Frequently asked questions
Getting Started
How do I get started with Rising Minds?
You can book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if Erica is the right fit. During this call, you can:
- Ask about Erica’s professional and educational background
- Learn about her approach to therapy or coaching
- Share what prompted you to seek support (optional)
Do I need to be a Canadian resident to receive services?
Yes. Due to professional licensing regulations, clients must reside in Canada. Clients must live in a province where the therapist is authorized to practise (currently British Columbia or Ontario).
Erica is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These designations limit where she is authorized to practise.
If you are travelling within or outside Canada or are away from your address listed on your client profile, please inform your therapist of your location at the beginning of each session. If you relocate outside of Canada, your therapist may not be able to continue providing care. If services must end due to jurisdictional limits, your therapist will support you in identifying appropriate resources in your new location.
Is Rising Minds affiliated with U.S. practices?
Understanding Therapy
What do Erica's professional designations mean?
In British Columbia, Erica is a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and practises in accordance with its professional and ethical standards.
In Ontario, Erica is registered with and regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Erica provides counselling and psychotherapy within her professional scope and competence. She does not provide psychological diagnoses, prescribe medication, or conduct formal psychological assessments.
What can I expect from counselling or psychotherapy?
Therapy offers a confidential and collaborative space to explore the experiences, emotions, relationships, patterns, or concerns that bring you to counselling.
Erica’s approach is warm, curious, and integrative. Depending on your needs and goals, sessions may involve reflection, conversation, therapeutic exercises, psychoeducation, or practical tools drawn from approaches within her training and scope of practice.
There is no single way therapy is supposed to unfold. The process is shaped collaboratively, with opportunities to ask questions, offer feedback, and revisit your goals along the way.
What does it mean that Rising Minds is a trauma-informed practice?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes that difficult, overwhelming, or adverse experiences can influence how people understand themselves, relate to others, and respond emotionally and physically.
Erica approaches therapy with attention to choice, collaboration, trust, boundaries, and each client’s individual pace. You are encouraged to ask questions, express discomfort, and participate in decisions about the therapeutic process.
Being trauma-informed does not mean assuming that every difficulty is caused by trauma. It means remaining thoughtful about how past and present experiences may be relevant to the person sitting in front of us.
Will Erica tell me what I should do?
Therapy is generally less about telling you what decision to make and more about helping you understand what is influencing the decision.
Erica may offer observations, questions, information, perspectives, or practical tools, while respecting that decisions about your relationships, values, and life ultimately belong to you.
If you would like more structure or guidance in your sessions, you’re always welcome to say so. Therapy is collaborative, and your feedback is an important part of the process.
Why doesn't my therapist share much about their personal life?
Therapy is intentionally centred on you and your needs. Professional boundaries help maintain a safe, focused, and ethical therapeutic relationship. Limited self-disclosure may be used when clinically helpful, but it is done thoughtfully. Sharing too much personal information can shift attention away from the client or blur boundaries.
You are always welcome to ask about your therapist’s training, approach, or professional experience.
Where are counselling and psychotherapy services available?
Rising Minds currently provides virtual counselling and psychotherapy to clients located in British Columbia and Ontario at the time of their session.
Erica practises as a Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario.
If you are travelling or temporarily located outside British Columbia or Ontario, please let Erica know before your session so that she can determine whether the session can proceed in accordance with applicable professional and jurisdictional requirements.
Consent & Your Rights
What is informed consent?
Informed consent means you agree to participate in therapy freely and knowingly. You have the right to ask questions, share feedback, and withdraw consent at any time. Consent may be required from a parent, guardian, or authorized decision-maker if the client is a minor or legally incapacitated.
Why is informed consent important?
It ensures you understand the services being offered, know your rights as a client, and can make an informed choice about participating in therapy.
How does the informed consent process work?
An informed consent agreement will be presented to you. It is your responsibility to review it thoroughly and ask any questions. Your therapist will review the agreement in session. Your consent must be given freely and knowingly.
You can choose which activities or interventions to participate in. You may end therapy at any time or request a referral to another therapist. You are encouraged to ask questions or share feedback at any time.
Can I withdraw consent?
Yes. You may withdraw consent at any time. You may also stop participating in any activity or intervention, end therapy entirely, or request referrals and transition support.
What are my responsibilities as a client?
For virtual sessions, clients are asked to participate from a private location, maintain reasonable security of their device and internet connection, provide accurate contact/location information, and communicate questions or concerns about their care whenever possible.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Absolutely — finding the right fit matters most. If Erica isn’t the right therapist for you, she can provide referrals to other qualified professionals and support a smooth transition.
Can I involve family members or others in therapy?
Rising Minds offers individual, couples, family, and youth counselling. The nature of the therapeutic relationship and who is participating are established at the outset.
When Erica is working with someone as an individual client, she generally maintains that individual therapeutic relationship rather than also becoming the couples or family therapist for people closely connected to that client. Similarly, when working with a couple or family, she maintains that therapeutic role rather than also becoming the individual therapist for one participant.
