Welcome to Melinda Aspell, Registered Social Worker e-counselling. Your therapist and counsellor, Melinda Aspell, M.S.W., R.S.W., earned a Master of Social Work Degree with a specialization in Clinical Social Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland. They are a registered member of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (2588), the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (#831899), the Alberta College of Social Workers (#15939), and the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (#8972). They can also legally provide services to those located in the Yukon and Nunavut. Your counsellor is a member in good standing with their regulating College(s). 

I provide a range of counselling services to the public through professional referral and self-referral. I adhere to policies and procedures in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).

It is important to have your informed consent before beginning therapy and/or counselling. By reviewing and agreeing to the information presented below, you will be informed about the counselling process, personal information handling, client record management, electronic communication policy, financial agreement, and the risks-benefits of online-counselling. 

Informed consent for counselling services is critical for client self-determination. Consent must be given voluntarily and knowingly. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw informed consent at any time.

Counselling and Therapeutic Process

The goal of mental health services is to support individuals who are experiencing mental health issues and could benefit from counselling sessions conducted by trained mental health counsellors. The goal is to help you better cope with your challenges in order to achieve an optimal level of functioning and sense of wellbeing.

Different therapeutic methods can be used based on your individual needs. Your counsellor will work with you to establish a therapeutic plan and will take the time to help you understand the tools and strategies that will assist you in getting back to an optimal mental health state. 

These sessions will aim at: 

Identifying and addressing problematic symptoms you are experiencing.  Providing you with the tools and strategies that will help you manage and reduce your symptoms and regain a sense of wellbeing.  Recognizing issues that might be interfering with your goals and your ability to regain an optimal level of functioning. 

 

Therapy has both benefits and risks. It requires an investment of your time and energy in order to make the process of therapy most successful. Occasion1ally individuals may go through periods in therapy which result in emotional discomfort, changes in relationships or temporary worsening of their symptoms. This should subside as the work progresses. 

In addition, wellbeing and functioning are products of a wide-range of factors that may be outside the influence of counselling and/or therapy. For these reasons, the outcomes of counselling and/or therapy cannot be completely guaranteed. You will always retain the right to request changes in treatment or to refuse treatment at any time.

The benefits of counselling include but are not limited to personal growth through goal achievement, development of coping strategies, increased self awareness, and improvements in interpersonal relationships. 

Risks of counselling include but are not limited to recalling unpleasant events which may lead to strong and/or unexpected changes in feelings, thoughts, and mood. Your counsellor will work with you to minimize the risks of counselling and maximize the benefits of counselling; however, it is important that you are informed about the risks of counselling and/or therapy. 

Questions regarding your counsellor’s particular therapeutic approach and treatment plan are always welcome.

Emergency/Crisis Policy

Please note that my service does not provide emergency or crisis support. In the event of crisis, emergencies, or the need for immediate emotional support, please contact your local Mental Health Crisis line, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. I do not regularly check my email or voicemail, nor do I respond immediately, so these methods should not be used if there is an emergency.

Financial Agreement and Disclosure

In compliance with ethics and standards, it is required to disclose all billing and financial matters regarding your treatment. As a client of Melinda Aspell, Registered Social Worker, you understand:

If you need to contact your counsellor between sessions during the course of therapy, there will be no charge for administrative emails.

The cost of providing written reports to a third party will be negotiated prior to the report being prepared.

The services of a Registered Social Worker are not covered by provincial health plans, but are often partially or fully covered by extended insurance plans. Various plans differ when

covering counselling via a Registered Social Worker, so please contact your specific provider for coverage details and claim procedures. You are fully responsible for all aspects of extended health care, and/or forms of financial reimbursement made available to you. Some insurers require a formal referral from a physician in order to provide coverage. Please check with your plan.

Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding the financial aspect of your counselling services.

Self Payment

You are required to set-up the payment tool within the Inkblot online counselling platform by providing a valid credit card. 

At the end of each session, the Inkblot system will bill you at the agreed upon rate and issue a receipt. This receipt may also be used for insurance and/or income tax purposes, if necessary. 

The fee is set on a fee-for-service basis and a therapeutic hour is considered 50 minutes. You have the flexibility of scheduling either a 30, 60, or 90 minute session with your counsellor. With all these durations you will disconnect from the session for the last 10 minutes and this time will be used by your counsellor for administrative purposes related to your file.  For example, 30 minute sessions include 20 minutes with your counsellor and 10 minutes of administrative time.

Session fees are $150.00 per therapeutic hour and will be prorated for 30 and 90 minute sessions.

