment. In order to be consistent with all clients, we know that emergencies can occur. If an emergency impacts your scheduled session, please reach out to your counsellor as soon as possible to discuss rebooking. Cancellation fees will only be waived in the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent professional treatment, a death in the family or a natural disaster. You can email austincounsellingservices@gmail.com regarding scheduling conflicts.

Mastercard, Visa, Amex, E-Transfer, Cash Payment methods can be added by the client in their Client Portal provided by Owl Practice. With Owl Practice’s integrated payments system, your credit card information is kept with the highest level of security. Owl’s Level 1 PCI compliance protects your credit card data safe against third-party interception and fraud.

Session fees are $215 per hour. Did you know - on January 1, 2025 the Psychologist Association of Alberta revised their Recommended Fee Schedule that now indicates a rate of $235 for individual counselling. Did you know- Social Workers are recognized by Canada Revenue Agency as an approved medical expense for tax purposes.

Absolutely! There is free parking on main street. There is parking (and access to the building) via the back of the building. There is a paved parking lot as part of the McKee building. There is additional parking to the left and right of the building as well.

Yes we do! Below is a list of service providers we can direct bill to: Alberta Blue Cross Desjardins Greenshield Manulife Canada Life Equitable Life People Corporation *Don't see your insurance provider? Please email us at austincounsellingservices@gmail.com to find out if your insurance is approved. NOTE: It is also important to check with your insurance company to confirm that one, your plan covers service by a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW), with a MSW degree; secondly that your plan offers direct billing; and last but not least, to confirm that amount per session that is covered by your plan. Any balance owing (co-pay) after direct billing will have to be paid by the client at the end each session.

Clinical Supervision of Record for ACSW for approved social workers for clinical registry in Alberta: $200 per hour Clinical Supervision provided to social workers for restricted psycho-social intervention status for ACSW: $200 per hour Good Practice Supervision provided to registered social workers and psychologists or other full registered mental health professionals: $150 per hour External Supervision provided to internship students: $125 per hour Good Practice General Consultation to registered social workers and psychologists, other full registered mental health professionals: $80 per hour.