Your first therapy session is a gentle introduction to working together. We’ll begin by reviewing consent, answering any questions you may have, and making sure you feel informed about how therapy works and what to expect moving forward.

This initial session is also a time for us to get to know you more fully — your concerns, goals, strengths, and the context you’re living in. It may feel a bit like a conversation with thoughtful questions, as we take time to understand what brings you to therapy and what support might feel most helpful.

By the end of the session, we’ll share our initial reflections, talk through possible next steps, and discuss how therapy could support you going forward. Together, we’ll consider pacing, frequency of sessions, and begin shaping goals that feel realistic, supportive, and aligned with what matters most to you.

The length of therapy looks different for everyone. Some people come with a specific concern they’d like support with, while others are navigating longer-standing patterns, life transitions, or layered experiences that benefit from more time and care.

Research suggests that many people begin to notice meaningful changes within the first several months of therapy, though this can vary depending on your goals, circumstances, and the kinds of support you’re seeking. Some concerns may feel resolved in a shorter period, while deeper or more complex experiences often unfold gradually.

We approach therapy as a collaborative process. Along the way, we’ll check in together about what’s feeling helpful, what’s changing, and how often it feels supportive to meet. We’ll also talk openly about pacing and timing, including when it might feel right to pause or conclude therapy.

Our intention is not to rush the process, but to support care that feels steady, meaningful, and sustainable over time.

How often you attend therapy depends on your needs, goals, and the kind of support you’re seeking. Different approaches — and different life circumstances — benefit from different rhythms.

When starting therapy, some people find that meeting weekly or bi-weekly helps create a sense of steadiness and momentum. This can be especially supportive when you’re navigating something new, challenging, or emotionally heavy. Over time, we’ll check in together and adjust the pace based on what’s feeling helpful and sustainable for you.

As things begin to feel more settled, you may choose to space sessions further apart or move to occasional check-ins. There is no single “right” frequency. We approach scheduling as a collaborative process that adapts as your needs and capacity change.

Appointment lengths vary depending on the type of service and your needs. At Everwell Psychology, most individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length. Intake sessions and other services may be longer to allow enough time for a thorough and supportive conversation.

We aim to structure sessions in a way that feels spacious and respectful of your time, while also supporting meaningful work together. If you feel that a longer or shorter session length would be more helpful for you, we welcome you to reach out so we can discuss available options.

Our fees vary depending on the type of service and the clinician you’re working with. Current rates are listed on our Meet the Team page and are also visible when booking through our Jane booking site, so you can review this information before scheduling.

Payment is due following your session. We accept payment by credit card and e-transfer. If you choose to pay by e-transfer, payment must be sent prior to your session.

If you have questions about fees, insurance coverage, or payment options, we’re happy to help clarify what to expect so there are no surprises.

Booking an appointment is easy. Use the Contact page on the website, email, or call directly to schedule your session.

You can easily add yourself to the waitlist when you click to book an appointment from the website. There is a prompt in the bottom left corner that says “Can't find a time? Add yourself to Dr. Danielle Sarah McPhail's wait list.” Click on that prompt and add yourself to the days and times when you are available. If a cancellation occurs, we will reach out to you to offer the appointment day and time.

At Everwell Psychology, we offer virtual therapy because research shows it is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns. Virtual therapy also provides the flexibility for clients to engage in sessions from spaces where they feel most comfortable, safe, and supported, whether that’s at home, in a private office, or another familiar environment. This approach removes the barriers of travel and location, making therapy more accessible and convenient for clients while still delivering the same high-quality care.

A virtual therapy session is conducted securely online or over the phone. For a video session, you will receive a secure link via email to join. For a phone session, the clinician will call you at the time of your appointment. Make sure that you set yourself up in a private and safe space, bringing anything cozy and comforting with you to have during the session. Some water, tea, or a cozy blanket can be nurturing options.

Virtual therapy sessions are held through Jane, our secure and confidential telehealth platform. Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive a welcome email with clear instructions on how to access your Jane account and join your session.

We recommend attending virtual sessions from a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable and supported. Using headphones can help protect your privacy and create a more contained, focused experience.

If you have any questions about accessing the platform or preparing for an online session, we’re always happy to help you feel ready and at ease before your appointment.

Many extended health benefits plans include coverage for psychological services. Sessions with our Registered Psychologists and Psychotherapists are often covered by providers such as Canada Life, Manulife, Blue Cross, and Sun Life, though coverage varies depending on your specific plan.

Before your first appointment, we recommend contacting your employer or benefits provider to better understand your coverage. This can help you feel clear and prepared about what to expect.

Helpful questions to ask your insurance provider include:

• Does my extended health plan include mental health benefits?

• Which types of providers are covered (for example, Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Psychotherapists, or Canadian Certified Counsellors)?

• Is there a deductible or a maximum amount covered per session?

• What is the total amount covered per year?

• Is there a limit on the number of sessions?