Third Party Payment (EAP/EFAP)

If you have been referred to Melinda Aspell, RSW by your EAP/EFAP, your session fees will be covered by the EAP/EFAP program as outlined in your specific contract. Please note that the number of sessions covered by EAP/EFAP varies. You will be responsible for all fees not covered by the referring agency, if applicable (i.e. late cancellation fees, missed appointments, completion of forms, etc). 

If you would like to continue services when your third party payment coverage comes to an end the following conditions will apply:

You will be required to add a valid credit card to your account on the Inkblot online counselling platform. At the end of each session, the Inkblot system will bill you at the agreed upon rate and issue a receipt. This receipt may also be used for insurance and/or income tax purposes, if you are eligible. 

The fee is set on a fee-for-service basis and a therapeutic hour is considered 50 minutes. You have the flexibility of scheduling either a 30, 60, or 90 minute session with your counsellor. With all these durations you will disconnect from the session for the last 10 minutes and this time will be used by your counsellor for administrative purposes related to your file.  For example, 30 minute sessions include 20 minutes with your counsellor and 10 minutes of administrative time.

Session fees are $150.00 per therapeutic hour and will be prorated for 30 and 90 minute sessions.

Cancellation Policy

On-time Cancellations (more than 24 hours notice)

You will not be charged for the appointment.

Late Cancellations (less than 24 hours notice)

You will be charged the full session fee, regardless of the booked session's duration. A receipt will be provided that states Late Cancellation. In the case of initial consultations, you cannot rebook your consultation, but you may continue to book a paid session.

Missed Sessions

You will be charged the full session fee, regardless of the booked session's duration. If you do not arrive within the first 15 minutes of the scheduled session time, you will be marked absent and charged for the session. A receipt will be provided that states Absent.

If you know you will be late or absent, please inform your counsellor as soon as possible via email or chat.  Please note that insurance companies may not reimburse for late cancellations or missed appointments.

Counsellor Cancellation

If your counsellor cancels your appointment, you are not charged for the appointment.

Confidentiality 

The content of all therapy sessions is considered to be strictly confidential. Both verbal information and written records about a client cannot be divulged by your counsellor to be shared with any other party without the written consent of the client or the client’s legal guardian. At any time, you have the right to withhold or withdraw consent, or place conditions on the disclosure of your information. My service is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information and has developed policies and procedures in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).

As per standards of the Social Work profession, the following information may be collected: name, address, email address, phone numbers, date of birth, other contact information, names and contact information of others who are significant to your situation (family members, physicians, and other professionals). 

Information may also be collected about work completed in therapy, any correspondence sent or received, any consents or other documents you have signed, copies of papers you have provided and other documentation particular to the nature of our involvement.

All of the information you share with your counsellor is strictly confidential and will only be accessible by your counsellor, except in the following circumstances: 

There is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself, others or the environment. This may include situations in which self-disclosed substance use can cause safety risks while working in a safety-sensitive position.  There is suspicion that a child/children, (governed under the age of protection in your province), or a vulnerable or elderly person has been or is being abandoned, abused or neglected.  You have provided to Melinda Aspell, RSW your consent, in writing through a signed Release of Information Form, to share with specified others, not already identified in this Informed Consent Form, information concerning your therapy.  Disclosure is required by law.  If I must defend a complaint filed with the your provincial regulating body or any other court action.

There may be times that your counsellor will seek supervision or consult with colleagues about their work. During this time your counsellor will attempt to maintain confidentiality by withholding your name or other identifying information.

I utilize Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) compliant electronic records for storing your information. Your file contains all the personal information about you and your situation with the exception of copies of billing information such as receipts and electronic payments. 

Your file is stored on highly secure encrypted devices. Any rough paper notes collected in session are shredded and disposed of after completing the electronic record. Your file is maintained according to regulations set by the social work profession and in accordance with other legal requirements. 

In the event of incapacity or death of your counsellor, a designated representative would have some access to your information in order to assist you in a transfer to another therapist or to maintain the file according to legal and regulatory standards. This person would also be required to adhere to the same professional standards as your counsellor.

I will ensure the security and preservation of your record for a period of 7 years after the last date of service provided. You have the right to request to see any personal information that I have collected about you or your situation. You have the right to review your clinical file. I will assist you to understand all of what has been written in your file. If you believe that some information about you is incorrect, you may request that the information be changed. We will then correct this information with any third parties who may have been given the wrong information. If you wish to view your file or if you have any concerns about the privacy of your information, please contact your counsellor.

Electronic Communication Policy

Many of these common modes of communication put your privacy at risk and can be inconsistent with the law and with the standards of my profession. Consequently, this policy has been prepared to assure the security and confidentiality of your treatment and to assure that it is consistent with ethics and the law. If you have any questions about this policy, please feel free to discuss this with me.

