Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. Oceanside Psychology Group is currently accepting new clients, both in person at our Burnaby office and online anywhere in British Columbia. Many of our therapists have immediate availability, while some may have a short wait. We offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments to fit your schedule.

If the therapist you’d like to see doesn’t have an opening right away, we can add you to their cancellation list. Clients are often able to start sooner when a spot opens up.

No. You can book directly for individual therapy, couples therapy, teen counselling, or family therapy. No referral is required.

Yes. Oceanside Psychology Group offers daytime, evening, and weekend appointments to make therapy more accessible. Whether you prefer to meet in person at our Burnaby office (serving clients from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver, and surrounding areas) or online anywhere in British Columbia, we have flexible scheduling to fit your needs.

You can:

• Use our online booking page to schedule an appointment.
• Book a free 20-minute intake consultation first to find the right therapist.
• Call us at (604) 239-4640 or email reception@oceansidepsychology.com

A credit card is required to reserve your free intake consultation when using our online booking site, but your card will not be charged. If you prefer not to provide a credit card, you can easily schedule your consultation by calling or emailing our office.

Yes. You’ll receive digital intake forms to complete before your first appointment. These help your therapist understand your needs and save time in session.

We are not the right fit if the main concern is an eating disorder requiring medical care, psychosis, severe bipolar disorder, or an active substance use disorder. We also do not prescribe medication. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll guide you.

At Oceanside Psychology Group, we offer approaches that have been shown through research and experience to help people make meaningful, lasting change. Our therapists draw from a range of therapies, such as:

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  
• Somatic Therapy
  
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  
• Sex Therapy
  
• Psychodynamic Therapy
  

We help clients work through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and more.

Therapy is offered in person at our Burnaby office, conveniently located for clients from Vancouver, New Westminster, and the Tri-Cities, and online for clients anywhere in British Columbia.

Yes. Oceanside Psychology Group offers a full range of services, including individual therapy, couples counselling, teen counselling, and family therapy. Our therapists are trained to support clients of all ages and relationship dynamics. These services are available in person at our Burnaby office and online anywhere in British Columbia.

Yes. We provide in-person sessions at our Burnaby office, conveniently located for clients from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, and Vancouver.

Yes. We provide secure video counselling to clients anywhere in BC. Sessions are scheduled in Pacific Time.

Our standard therapy sessions are 60 minutes, which include about 50 minutes of direct session time and a brief period for your therapist to complete their notes at the end. Extended sessions are 90 minutes, with approximately 80 minutes of direct session time.

Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum, and later shift to every two weeks or monthly as progress continues. Your therapist will recommend what’s best for you.

It depends on your goals and concerns. To see lasting change, a typical course of therapy is 16 sessions or more. However, some people benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions).

Your therapist will:

• Explain confidentiality and answer questions
• Ask about your concerns, history, and goals
• Work with you to create a treatment plan

Our approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs.

After booking, you’ll receive intake forms. Thirty minutes before the start of your session, you’ll receive a secure video link to join the session. No software download is needed. If you experience technical issues, your therapist will call you or provide a phone session as a backup. Online counselling allows us to serve clients anywhere in BC, while our Burnaby office remains available for those who prefer in-person sessions.

Yes. Research shows online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for many concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

We use a secure, healthcare-grade videoconferencing platform. No software download is required.

We provide therapy only to clients residing in British Columbia. If you’re a BC resident temporarily travelling, we can often continue sessions, but please check with your therapist first.

• Choose a quiet, private space
  
• Use headphones if possible
• Ensure good lighting
  
• Sit at a desk or in a comfortable chair
  
• Use a desktop computer or laptop (preferred over a phone)
• Make sure you have a strong internet connection

Many extended health insurance plans in BC now cover online therapy. Check your plan for details.

For online sessions, a credit card on file is required. The card is charged at the time of your appointment.

Yes. Your sessions are confidential whether you attend in person at our Burnaby office or online across BC. There are a few legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which your therapist will review with you at the start.

Yes, but only with your written consent. You’ll sign a release of information form, and we’ll share it with the provider so they understand what information we are authorized to exchange.

Yes, when it is helpful for your care and with your informed consent.

No. Only physicians and psychiatrists prescribe medication. If you are considering medication, please consult your family doctor or psychiatrist.

Sometimes, depending on the request and your treatment. Letters and reports are billed at your therapist’s standard hourly rate.

Our team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Certified Counsellors. Each therapist has advanced training in approaches that are well-supported by research and clinical experience, such as:

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  
• Somatic Therapy
  

Our therapists bring both professional expertise and warmth to help clients achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Finding the right therapist is a very personal process. We offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to help you connect with a therapist whose training, approach, and availability best fit your needs. Many people also find it helpful to read a few therapist bios and choose the one who “feels right” to them – someone whose background and style resonate on a personal level.