There may be circumstances in which another person participates in a session for a specific therapeutic purpose. When this is considered, Erica will discuss the purpose, consent, confidentiality, and boundaries involved beforehand.
When separate therapeutic support would be helpful, Erica can provide resources or referrals to another therapist.
Virtual Therapy
Is virtual therapy right for me?
Virtual therapy can be an appropriate and convenient option for many people, although suitability depends on your individual needs, circumstances, preferences, and the nature of the support you are seeking.
Online sessions allow you to connect from a private location where you feel comfortable, without the time or logistics of travelling to an office. For some clients, this can make counselling easier to fit around work, school, caregiving, health needs, or other responsibilities.
Sessions at Rising Minds are offered through a secure virtual platform. You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a suitable device, and a private space where you can speak openly without interruption.
Virtual therapy may not be appropriate for every person or every situation. Erica will consider suitability with you and, when another type or level of support may be more appropriate, can discuss other options or resources.
Rising Minds provides virtual counselling and psychotherapy to clients located in British Columbia and Ontario at the time of their session.
What are the risks of online therapy?
Online therapy carries some inherent privacy and security risks, including unauthorized access, technical failures, or connectivity issues. Sessions may be interrupted due to internet outages; in this case, sessions may be completed by phone.
Online therapy may not be suitable for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, risk of self-harm or harm to others, or requiring immediate medical attention.
You are responsible for participating from a private, secure location and maintaining device security (e.g., passwords, updated software, firewalls).
How should I prepare for my session?
- Find a private, quiet space
- Ensure a stable internet connection if using video
- Bring materials you would like to discuss (journals, notes, worksheets)
- Be ready to reflect and share what matters most to you
What happens if a session is interrupted?
For technical issues, your therapist will attempt to reconnect within 2 minutes. If not possible, the session may continue by phone or be rescheduled. In emergencies, contact local services first, then notify your therapist.
Client Confidentiality, Privacy & Records
How is confidentiality maintained?
All discussions are private, except when disclosure is required by law or ethics (e.g., risk of harm, court orders, clinical supervision). Online sessions carry inherent privacy risks; we use the NousTalk platform, which is encrypted and confidential. Session recordings are only for supervision, with written consent, and are securely deleted afterward. Unauthorized client recording is prohibited.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. Information shared in therapy is kept private, subject to applicable legal and ethical limits.
Before therapy begins, Erica will explain these limits so that you understand circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed. Privacy considerations related to virtual care, record keeping, consultation or supervision, and any optional recording will also be addressed as part of the informed-consent process.
You are always welcome to ask questions about confidentiality or how your information is handled.
How is my information kept secure?
- Client information is stored securely in the NousTalk platform, which is encrypted and confidential
- Only authorized staff and your therapist’s supervisor (for supervision purposes) may access records
- Session recordings are used only for supervision, with separate written consent, and are securely deleted afterward
- Unauthorized client recording is strictly prohibited
How long will my therapy records be kept, and who can access them?
Records are stored securely for the period required by the applicable regulatory college (BCACC and/or CRPO). Only your therapist and authorized staff/personnel can access your records. Records will not be shared without your consent, except as required by law (e.g., risk of harm, court orders).
In the unlikely event that your therapist becomes incapacitated or passes away, a designated professional may access client records to ensure continuity of care. You retain the right to request access to your records or be referred to another qualified therapist. A fee will be applied for the time required to complete the transfer.
Does Erica provide legal advice, custody assessments, or expert opinions?
No. Erica’s role at Rising Minds is therapeutic.
She does not provide legal advice, custody or parenting assessments, court-ordered evaluations, expert opinions, or recommendations to the court regarding custody or parenting arrangements.
Legal proceedings can also affect the privacy of therapy records. In some circumstances, records may be subject to a lawful request or court process. Erica will respond to such requests in accordance with her legal and professional obligations.
If you require legal advice, mediation, a parenting assessment, or another forensic service, you will be encouraged to seek an appropriately qualified professional.Also replace “may assist families with developing parenting plans” with: may therapeutically explore communication, parenting concerns, family transitions and co-parenting relationships.
Fees, Scheduling & Policies
What are the fees and payment policies?
Session Fees
Individual Counselling
- 50-minute session: $170
- 80-minute session: $225
Couples Counselling
- 50-minute session: $200
- 80-minute session: $265
Family Counselling
- 50-minute session: $230
- 80-minute session: $305
Group Counselling
Fees vary by group. Session length, number of sessions and total cost will be clearly provided before registration.
Effective September 2026
Fees are subject to change with notice.
A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available based on individual circumstances and current availability. Reduced-fee arrangements are reviewed periodically and cannot be guaranteed on an ongoing basis.
Payment via credit card through our secure NousTalk platform. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice: 100% fee. Missed appointments: 100% fee.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, and missed appointments, are charged the full session fee.
We recommend confirming any cancellation or change directly with us rather than relying solely on voicemail or email.
Are therapeutic tools required?
From time to time, your therapist may offer worksheets, questionnaires, or assessments. Participation is voluntary. Tools are used to support therapy, not to diagnose.
How often will I attend sessions and for how long?
