What if I have a crisis outside of session hours?

I understand that emotional crises don’t always follow a schedule, and I care deeply about your safety and well-being. While I am not a 24/7 crisis provider, there may be times when I am available to offer support outside of regular session hours.

If I am available to support you during an after-hours crisis, this time will be billed at my standard session rate of $3/minute of time spent reading and responding to your message(s).

Between-Session Text Support Policy

I understand that sometimes things come up between sessions, and I want to offer a space where you can reach out if you need to. I offer limited between-session support via text or secure messaging. Here’s how it works:

Response Time:

I typically respond within 24 hours during weekdays (usually within a few hours at most). Messages sent on weekends or holidays may be answered on the next business day.

Billing:

I only bill for the time I spend actively reading and responding to your message—not for the time between when you send a message and when I reply. These interactions are billed in brief increments depending on the length and depth of the response. If a message requires a more extensive therapeutic response, I’ll let you know and we can decide whether to address it in our next session or through a longer written reply.

If you’d prefer not to be billed for between-session communication, you’re always welcome to send brief updates to discuss at your next session, and I’ll respond during our scheduled time together.

Emergencies:

If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, or if I am not available when you need support, please call 911, 811, go to the nearest emergency room, or call one of the following 24-hour crisis services:

• Crisis Text Line (Canada-wide): Text CONNECT to 686868

• Vernon BC Crisis Line: 1-888-353-2273

• Suicide Prevention Line (Canada): 1-833-456-4566

These resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all Canadian residents.

Please reach out during our next session if you’d like to create a personalized safety and support plan together.

(The above resources are available for all Canadian residents)

You are also welcome to bring any intense experiences to our next session where we can process them safely together.

What if I’m struggling and need support between sessions?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed between sessions, you’re welcome to send a brief message or email. I will respond during regular hours when I’m available billed at my session rate if $3/minute to read and respond to your message(s). For longer or more in-depth support outside session time, we can schedule a check-in appointment, which will be billed at my usual session rate.

What happens if I reach out in a moment of crisis?

If you reach out during a crisis, I’ll do my best to respond as soon as I can. This time is also billed at $3/minute spent reading and responding or time talking to you on the phone. However, if the support needed exceeds what I can safely offer outside of session time, I may help coordinate additional resources to ensure you’re supported in the moment and beyond.

How do you handle confidentiality?

Your privacy is incredibly important to me. Everything you share is confidential except in cases where I am legally or ethically required to act, such as:

• If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else

• If there is a concern about abuse or neglect involving a child or vulnerable adult

• If required by court order

We’ll talk openly about any of these situations if they arise.