• When does my coverage renew each year?

Any fees paid to a Registered Psychologist that are not reimbursed by insurance may be claimed as a tax-deductible medical expense. Please note that not all extended health plans cover services provided by Canadian Certified Counsellors, so we recommend confirming this before booking with a CCC on our team.

If you’re unsure about coverage or would like help navigating this process, we’re always happy to support you in finding clarity.

We do not offer direct billing. Sessions can be paid for by credit card directly through the Jane App or by e-transfer, excluding IRS counselling sessions as they are funded. If you have extended health benefits, you can submit your invoice to receive reimbursement.

Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. When a session is missed or cancelled on short notice, that time cannot always be offered to another person who may be waiting for care.

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made within this window, or missed sessions, are typically billed at the full session rate.

That said, we understand that life happens. If we’re able to fill your appointment time with another booking, cancellation fees may be waived. In some circumstances, we may also offer a one-time compassionate cancellation, which can be used once within a 12-month period.

Our cancellation policy helps us honour the value of our shared time and ensures we can continue to offer thoughtful, reliable care to our clients and community. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, we’re always open to talking them through with you.

In Canada, psychologists and psychotherapists are regulated by provincial and territorial licensing bodies. This means clinicians can only provide therapy to clients who are physically located in the jurisdictions where they are licensed at the time of service.

At this time, Everwell Psychology is only able to work with clients who are located in the Northwest Territories. Even when therapy is offered virtually, clients must be residing in the NWT for us to provide care.

If you are unsure whether we are able to work with you based on your location, we encourage you to reach out before booking so we can help clarify and ensure you are supported in finding appropriate care.

You do not need a referral to book services at Everwell Psychology. You’re welcome to reach out and book an appointment directly.

That said, some insurance providers may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. We recommend checking with your benefits provider ahead of time to understand your coverage and any documentation they may require.

If you have questions or would like support navigating this, we’re always happy to help clarify what to expect.

Yes. Protecting your privacy is a central part of our work and an essential foundation for building trust in therapy. What you share with us is kept confidential and is not shared with others unless you provide written consent.

There are limited exceptions where disclosure is required by law, such as situations involving a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. These situations are guided by clear legal and professional standards and are approached with care and transparency.

We review confidentiality and its limits during your first appointment and revisit this as needed throughout your care. Our intention is to ensure you feel informed, respected, and safe because trust is built over time through clarity, consistency, and care.

That’s completely okay. Many people feel unsure at first, or sense that the timing isn’t quite right and that’s a valid part of the process. Therapy doesn’t have to begin with certainty or urgency.

If you’re not ready to start sessions, you’re welcome to explore our Resources page, where we share books, helpful apps, and reflections that you can engage with at your own pace.

When it feels supportive, you may also choose to book a complimentary meet-and-greet. This offers a gentle way to connect, ask questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit without any pressure to commit. We believe readiness grows through trust, curiosity, and being met with care.

A psychologist is a regulated mental health professional with advanced training in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists use this training to support individuals in making sense of their experiences, identifying patterns that may feel unhelpful, and exploring changes that support wellbeing and growth.

In Canada, the title psychologist is protected, meaning it can only be used by professionals who are licensed and regulated by a provincial or territorial body. This helps ensure that psychologists meet rigorous standards of education, ethics, and practice, and are accountable to a governing college that prioritizes public safety and quality of care.

Working with a licensed psychologist offers reassurance that your care is grounded in professional standards, ongoing oversight, and a commitment to ethical, respectful practice.

If you’d like to learn more about the role of psychologists, you can visit the Canadian Psychological Association’s overview:
https://cpa.ca/public/whatisapsychologist/

Both Registered Provisional Psychologists and Registered Psychologists are trained, regulated mental health professionals who provide psychological services.

A Registered Provisional Psychologist has completed all required academic training and is in the final stage of their professional registration. During this time, they practice under the supervision of a fully Registered Psychologist. Supervision supports continued learning, reflection, and skill development, while ensuring care meets professional and ethical standards.

A Registered Psychologist has completed all registration requirements, including supervised practice and licensing examinations, and is authorized to practice independently. They are fully licensed and accountable to their regulatory college.

In both cases, care is guided by professional standards, ethical practice, and a commitment to client wellbeing. Working with either type of psychologist means you are receiving regulated, accountable psychological care, with supervision in place when required.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or need immediate support, it’s important to seek help right away. You can contact the Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline by calling or texting 9-8-8, available 24 hours a day, or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you’re not in immediate danger but need additional support, we encourage you to visit our Resources page, where we’ve listed crisis lines and support services available locally and nationally. These resources are there to offer care and connection when you need it most.

If you’re unsure what kind of support is appropriate, reaching out for help in whatever way feels safest is always the right step.

We’re always happy to help. If you have questions or would like more information, you’re welcome to reach out using our general inquiry form. We’ll do our best to respond with care and clarity.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. We’re here to support you in taking the next step when you’re ready.