Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist (The BFT)

Steven Butler, M.Ed., LCT, CCC

Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist (The BFT)

Clinic Policies

Payment Policy

Payment is due at the time of service. Payment methods include e-transfer, cash, or charging the card on file. I can direct bill blue cross insurance plans, as applicable.

Insurance Direct Billing Policy

I am only able to direct bill Blue Cross Insurance plans. If your insurance is billed and comes back as "not an eligible benefit", or you have used your yearly balance, you will be billed for the session, or the card on file will be charged. It is your responsibility to track your coverage.

For any other insurance provider (i.e., Sunlife, Manulife, Green Shield, etc.), you will need to pay the total cost of session upfront and then submit your receipts for reimbursement to your insurance company directly.

It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover "clinical counsellors, psychotherapists, or licensed counselling therapists" prior to your session.

Cancellation Policy

If you have an upcoming session and need to cancel, a minimum of 24 hours notice must be provided.

If you need to cancel and provide notice less than 24 hours before your appointment, a half-session rate ($75) will be charged.

If you fail to show for your scheduled appointment time, you will be charged a full session rate ($150).

You are expected to notify me (Steven Butler) if you will be late to an appointment, I will offer the same courtesy. I also offer the ability to change your session to phone/virtual should you be unable to attend in person, for any reason, at a moment's notice.

If you cannot attend your appointment, please notify Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist at (506) 497-6090 or at stevenbutler@thebft.ca as soon as possible.

Please understand that a time commitment was made to you and was held exclusively for you. Failing to give adequate notice prevents me from being able fill the space for another client who would benefit from the time slot.

All past outstanding balances, including past attended sessions, late cancellations or no-show fees, must be paid before booking a new appointment.

The OWL software I use will send appointment reminders for your session (48 and 24-hours in advance). However, it is your responsibility to keep track of your appointments.

Thank you for your understanding!

Completing Initial Paperwork

Prior to your initial appointment with Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist you will be required to complete 3 forms. Completion of these forms a minimum of 48 hours prior to our session ensures that I am able to prepare accordingly for our time together and that you get the most out of the session.

Failure to complete these forms at least 48 hours in advance will result in the cancellation of your session and the forfeiture of your slot. I will reach out and provide reminders prior to the session being cancelled. No fees will be charged if this is the case.

You will be provided with the following paperwork...

Intake form: This form goes through necessary information like your contact information, emergency contact, address, medical history, and a place to outline your goals for therapy. It is important to provide this information for proper record keeping purposes. The Intake form also allows me to prepare accordingly for our time together and that you get the most out of the session.
Consent to Treatment form: This form is to define and seal the terms of the therapeutic relationship before you start any treatment. It gives you a primer to understand the potential risks and benefits of therapy, confidentiality and its limits, important reminders (i.e, crisis contact, and other supports, etc.). This form helps you assess and give consent to receive services in an informed way. Any questions on this form will be answered during your initial session.
Credit Card Authorization Form: A valid credit or visa debit card is to be kept on file for any late cancellations, or no-show charges. Preferred payment method is via e-transfer but a credit, or visa debit card is to be kept on file within my secure online booking software for any outstanding charges.

Should completing the forms prior to your initial appointment be a barrier in accessing services (i.e., no internet, hard time completing paperwork, disabilities, etc.), please reach out to stevenbutler@thebft.ca and accommodations can be made.

Deposit Policy (In Lieu of Credit Card)

In the event that you do not have an active or valid credit or visa debit card, or you wish to not have a card on file, you will be asked to supply a "deposit" of $225. This deposit will be credited to your account, and an invoice provided. The purpose of the deposit is to cover any late cancellations ($75) and no-show ($150) appointments.

Upon termination of therapy services, any amount left on your account will be refunded to you via e-transfer. Should your credit card be used to pay for any late-cancellations or no-shows your balance will reflect these charges.

The deposit cannot be used to pay for attended sessions as it is meant to be a credit for any potential missed appointments.

If this is a barrier in accessing counselling services, please reach out to stevenbutler@thebft.ca and accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Important Statements

Safe Space

Land Acknowledgement

Steven Butler The BFT Saint John Gay Queer New Brunswick LGBTQ+ PTSD Gender Affirming Care Depressed

Every single one of us, is entitled to work, heal, or relax in a safe space. A space free of discrimination or fear; a space, free of bullying and harassment of any kind. I vow to make my practice a safe space for everyone - regardless of race, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Saint John/Menaquesk is situated is the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet. I respectfully share that I live and practice as a guest on the unsurrendered and unceded Traditional lands of Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet peoples. I am committed to Piluwitahasuwawsuwakon (a Wolastoqey phrase that advocates for actions toward Truth and Reconciliation) as I engage and work with Indigenous peoples.