At VanPsych, we provide a range of treatments for a mental health and substance use problems.  Common to all of the therapies we provide is a commitment to helping our clients achieve their their goals.  Regardless of the specific type of therapy, we focus on establishing a therapeutic relationship that will promote the types of changes that our clients are looking for.  Deciding which therapy is the right fit for you usually involves a discussion with one of our professionals.  After we understand your goals and the problems that are interfering, we use scientific literature to inform and determine the treatment that is most likely to help you.

We offer a number of different therapies. At VanPsych, we recognize the inherent complexity of any individual and the problems they face. We believe in a thoughtful and deliberate approach that bases therapeutic decisions on a solid understanding of the principles that drive any given treatment is more effective, rather than blindly following a protocol.

Fees

We have a multidisciplinary team and fees can vary depending on coverage from provincial and private health insurance:

Psychologist – 50 minute session - $ 240

Group Therapy Session – $120

Therapies

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is an intensive psychotherapy that is designed to help people who have multiple problems.  Originally designed to treat people who were suicidal and had borderline personality disorder.  It is also effective in treating substance use disorders, some eating disorders, anger and impulsivity.  It has been adapted to treating adolescents and their families.  DBT helps clients aquire new skills to improve awareness, regulate emotions and improve relationships.  

Following an orientation phase that takes 3- 4 weeks, clients and therapist agree to a year of treatment.  This involves weekly individual psychotherapy and skills training groups. Our DBT consultation team meets weekly.  After hours skills coaching is also provided. 

Cognitive Behavioural therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) captures a group of treatments that address a range of mental health problems.  Based on a scientific understanding of mental health Cognitive Behavioral interventions are developed with an emphasis on a scientific understanding of mental illness and treatments that have been thoroughly tested and proven. CBT, however generally focuses on specific problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, OCD or ADHD. Treatment duration is typically between 10 and 20 weeks.  CBT is one of the most cost effective interventions across for any health problems.

CBT should provide you with tools to fundamentally change how you think and act in relation to a problem. 

Therapy for Anger

Dr. Korman, Clinical Director of VanPsych has developed with Dr. Karen Choi a treatment for anger that includes elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. This is a new approach and is different from traditional Anger Management and has evidence to back it up.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a transformative approach that blends elements of cognitive therapy with the ancient practice of mindfulness. It was developed to help individuals who have experienced recurrent depression gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and emotional responses. Through mindfulness meditation and cognitive techniques, MBCT equips people with the skills to recognize and prevent the relapse of depression.