Email Communications

I use email communication only with your permission and only for administrative purposes unless we have made another agreement. That means that email exchanges should be limited to things like setting and changing appointments, billing matters and other related issues. Please do not email me about clinical matters because email is not a secure way to contact me. If you need to discuss a clinical matter with me, please feel free to email me to set-up an earlier appointment, I will attempt to respond within 24 hours except on weekends or holidays. If you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to return your message, contact your family physician or the nearest emergency room (please review the emergency/crisis policy above). If I will be unavailable for an extended time, I will provide you with the name of a colleague/organization to contact in my absence, if necessary.

Text Messaging

Regular text messaging is a very unsecured mode of communication. I do not text

message to nor do I respond to text messages from anyone in treatment with me.

Inkblot Messaging

This is the preferred method of communication as it is a secure mode of communication.  However, this is not constantly monitored. I will attempt to respond to all messages within 24 hours, except on weekends or holidays. Again, if you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to return your message, contact your family physician or the nearest emergency room (please review the emergency/crisis policy above). If I will be unavailable for an extended time, I will provide you with the name of a colleague/organization to contact in my absence, if necessary.

Social Media

I do not communicate with, or contact, any of my clients through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. In addition, if I discover that I have accidentally established an online relationship with you, I will cancel that relationship. This is because these types of casual social contacts can create significant security risks for you. I participate on various social networks, but not in my professional capacity. If you have an online presence, there is a possibility that you may encounter me by accident. If that occurs, please discuss it with me during our time together. I believe that any communications with clients online have a high potential to compromise the professional relationship. In addition, please do not try to contact me in this way. I will not respond and will terminate any online contact no matter how accidental.

Websites

I have a website that you are free to access. I use it for professional reasons to provide information to others about me and my practice. You are welcome to access and review the information that I have on my website and, if you have questions about it, we should discuss this during your therapy sessions.

Web Searches

I will not use web searches to gather information about you without your permission. I believe that this violates your privacy rights; however, I understand that you might choose to gather information about me in this way. In this day and age there is an incredible amount of information available about individuals on the internet, much of which may actually be known to that person and some of which may be inaccurate or unknown. If you encounter any information about me through web searches, or in any other fashion for that matter, please discuss this with me during our time together so that we can deal with it and its potential impact on your treatment.

Recently it has become common for clients to review their health care provider on various websites. Unfortunately, mental health professionals cannot respond to such comments and related errors because of confidentiality restrictions. If you encounter such reviews of me please share it with me so we can discuss it and its potential impact on your therapy. Please do not rate my work with you while we are in treatment together on any of these websites. This is because it has a significant potential to damage our ability to work together and my professional organization does not allow for testimonials from clients.

Online Counselling Informed Consent

I have been highly selective in choosing Inkblot as a private and confidential video conferencing, telephone, and chat/text service. It has an encrypted connection and is both PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant. 

Video sessions on Inkblot are not recorded or stored on any server and do not go through Inkblot servers in any way. A military-grade encrypted link for your session is made directly between you and your therapist, which bypasses Inkblot servers.

Personal information, such as your name, address, and any of your therapist’s notes and documents, including messages/texts sent within the Inkblot platform, are stored on a dedicated server with its own protected network located in Canada. This data is encrypted at the highest possible level, and the server is audited regularly to ensure it meets the highest standards of best security practices (SOC 2 certified).

The Inkblot team does not have access to your sessions. They only see information needed for administering the site. This basic level of information is only accessible to a few employees, and their access is regularly audited to ensure security and appropriateness.

Benefits and Risks of Online counselling

It is important that you are aware of the unique benefits and risks of online counselling and/or therapy. Please read this carefully and let me know if you have any questions. When you sign this document, it will represent an agreement between us.

Online counselling refers to providing counselling and/or therapy services remotely using telecommunications technologies. One of the benefits of online counselling is that the client and clinician can engage in services without being in the same physical location. The benefits of online counselling is the removal of distance barrier, convenient scheduling, increased access to services, enhanced privacy, increased convenience and it takes less time than visiting a physical location. It can also be helpful in ensuring continuity of care if the client or clinician moves to a different location.

