OUR OPERATIONS TEAM
Support that starts before your first session
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. Our operations team is often your first point of contact to help make the process feel clearer and more manageable from the start. They take care of the details so you focus on showing up, exactly as you are.
15-min free consults · direct billing available
Hello! I’m Riley
MPCC, She/Her
As the owner of Riley Brown Counselling, a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling, and a member of the Operations Team, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the practice and work to ensure that both our clients and clinicians feel supported. I focus on the behind-the-scenes details that keep our practice organized, our systems running smoothly, and our team able to provide excellent care.
I believe that thoughtful systems, clear communication, and a welcoming client experience are essential to a well-run practice. I’m committed to building a practice that is not only clinically excellent, but also organized, accessible, and easy to navigate for both clients and clinicians.
Whether I’m supporting our team, improving systems, coordinating administrative processes, or helping clients navigate the practical side of accessing counselling, my goal is to make the experience feel seamless, straightforward, and supportive.
I’m Carla
I’m the Administrative and Billing Coordinator at Riley Brown Counselling and often the first point of contact for clients. I support clients with scheduling, intake, billing, direct billing, insurance questions, and other administrative needs, while also helping keep the practice organized behind the scenes.
I bring years of mental health administrative experience, along with a BA in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Psychology, which I completed with a 4.0 GPA. I care deeply about making each client’s experience feel welcoming, seamless, and well supported.
The Space
Waiting Room
Counselling Office
Book a Free 15 Minute Consultation
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve gathered answers to help you understand what to expect and make your experience as smooth as possible. If you have more specific questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Yes. We offer secure online counselling to clients throughout British Columbia. Online appointments are held through Jane App, our secure online booking and client management platform.
When you book an online appointment, you’ll receive the link to join your appointment 1 hour before your appointment via email. Before your appointment, simply find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable talking. At your appointment time, you’ll click the link to launch the private online session.
You don’t need to download special software or travel to an office. Your therapist will guide you through the process, and you can access counselling from wherever you are in BC.
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Counselling and talk therapy are evidence-based treatments for various mental health issues and disorders. The structure of each session and the techniques used will depend on the therapist's modality. For example, in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the therapist focuses on identifying distressing thoughts and reframing or challenging them, which can positively shift your emotions. Additionally, simply talking about our thoughts & feelings decreases our distress.
However, regardless of the counsellor's experience or chosen method, the most crucial factor for treatment success is the therapeutic alliance. Simply put, the therapeutic alliance is the relationship between client and therapist. When you feel connected to, respected by, and trusting of your therapist, you are likely to experience therapeutic benefits.
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If you have access to Extended Health Benefits, you may be able to use these benefits for counselling services. Every insurance plan is different and there is no way to provide an exhaustive list. Please double check your policy to ensure that your therapist’s specific designation is covered.
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At this time, direct billing is available for: AGA Financial Group Inc., Alberta Blue Cross, Beneva, BPA - Benefit Plan Administrators, Canada Life, Canada Life - PSHCP, Canadian Construction Workers Union, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance, CINUP, ClaimSecure, Coughlin & Associates LTD., Cowan, Empire Life, Equitable, First Canadian, GMS Carrier 49, GMS Carrier 50, Greenshield, Industrial Alliance, Johnson Inc., Johnston Group Inc., LiUNA Local 183, LiUNA Local 506, Manulife, Maximum Benefit, MDM Insurance Services Inc., Pacific Blue Cross, People Corporation, SAJE Mental Health & Counselling Benefits, Simply Benefits, SSQ Insurance, Sun Life, TELUS AdjudiCare, Union Benefits, and UV Insurance.
A lot of insurance providers do not allow counsellors to direct bill. We will continue to expand our direct billing services as soon as possible.
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Individual counselling therapy fees are $175 per 50-minute session. Payment is due following the session. Clients will be emailed a receipt. Fees are subject to change based on costs of living and industry standards and changes will be announced in advance.
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Located upstairs in the building on the corner of Comox Ave & Church St, accessible by external staircase or elevator. Free parking is available in our attached parking lot behind the building, or on Comox Ave or Church St.
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Head to the waiting room on the right hand side and take a seat. You may keep your shoes on. Please silence your phone. The counsellor will come and get you at your session start time.
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Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another client. As such, we require 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 48 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged the full session fee.
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Standing appointment times may be available but are not guaranteed. To maintain a recurring slot, it’s important to attend sessions on time and minimize cancellations. If you have three or more cancellations or no-shows within a six-month period, your standing appointment time will be discontinued.
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No, we do not see clients who are in active addiction, as this is outside our scope of practice. In alignment with the ethical guidelines set by our regulatory body, we are committed to working within our professional expertise. We are, however, able to support clients who have been substance-free for at least one year as they continue on their journey of growth and self-discovery.
Please note that clients are expected to attend sessions free of substances. If a client arrives under the influence, the session will be rescheduled, and a late cancellation fee (100% of the session rate) will apply.
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We work with youth ages 13 and up, & adults. Each therapist has their own areas of experience and may work with different age groups, so we encourage you to explore our therapist profiles to find the best fit for your needs.
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Yes. We provide counselling for youth ages 13 and up, both in person in the Comox Valley and online. We support teens navigating anxiety, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, school stress, trauma, identity, and other challenges that can come with adolescence.
Our approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each young person’s needs, with a focus on helping youth feel understood, supported, and more confident in navigating life.
We do not currently provide counselling to children under 13.
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We offer counselling & therapy for adults and youth 13+ in-person in the Comox Valley and across BC virtually. We have an in-person office in Downtown Comox.
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Choosing a therapist is about finding someone whose approach, experience, and personality feel like a good fit for you. Start by exploring our therapist profiles and looking at their areas of experience, therapeutic approaches, and the types of clients they work with.
If you're unsure who would be the best fit, you can contact us and we can help you identify a therapist based on what you're looking for. The therapeutic relationship matters, and finding someone you feel comfortable working with is an important part of the process.
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Your first appointment is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, talk about what has brought you to counselling, review your history and begin identifying what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your experiences, goals, and what you hope will be different through counselling.
There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before you arrive. We will work collaboratively to understand what you need and determine where to begin.