You’ll usually begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build connection, establish trust, and create momentum. As therapy progresses, sessions may become less frequent, guided by your goals and your therapist’s clinical recommendations.
Some evidence-based therapies are short-term and goal-focused. Other concerns may benefit from longer-term support. Treatment planning is collaborative — we will regularly review your goals, progress, and session frequency.
Do you accept WCB, ICBC, or other third-party billing claims?
Rising Minds does not directly bill or contract with WCB, ICBC, or other third-party insurance providers. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service. If your insurer allows reimbursement, you may submit receipts on your own. We recommend confirming eligibility with your insurer before booking.
Insurance
Is therapy covered by insurance in British Columbia?
While clients are responsible for payment at the time of service, many extended health benefit plans in BC provide partial or full reimbursement for sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), Registered Psychotherapists (if applicable), and pre-licensed therapists practicing under supervision (where permitted).
Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend confirming with your insurer which professional designations are covered, annual coverage limits, and per-session reimbursement amounts.
Is therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many extended health benefit plans in Ontario provide partial or full reimbursement for sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) — Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and pre-licensed therapists practising under supervision (where permitted).
Erica practises as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend confirming with your insurer which professional designations are covered, annual coverage limits, and per-session reimbursement amounts.
Is counselling covered by insurance?
Community Resources
What community mental health resources are available in British Columbia?
BC211 – Free 24/7 service connecting people with local support services. Dial 2-1-1 or visit bc.211.ca Here2Talk – Free, confidential 24/7 support for BC post-secondary students. Visit here2talk.ca Now Matters Now – Free tools and resources. nowmattersnow.org
Crisis Lines:
- BC Mental Health Support Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
- KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line – 1-800-588-8717
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – call or text 9-8-8 (available 24/7)
- Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Lower-cost counselling may also be available in BC through community agencies, non-profit organizations and supervised graduate-intern clinics.
What community mental health resources are available in Ontario?
ConnexOntario – Free mental health, addiction, and gambling support. 1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – call or text 9-8-8 (24/7)
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Good2Talk – Post-secondary student support. 1-866-925-5454 | good2talk.ca Now Matters Now – nowmattersnow.org
Lower-cost counselling options: Many community agencies, non-profits and supervised graduate-intern clinics offer reduced-cost services.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Boundaries & Legal
How do boundaries and dual relationships work?
Dual relationships (social, financial, business) outside therapy are avoided. Gifts and non-therapeutic interactions follow ethical guidelines. Erica will not communicate with clients via social media.
Is therapy culturally responsive and inclusive?
Yes. Therapy is culturally responsive and inclusive, and you are welcome to share aspects of your identity, beliefs, culture or traditions that feel relevant to your care. Your background is treated as part of the whole picture, not something to be set aside.
How do I end therapy or transition care?
Either client or therapist may end therapy at any time. If therapy ends due to scope, availability, or clinical reasons, referrals or transition support will be provided.
What are emergencies, and how are they handled?
Rising Minds does not provide emergency crisis services. In crisis, call:
- 911 for life-threatening situations
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8
Erica may contact emergency services or your emergency contact if you are at risk of harm.
What is Rising Minds / Rise Today Consulting Services Corp not responsible for?
Rising Minds and Rise Today Consulting Corp do not provide medical, psychiatric, or legal services, and therapy is not a substitute for these services. Clients are responsible for their decisions or actions taken outside therapy sessions. Therapy outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Emergency situations should be addressed by calling 911 or the appropriate local crisis services. Clients are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of their environment and technology during online sessions.
Do you complete custody reports or provide expert opinions for family court?
Erica does not prepare formal custody or access reports, including Section 15 Custody and Access Reports. She does not provide court-ordered custody evaluations or act as an expert witness in family court proceedings.
Her role is therapeutic. Erica may review existing court documents to better understand family context. We may assist families with developing parenting plans, improving communication, exploring parenting concerns within a therapeutic framework, and supporting children through transitions.
If you require a formal custody assessment or expert report, we recommend obtaining a referral through your lawyer or requesting one from a qualified custody assessor.
Does Erica provide legal advice, custody assessments, or expert opinions?
No. Erica’s role at Rising Minds is therapeutic.
She does not provide legal advice, custody or parenting assessments, court-ordered evaluations, expert opinions, or recommendations to the court regarding custody or parenting arrangements.
Legal proceedings can also affect the privacy of therapy records. In some circumstances, records may be subject to a lawful request or court process. Erica will respond to such requests in accordance with her legal and professional obligations.
If you require legal advice, mediation, a parenting assessment, or another forensic service, you will be encouraged to seek an appropriately qualified professional.Also replace “may assist families with developing parenting plans” with: may therapeutically explore communication, parenting concerns, family transitions and co-parenting relationships.
What are my options for expressing complaints or concerns?
You are encouraged to first share concerns with your therapist and also with our clinic director, Erica Harris.
Ontario (CRPO): complaints@crpo.ca | 416-479-4330 (Option 4) BC (BCACC): 1-800-909-6303 | hoffice@bcacc.ca | complaints.bcacc.ca