ABOUT ME
My name is Karen and I am a registered social worker. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University and my Master of Social Work Degree at University of Windsor. I have been providing one-on-one counselling both in person and virtually for the last 6 years throughout different community and healthcare roles. I am excited to be able to offer my services privately to you!
A little more about me; I grew up on a dairy farm. This has prompted an additional passion for working with individuals from rural communities. I am an affiliate counsellor with the National Farmer’s Mental Health Alliance (NFMA) and have a strong passion to advocate for mental health support among rural communities. In my free time I enjoy reading, looming, baking, and spending time with friends, family and my Bernedoodle dog named Carl.
Karen Skinner, MSW, RSW
SERVICES
WHAT I CAN OFFER YOU
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or are going through a difficult transition, there are strategies out there that can help you.
I provide a person-centered, strength-based approach within my practice. I don’t practice with a “one size fits all” approach as each individual is unique in their own ways. I will start from where you are at and work collaboratively with you to see which skills/strategies will best fit your goals/needs.
CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT
Starting with a counsellor for the first time can be intimidating. If you allow me to, I will provide a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental space to discuss and work towards your goals with you. To ensure I am the right fit for you, I offer a free 15-20 minute virtual (phone or video) consultation. During this appointment I will hear more about what your goals and expectations of counselling are.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Counselling is a confidential process individually designed to meet your specific needs. Counselling can help you address specific concerns and develop a greater understanding of yourself.
Appointment Type:
I offer virtual appointments to individuals within Ontario. These appointments are available by video or phone.
Video Appointments: for video appointments I use the Jane Apps encrypted teletherapy platform. This platform is a PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant video application. It is very simple to use. It is compatible on computers through a web browser or the app on both iOS and Android devices. You will receive an email prior to the appointment with a link to the video appointment. if you do not arrive within 5 minutes of the allotted appointment time I will phone you to check in (if you have provided your number to me).
Phone Appointments: for phone appointments you will receive a call from a blocked number at your allotted appointment time. If you do not answer the call on the first try I will leave a message for you and try calling again 5 minutes later. If I still have not gotten in touch with you I will try one last time, 5 minutes later. It will then be up to you to reach out to me to reschedule the appointment.
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CONFIDENTIALITY
Counselling involves sharing personal information. Information discussed during appointments is considered confidential. Your privacy is important to me and your records will not be shared without your consent. There are some limits to confidentiality as a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I will respect your privacy by holding in strict confidence all information provided by you.
Legal Limitations of Confidentiality
I am obligated to break confidentiality under the following circumstances:
If I become concerned that you may be at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else.
If I am concerned about the safety and welfare of a child based on something that you have shared.
If I have been subpoenaed by the courts.
Appointment Fee's
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Many insurance plans will cover counselling sessions by a registered social worker (RSW). A receipt will be issued following the session for you to submit to your insurance company. Payments are through e-transfer to karen.skinner.rsw@gmail.com. I do not charge HST. The cost of appointments are listed below:
Appointment Length:
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30 minutes $60
60 minutes $115
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I offer sliding scale options for select individuals. If you would like to find out if you qualify for this please bring it up in the consultation apppointment.
