Libben Psychological Associates

In your first therapy session, Dr. Libben will gather information about your background, including any relevant medical or mental health history. You will be asked to describe your current issues or concerns and the length of time you have been experiencing them. You may be asked if you have any goals for your treatment and the coping strategies you have used. By the end of the second session, you will have some basic information about your treatment plan: the approach that will be used and the approximate number of sessions that may be required. You should also have sense of whether there is a good fit between you and Dr. Libben.

Therapy appointments are one hour in length. This includes 50 minutes of face-to-face contact, with the remaining 10 minutes reserved for documentation of your session and treatment planning for subsequent sessions. The 50 minute hour is standard for most psychologists in private practice. Psychological assessments vary in length and details will be discussed in advance of your appointment.

Note that fees for private psychological services are not covered by our provincial health plan (MSP). Direct billing is available for approved ICBC claims only. In all other cases, formal receipts are provided and are often required to obtain coverage from an insurance/extended health benefits plan. Prior to your first appointment, it may be beneficial to consult with your provider to determine your level of coverage.

In general, the information that you share with Dr. Libben during your appointment(s) is confidential. Legally and ethically, your records are protected, and no information is disclosed without your expressed written permission. There are a few exceptions to this rule, some of which are listed below:

• If a client makes a serious threat to harm themselves or to harm another individual, the law requires Dr. Libben to try to protect you and/or that person. This may involve calling a loved one, calling 911, or the police.

• If there is suspected child abuse or neglect (or there has been in the past) or abuse/neglect of an older or vulnerable adult, Dr. Libben is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• For clients involved with the criminal justice system, Dr. Libben’s clinical records could be subpoenaed for court.

• If Dr. Libben is made aware of another health care provider who has acted unethically with a client/patient, she is required to report this to the appropriate regulatory body/authority.

The limits of confidentiality will be included in your intake form to be read prior to your first appointment.

Please note that Dr. Libben is not accepting new clients at this time. The BC College of Psychologists has a regional search tool that can be accessed here.