Frequently Asked Questions

When we connect on a virtual platform, it allows us to meet face-to-face by video, in the comfort of your own home or preferred location. I will provide you with a link to enter the secure, online video Google Meet platform for our designated meeting time. The Google Meet platform is PHIPA compliant. It's good practice to test your device ahead of time to make sure the audio and video settings work, and that you have a strong internet connection, so we can utilize our time effectively. 

I will meet you online in my private office space and use head phones to maintain confidentiality. You will be responsible for your space, wherever you choose to take the virtual session to ensure it's a private space you feel comfortable talking. There is always the potential risk for video sessions, which you can find more information in the informed consent agreement.   

Some clients choose to meet online from home, walking or sitting inside a parked vehicle for privacy. Ensuring a quiet and safe space will support you, in getting the most out of our time together. Sometimes, technology glitches or fails completely. In this case I will follow-up with you by phone. 

There are no commitments apart from the appointment you book. I provide single session therapy using Solution Focused Brief Therapy, which means each conversation we have has the potential to make a desired difference in your life. This means you decide when and how often we meet. I am happy to support you through the decision process, if you would find that helpful. 

"...Despite traditional theoretical biases..., evidence shows that there is no established direct correlation between the severity and duration of a problem and the duration of effective treatment... Current research does not support... that success should be equated with the length of therapy rather than the quality of therapy..." More details on this can be found here, if you are interested. 

You can choose to schedule a follow-up appointment with me at the end of our session, or you can book through email or text or online at your convenience, when you would find it useful to meet again. Please note you will be able to reschedule with a quick email or text, I just ask that you reschedule as soon as possible or that you give at least 24 hours notice to respect the chance for others to access the time slot and/or to respect my family time. Thank you!

Brief within Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) refers to 'therapy does not last one session longer than the client thinks is needed in order to achieve their desired outcome.'

Full payment is required at the end of each scheduled appointment by secure e-transfer to deb@bushrn.com or credit or debit card.  A receipt will be provided through email once payment is received. Please see 'Informed Consent Agreement' for more details. 

If you do not have insurance remember to keep your receipt, as this service may be able to be claimed as a medical expense claim on your income tax return. Please discuss further with your accountant.

Private psychotherapy can be covered under extended health care benefit plans. Review your plan or contact your insurance company or employer to inquire about your specific plan. Review or inquire whether psychotherapy with a registered nurse is covered. If you have a 'Health Spending Account' as part of your benefits, you may be able to claim through there. 

Some insurance companies may only cover counselling or psychotherapy if provided by a Psychologist or Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) or Occupational Therapist. Many insurance companies and employers are covering Registered Nurse Psychotherapists (eg Greenshield, RNAO, NIHB, Nexgen, Desjardin, Empire Life, RTIP, Coughlin, myHSA, VAC, OTIP, Manulife...) However it's important to know if your plan covers you for a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and for how much. Advocacy efforts are underway to ensure access to coverage for all. Should you learn you are not covered for my services, please email me and let me know. I have a letter that can be sent to help advocate for coverage.

Once you have paid for your session, you will be provide with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company if you have insurance or if you are paying out of pocket to keep so you may be able to claim as a medical expense claim on your income tax return.

If you are not sure whether my services are covered after reviewing your plan, please ask me for a quote you can submit to your insurance company to confirm whether my services are covered before starting therapy. 

Yes, I am a service provider for NIHB. I will need your full name, client identification number, band and family number and your date of birth to process your claim. A prior approval request will be made. Any further questions, please ask. More information can be found here.   

Yes, I am a service provider for Medavie Blue Cross for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). A prior approval request will be required. I will need your full name, client identification number and your date of birth to process your claim.  Any further questions, please ask. More information can be found here.   

Yes, I can provide psychotherapy to anyone living in Ontario. My license is with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), which authorizes me to practice in this province. The CNO is one of the 6 colleges whose members are able to independently initiate and provide the controlled act of psychotherapy. 

Electronic communication is used for asking general questions and scheduling appointments  for protection of your personal health information. Please do not share personal health information or details through email. 

Due to the nature of digital technology, the complete security and privacy of e-communications cannot be guaranteed as information may be intercepted, lost, corrupted, or infected, or someone may access your computer or mobile phone. I use an encrypted software that is assigned to the Google Workspace platform.  Please see Google’s statement about their compliance with the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act . You can read more about this in the Informed Consent Agreement.