Cross-border counselling: Counselling across the Canada and U.S. border
Online sessions for couples and individuals · Canada, California, Texas, Oregon and Washington
When your life spans two countries, your therapy can too. Our clinicians hold credentials in Canada and licences in the United States, so you can work with one therapist, wherever each of you is.
AT A GLANCE
- 01Couples: Julie Walder, for Canada with California or Texas
- 02Individuals: Megan Emery, for Canada with California, Oregon or Washington
- 03Secure online sessions, billed in Canadian dollars
Not sure which fits? Ask us or book a free consultation.
01 · Lives that cross a border
Two countries, one therapist.
Cross-border lives carry their own weight: time zones, travel, immigration decisions, family on both sides and the open question of where home will be.
Most therapists can only see clients located in the province or state where they’re licensed. That can mean starting over with someone new every time you move, or leaving a partner out of the work.
- Couples with one partner in Canada and the other in the U.S.
- Individuals moving between Canada and the U.S. for work, school or family
- Dual citizens and newcomers who want continuity of care
- Anyone who wants to keep the same therapist through a cross-border move
02 · Why this is a specialized service
Why cross-border counselling is a specialized service
Working across two countries isn’t simply therapy over video. It takes more credentials, more coordination and more care.
Credentials on both sides
Our cross-border clinicians are Canadian Certified Counsellors and hold U.S. licences. Therapy is regulated where each client is physically located, so every credential is maintained for every session.
Added liability and compliance
Cross-border practice requires professional liability coverage, consent processes and privacy practices that meet the standards of both countries.
Coordination across two locations
Scheduling, safety planning and emergency resources are arranged for two locations, two health systems and, often, two time zones.
03 · For couples
Couples counselling with Julie Walder.
Julie works with couples where one partner lives in Canada and the other lives in California or Texas, together in the same online session.
- CredentialsCanadian Certified Counsellor; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Texas
- ApproachGottman Method (Level 3) and CBT through the Beck Institute, with more than fifteen years of experience
- FocusCommunication and conflict, trust and connection, big decisions about immigration, relocation and family, and closing the distance
- Fee$375 CAD per 50-minute session
04 · For individuals
Individual counselling with Megan Emery.
Megan works with adults in Canada and in California, Oregon or Washington, so your care can continue through a move or a life split between two countries.
- CredentialsCanadian Certified Counsellor; Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia; licensed to practise in California, Oregon and Washington
- ApproachTrauma-informed, somatic and EMDR therapy, with more than twenty years of clinical experience
- FocusTrauma, burnout, anxiety, grief and the stress of major life transitions
- Who she seesIndividual adults 18+
- Fee$250 CAD per 50-minute session
05 · Fees and payment
What to know before you book.
Cross-border sessions are billed in Canadian dollars to the card on file.
The amount on a U.S. card will vary with the exchange rate and any foreign transaction fees from your bank.
You’ll receive a paid receipt after each session. Many Canadian extended health plans cover counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor. U.S. insurance plans rarely reimburse providers outside the United States, so please check with your plan before you book.
Our 48-hour cancellation policy applies. See fees and insurance for details.
06 · Common questions
Cross-border counselling.
MORE SUPPORT
Where do I need to be during sessions?
Therapy is regulated where each client is physically located at the time of the session. Clients in Canada can join from anywhere in Canada. Clients in the U.S. need to be in a state where their therapist is licensed: California or Texas for Julie, and California, Oregon or Washington for Megan. If you’ll be travelling, let your therapist know ahead of time.
Do both partners join each couples session?
For joint sessions, yes. Each partner joins by secure video from their own location. Julie may also suggest individual sessions as part of the assessment.
Can Megan see us as a couple?
No. Megan works with individuals only. For couples counselling across the border, Julie is the right fit.
Why is the fee different from other sessions at Core?
Cross-border sessions involve credentials in two countries, added liability coverage and extra coordination across two locations. The fee reflects that additional work.
How is my information protected?
Sessions run through Jane, an encrypted Canadian platform. Before you begin, you’ll review a consent form that explains how your information is stored and how privacy works across both countries.
What if I need help right now?
In Canada or the United States, call or text 988 any time, or call 911 in an emergency.
Ready to start?
Book a free 15-minute consultation, or email us and we’ll confirm that cross-border sessions are the right fit for where you live.
New to therapy? Our Welcome Guide explains what to expect, and our fees page covers rates and insurance.
Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm