Substance Abuse & Addiction

Your journey to recovery is a path filled with hope, healing, and the potential for a renewed life. Our mission is to guide individuals affected by addiction—whether it's to pornography, alcohol, or drugs—towards a transformative healing process. We focus on restoring health, happiness, and well-being, understanding that recovery is a deeply personal experience. With a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, we are here to support your every step. From the initial stages of overcoming dependence to building a resilient foundation for the future, your journey to healing starts here.

In the heart of our practice lies a commitment to confidentiality and trust. We understand that seeking help for addiction, whether it involves pornography, alcohol, or drugs, requires courage and a leap of faith. Our online counselling environment is designed to be a safe haven, where your privacy is paramount, and your trust is sacred. Here, you can open up about your struggles and aspirations in complete confidence, assured that your journey towards recovery is protected and respected. Let us be your trusted partner, providing a secure foundation upon which you can build your path to healing.

We believe that recovery services should be accessible to everyone battling addiction, whether it's to pornography, alcohol, or illicit substances. Our center offers affordable treatment options, accepts various insurance plans, and provides flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. We are committed to removing barriers to recovery, ensuring that our services are within reach for all who seek help. With our accessible care, you can start your journey to healing and transformation today, supported by a team dedicated to your recovery.

We embrace a holistic approach to addiction recovery, addressing not just the physical symptoms of dependence on alcohol, drugs, or pornography, but also the emotional and psychological aspects of healing. We believe in treating the whole person through a comprehensive range of therapies and wellness strategies that encompass mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our integrative treatment options are designed to promote balance, restore health, and support lasting recovery. By focusing on the interconnectedness of all aspects of your life, we aim to empower you with the tools for a resilient, fulfilling future free from addiction.

Understanding that each individual's path to recovery is unique, we emphasize personalized treatment plans tailored specifically to your needs. Our approach to combating addictions, including those to pornography, alcohol, and drugs, is to craft a support system that addresses your specific challenges and goals. By combining expert assessments with your personal experiences, we develop a customized recovery strategy that encompasses a range of therapeutic modalities and interventions. Our commitment is to provide you with the most effective, individualized care that not only addresses your addiction but also nurtures your overall well-being.

We recognize the unique struggles faced by individuals grappling with addictions, including pornography, alcohol, and illicit substances. Our approach is built on compassionate support and empathetic guidance. Our team of caring professionals is dedicated to listening, understanding, and walking alongside you through your recovery journey. We believe that everyone deserves a chance at healing, and it begins with an environment that radiates compassion and understanding. By fostering a space where you can openly share your experiences without fear of judgment, we aim to empower you with the strength and courage needed for the path ahead.

At the core of our philosophy is the belief in empowerment and independence for each individual facing the challenges of addiction. We are here to support your journey to freedom from alcohol, drugs, or pornography, empowering you to make positive changes and build resilience. Our therapeutic approach is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to navigate life's challenges and maintain sobriety. By fostering independence and self-reliance, we encourage you to take ownership of your recovery process, setting the foundation for a life of fulfillment and success. Embrace the journey towards empowerment with us by your side.

Navigating the complexities of recovery from addiction requires expert guidance and support. Our team of certified professionals brings a wealth of experience in helping individuals overcome dependencies on alcohol, drugs, and pornography. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in recovery, our counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and compassion needed to guide you through each stage of your journey. We are committed to offering not just support, but empowerment, providing you with the tools and strategies needed to achieve lasting change. Trust in our expertise to lead you towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Our practice is a beacon of hope and a judgment-free zone for individuals seeking recovery from addiction to pornography, alcohol, or drugs. We understand the stigma that can accompany these struggles and are committed to providing an environment where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Here, you will find a community that respects your courage to seek help and supports your journey without judgment. Embrace the opportunity to heal, grow, and rediscover your strength in a stigma-free space designed to empower your recovery journey.

Embarking on a recovery journey is a profound experience that benefits greatly from the strength of support and community. We offer support groups and community resources designed to foster connections, share experiences, and offer mutual encouragement. In this community, you will find a network of understanding, empathy, and shared strength that will support you every step of the way. Join us to discover the power of healing together, within a supportive and understanding community.

Our commitment to your recovery is grounded in evidence-based treatments and research-supported techniques proven to combat addiction to pornography, alcohol, and illicit substances. We prioritize the most effective strategies, ensuring that our approach is backed by scientific research and clinical expertise. Our experienced counsellors utilize these proven methods to provide you with the highest standard of care, tailored to meet your unique needs. Trust in our evidence-based practices to guide you through overcoming addiction, as we offer the support, knowledge, and tools necessary for a successful journey to recovery.

Maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse is a cornerstone of our recovery programs. We understand that the journey to overcome addiction to alcohol, drugs, or pornography is marked by challenges that can test your resolve. Our relapse prevention planning is designed to arm you with the strategies and tools necessary to navigate triggers and stressful situations successfully. Through personalized planning, ongoing support, and practical skills training, we aim to fortify your journey towards lasting recovery, ensuring that you have the resources to maintain your sobriety and thrive in the long term.

Payments
Payment for private counselling is not covered under Alberta Health Care. However, most benefit plans provide coverage for therapy under Psychological Services. 

ACS service fees are guided by the Recommended Fee Schedule endorsed by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, which can be viewed here. Rates listed are effective as of January 1st, 2023 and are subject to change. Our administrative staff will confirm the fee schedule when you contact us.

We recommend couples and family counselling sessions are 1.5 hours in length.

Telephone consultations with clients, parents, teachers, and physicians will be charged in 15 minute increments of the therapist's hourly rate.

Formal reporting requests by clients or 3rd parties (e.g., insurance companies, lawyers) will be billed according to our fee schedule.

Please note that the fees for some of our specialized therapies may be different. We will discuss them prior to your session.

We are happy to take payment in the following forms:

• Credit Card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express)
• Internet Bank Transfer
• Direct Deposit

Third Party Billing
In some cases, our fees may be covered through and billed directly to a third party payors. In the past, we have worked with legal firms, Section B, and community not-for-profit organizations. Prior to an appointment being booked under this arrangement, the ACS accounting department will contact the third-party payor to confirm billing procedures.

Insurance
Employer Health Benefit (EHB) and Personal Health Benefit (PHB) insurance plan providers often cover mental health services. Plans provide a fixed dollar amount for services, a pooled account for "paramedical services" including psychology, or a coverage based on a percentage. You can find your specific coverage in your online account, benefits book, or by contacting your human resources department or plan provider. Some plans provide a Health Spending Account that gives the employee flexibility to cover the services they need individually.

Not every insurance plan offers direct billing and not every plan covers every type of mental health therapist, so it's important to confirm your coverage before you schedule an appointment.

Questions to ask your insurance provider are:

1. What types of clinicians (e.g. Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Canadian Certified Counsellors) do I have coverage for?
2. Does my plan offer direct billing for all clinicians?
3. Is there a maximum coverage amount (per year/lifetime)? If so, what is it?
4. When does my insurance coverage 'roll-over' or 'renew'?

Please note that only your insurance company can provide this information to you. As a service provider, we are unable to request your plan's details.

You are responsible to pay any outstanding balance that is not covered by your insurance plan.

We do all assessments and therapy sessions using video chat software, screen sharing, and remote administrational of psychological questionnaires. We follow provincial and federal legislation regarding privacy and security, and we continue to update our knowledge.

While some people prefer the experience of being in the room with the therapist during traditional in-person therapy, our clients find there are distinct advantages to online therapy.

• Accessibility: Clients with limited mobility often struggle to arrange transportation to and from their home or to navigate professional buildings that often have difficult parking and building design. Online therapy eliminates this physical and financial cost.
• Convenience: Couples seeking therapy have the added challenge to schedule sessions around two busy schedules. With online therapy, they can attend sessions even if they are in different postal codes due to work-related travel. Additionally, sessions are more easy to access when emergencies arise, even if you are not near your therapist's office.
• Economy: Scheduling therapy means budgeting the expense and time to travel to and from the location. It also can mean arranging childcare and the related travel time. Online therapy eliminates some if not all of these considerations.
• Familiarity: It is often easier to open up about difficult subject when you are more comfortable. With online therapy, you can literally attend with all the comforts of home.
• Privacy: Sometimes it is hard to discuss problems in a relationship when the person is sitting beside you. Couples therapy and Family therapy can often benefit from a little physical distance during a difficult conversation.
• Safety: Commuting is no longer a hindrance to therapy during bad weather. Icy roads and snowstorms will not cause traffic delays and won't create the backlog of appointments during the day.

• Go to our online booking page.
• Choose your service, therapist, date & time.
• Input your credit or debit card to secure booking slot.
• Send insurance details to admin@auschratcounselling.ca.
• We will send intake forms to complete before your session.
• We will call via phone or video call at session time.
• Straightforward & clear communication.
• Relax in your space & chat with your therapist.