FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

I’ve decided to come for help . . . what do I do now?

To signup for our counselling services please contact the office at 905-934-0021 to complete an intake over the phone. This intake form secures you a spot on our waitlist and will get you matched with a counsellor that bests suits your needs.

All clients, regardless of age, must consent to services themselves and must complete an intake form with an NLC staff member directly. If you are under the age of 18 you may allow a parent/guardian or support person to be on the phone with you while you complete the intake process.

Please note, Niagara Life Centre is only able to serve clients who are 18 years of age and older.

We look forward to hearing from you!

What are your office hours?

Niagara Life Centre operates from 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. All appointments are made by contacting our St. Catharines office at 905-934-0021.

Where are you located?

Our St. Catharines office is located at 65 Lakeshore Road, St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 2T3.

To book an appointment, call 905-934-0021.

How much does it cost to see a counsellor?

Fees

Individual, Couples and Family Counselling sessions are $60/session.

Group Programs are $10/session excluding GriefShare which is a free program.

Group Material Fees

Untangling Relationships Workbook $25
GriefShare Workbook $20

Documentation Fees

Where you or a third party requests supporting documentation from Niagara Life Centre, the following fees will apply:

1-10 pages $25.00
11-50 pages $30.00
50+ pages $35.00

Third Party Payment

Where a third party wants to pay for your sessions, you will be required to fill out a Third Party Payment Form to authorize invoicing and billing communications to the person or entity listed.

Financial subsidy for all above mentioned fees may be available upon request at the front desk.

All fees are subject to change.

Do I need a referral from a doctor or assistance program to get counselling services?

No. You can call NLC directly to make an appointment.

Does my health insurance cover counselling costs?

Niagara Life Centre does not offer direct billing to insurance companies. You may submit your receipt to an insurance company for reimbursement. Niagara Life Centre cannot guarantee that they will cover our fees. Although many clients have been successful in receiving reimbursements.

I am not Christian, can I still get counselling?

Absolutely. Please know that all counselling at NLC is grounded in Christian principles, reflecting our belief in the transformative power of faith, hope, and love. At the same time, we warmly welcome everyone in need of support—regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or financial background. Motivated by Jesus Christ’s unconditional love for all people, we are committed to helping individuals and families receive the care they deserve to live joyful, empowered, and victorious lives.

How is your ministry funded?

NLC is primarily supported by contributions from generous donors, churches, businesses, occasional non-government grants and our annual fundraising events.

Can I arrange for counselling on behalf of a friend/family member?

No. We welcome calls from concerned friends and family members to provide details about our services. However, to sign up for any counselling services the individual must contact NLC directly.

Family and Child Services (FACS) require me to seek counselling. Do you work with FACS?

Yes. NLC has an established relationship with FACS and is recognized as a valid counselling provider.

I have an appointment scheduled today and there is bad weather. Am I still expected to come in?

NLC makes decisions on office closures the ‘morning of’ in the case of inclement weather. Clients scheduled for that day are called in advance to be notified of cancellations. The office will automatically be closed if school bus services are cancelled.

What is the waiting period to get a counsellor?

Wait times vary based on client needs and counsellor availability. Please contact our office for the current wait time.

I prefer a male/female counsellor. Can I choose?

You can indicate if you have a strong preference for a male or female counsellor. Great care is taken when selecting a counsellor for a client. There may be cases where either a male or female counsellor is better qualified to serve your needs. NLC will discuss any such cases with the client prior to any appointments.

What about confidentiality?

Information you share with Niagara Life Centre staff will be kept confidential; however, there are limits to confidentiality.

Exceptions to the release of confidential material include:

If you direct a member of the Niagara Life Centre staff in writing to share information with another party
If a Niagara Life Centre staff member has any concerns about you harming yourself or someone else or about a third party harming you
If a Niagara Life Centre staff member suspects abuse of a vulnerable person (e.g., child, elderly, etc.) or you report abuse or misconduct by a regulated healthcare professional
If a Niagara Life Centre staff member is ordered by a court of law to disclose information
If it is necessary for a Niagara Life Centre staff member to defend themselves against a legal action or formal complaint before a court or regulatory board
If a regulatory body (e.g., CRPO, OCSWSSW, etc.) requests records from Niagara Life Centre as part of an audit.

If you are under 18 years of age, further exceptions to confidentiality may apply.