Online counselling, however, requires technical competence on both our parts to be helpful. Although there are benefits of online counselling, there are some differences between in-person therapy and online counselling, as well as some risks. For example:

Risks to confidentiality. Because online counselling sessions take place outside of the therapist’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear sessions if you are not in a private place during the session. On my end I will take reasonable steps to ensure your privacy. But it is important for you to make sure you find a private place for our session where you will not be interrupted. It is also important for you to protect the privacy of our session on your cell phone or other device. You should participate in therapy only while in a room or area where other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation. Issues related to technology. There are many ways that technology issues might impact online counselling. For example, technology may stop working during a session, other people might be able to get access to our private conversation, or stored data could be accessed by unauthorized people or companies. Additionally, you may have to have certain computer or cell phone systems to use online counselling services. You are solely responsible for any cost to you to obtain any necessary equipment, accessories, or software to take part in online counselling. Crisis management and intervention. Usually, I will not engage in online counselling with clients who are currently in a crisis situation requiring high levels of support and intervention. Before engaging in online counselling, please review the emergency/crisis policy. Efficacy. Most research shows that online counselling is as effective as in-person psychotherapy. However, some therapists believe that something is lost by not being in the same room. For example, there is debate about a therapist’s ability to fully understand non-verbal information when working remotely.

Online Confidentiality

I have a legal and ethical responsibility to make my best efforts to protect all communications that are a part of our online counselling. However, the nature of electronic communications technologies is such that I cannot guarantee that our communications will be kept confidential or that other people may not gain access to our communications. I will try to use updated encryption methods, firewalls, and back-up systems to help keep your information private, but there is a risk that our electronic communications may be compromised, unsecured, or accessed by others. You should also take reasonable steps to ensure the security of our communications (for example, only using secure networks for online counselling sessions and having passwords to protect the device you use for online counselling). The extent of confidentiality and the exceptions to confidentiality that were outlined for in-person counselling still apply in online counselling. Please let me know if you have any questions about exceptions to confidentiality.

Appropriateness of Online counselling

I will let you know if I decide that online counselling is no longer the most appropriate form of treatment for you. We will discuss options of engaging in in-person counselling or referrals to another professional in your location who can provide appropriate services.

Emergencies and Technology

Assessing and evaluating threats and other emergencies can be more difficult when conducting online counselling than in traditional in-person therapy. To address some of these difficulties, you will be asked to identify an emergency contact person who is near your location and that can be contacted in the event of a crisis or emergency to assist in addressing the situation.

If the session is interrupted for any reason, such as the technological connection fails, and you are having an emergency, do not call me back; instead, call 911, a Distress Centre, or go to your nearest emergency room. Contact me after you have called or obtained emergency services.

If the session is interrupted and you are not having an emergency, refresh the session and I will wait five (5) minutes for you to rejoin. If we are unable to rejoin the session I will message you via the online counselling platform on which we agreed to conduct therapy. If you do not receive a message within five (5) minutes, then email me and we will make appropriate arrangements.

If there is a technological failure and we are unable to resume the connection, you will only be charged the prorated amount of actual session time.

Payment for Online Services

The same fee rates will apply for online counselling as apply for in-person counselling and/or therapy. However, insurance or other managed care providers may not cover sessions that are conducted via telecommunication. If your insurance, HMO, third-party payor, or other managed care provider does not cover electronic therapy sessions, you will be solely responsible for the entire fee of the session. Please contact your insurance company prior to our engaging in online counselling sessions in order to determine whether these sessions will be covered.

All payments for online services are processed through Inkblot. Prior to scheduling a session you will be required to have a valid credit card on your file. Once a session is completed you will be billed by Inkblot for the session fee. Inkblot does not store your financial information on their server. A highly secure platform called Stripe (which is similar to PayPal) handles all billing and financial transactions for Inkblot.

Online Recording

The online counselling sessions shall not be recorded in any way unless agreed to in writing by mutual consent. I will maintain a record of our session in the same way I maintain records of in-person sessions in accordance with my policies.

E-mail Consent Form

I understand that Melinda Aspell, Registered Social Worker, will occasionally send and receive e-mail from clients. I understand that I, as the client, am solely responsible for the security of e-mails I send and receive, also that Melinda Aspell is not responsible for a breach of privacy, confidentiality or security of emails I send and receive.

Termination of Services

Termination of services will occur when one or more of the following occur;

agreed upon goals have been reached, a previously agreed upon time for working together has ended, when these services are no longer required or no longer meet your needs, you seek termination, transfer or referral, if any factor, condition or pressure is identified that affects your therapist’s ability to practice adequately and competently.

Statement of Informed Consent

I have read and fully understand the information contained in this document. Any and all questions I have regarding the contents of this document have been answered to my satisfaction and I would like to proceed with individual counselling.

I also understand and agree to the risks to confidentiality that may be caused by having remote online video, telephone, or e-counselling psychotherapy sessions. 

I agree to be physically located within one of the following provinces or territories when services occur; Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut. 

By signing this Informed Consent Form, I acknowledge that I am attending counselling sessions of my own accord and that I understand that I am free to end the therapy anytime I wish. 

By signing this Informed Consent Form, I understand all of the information contained in this Informed Consent Form and accept it as the terms and conditions of my participation in counselling sessions.