Our priority is your Child
Mountain Ridge Psychology works on the principles of hard work, integrity, professionalism and honesty to offer the best possible service to children, families, and their support networks. The work carried out by a psychologist extends well past the time actually spent in face to face contact with the child and family. Mountain Ridge Psychology strives to complete reports in a timely fashion, usually within 4 weeks of the last assessment visit. We believe in transparency in our services, so our rates our posted on our website. We also do our best to accommodate families who require services, but have financial constraints.
Therapy Services
Mountain Ridge Psychology charges fees that are fair and competitive, at rates at or below the recommended fee schedule of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA). Hourly rates are typically charged for therapy and treatment services or brief consultations. At this time, the fee for a 50-minute therapy session is $185. Please note that no written report is included in the fee for therapy, treatment or brief consultations. Requests for written reports will be discussed with families prior to initiating the report to determine the intended purpose and recipients of the report and a fee will be set. The fee is usually based on the number of hours required to write the report at a rate of $185 per hour. The College of Psychologists of BC sets minimum standards for what has to be contained in a psychological report. As such, if a full report is requested, Mountain Ridge Psychology may be required to conduct a complete assessment which includes a full report and recommendations (see below).
Assessments – Psychological/Psycho-Educational
For detailed assessments, a standard fee is charged for the entire service. Variables such as the age of the child and the complexity of the presenting problem may affect the standard fee, but this would be discussed during the initial consult stage. The current fee for a psychological assessment will range in price, depending on the specifics of the assessment query and the comprehensiveness of the evaluation sought. However, on average, you can expect to pay approximately $1950.00 for a psychological assessment. The rate will include an initial consultation meeting, consultation with schools, a feedback meeting, scoring and report writing. Assessment usually occurs over the course of two days, depending on the age and unique processing skills of each child.
Assessments – Autism Spectrum Disorders
Children who are being assessed for suspected autism spectrum disorder, should undergo a complete psychological/psychoeducational assessment (see above). In addition, they must undergo an autism specific assessment which includes administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), as per BCAAN standards. Children aged 6 and over should undergo both an autism specific diagnostic assessment and a complete psychological assessment for a total fee of $2,500.00.
Payment for Psychological Services
In British Columbia, fees for psychological services are not yet covered by the government Medical Services Plan.
Many employee extended health benefits plans (e.g. Pacific Blue Cross) cover a portion of psychological services. Because the amount of coverage varies widely from plan to plan, it is recommended that you check your coverage documents under “psychological services”, “paramedical” or “other medical” expenses. Psychological fees also qualify to be deducted as a medical expense on your personal income tax return.
Payment Schedule
Mountain Ridge Psychology will review details about payment with you prior to beginning any assessment or therapy. Fees for services are collected at the beginning of each hourly session, or assessment visit. Following your appointment, you will be provided with a receipt of payment which will include the psychologist’s registration number and credentials. The information provided is typically sufficient to meet the requirements of other organizations, including extended health benefits providers. However, should your provider require any unique information, please inform us and we will be pleased to provide the needed documentation. Please prepare your finances in advance, as it is terribly uncomfortable to pester families/individuals for unpaid fees.
For individuals with extended health benefits plans, it is the responsibility of the client to pay Mountain Ridge Psychology directly for services and then submit claims for reimbursement to the insurance company themselves.
Cancellation Policy
Mountain Ridge Psychology often has to travel in order to attend appointments, so please give our office as much notice as possible if you are unable to make your appointment. Of course, we will always give special consideration on a case by case basis. A fee for cancelling an appointment within 24 hours may be applied.
Method of Payment
Payment is accepted in cash, check, and Email Money Transfer.
Doctor Referral
A letter of referral from your family doctor is not necessary to obtain psychological services. Families may self-refer by contacting the office by email at: dpalmer@mountainridgepsychology.com .
Mountain Ridge Psychology, Box 1297 Rossland BC, V0G1Y0.