FAQs

You Ask - I Answer

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

No. You can self-refer by contacting Dr. Goertzen directly. For more information or for help clarifying what your child needs, please feel free to book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Goertzen here.

ARE A PSYCHOLOGIST'S FEES COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Extended health benefits often provide some coverage for psychological services. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine how much coverage you have per year. Dr. Goertzen is set up for direct billing through Medavie Blue Cross. For all other insurance providers, a receipt will be provided after payment is received, which can be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement.

WHAT ARE DR. GOERTZEN'S FEES?

In line with the BC Psychological Association's fee recommendations, Dr. Goertzen charges $225 per hour up to a maximum flat rate per assessment (see Services & Fees page for those flat rates). Payment is made after the completion of the assessment and before the report is released.

WHAT IS DR. GOERTZEN'S CANCELLATION POLICY?

Dr. Goertzen has a 48-hour (2 business day) cancellation policy. If you cancel 48 hours before your appointment (excluding weekends and stat holidays), you will not be charged. If you cancel within the 48 hour window or do not show up for your appointment, a cancellation fee will be charged. All clients are required to provide a credit card for their file at the time of booking.

HOW LONG DOES AN ASSESSMENT TAKE? WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The duration of the assessment will vary, depending on your child's needs, your questions, and your concerns. Each assessment will be broken into three phases: The parent interview; the assessment with you and your child, and a feedback session. Children will work directly with Dr. Goertzen and parents will complete questionnaires. Dr. Goertzen may ask that your child's teacher complete questionnaires and that you bring your child's school records. Each assessment will also include a succinct, user-friendly report that you can keep. Your child's assessment will be discussed and individually tailored during the parent interview (which can be completed over the phone, video conference, or in person), but Dr. Goertzen generally recommends clients plan to spend the entire day with her.

It is imperative that you bring your child's glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices to the assessment. You can also bring food and water for your child. If your child is prescribed medication, please administer these as prescribed on the day of the assessment.

Most children enjoy the assessment process and Dr. Goertzen is careful to pace each assessment to best meet your child's needs.