How Do I Book a Therapy Session in New Brunswick?

Short answer: you don't need a referral, and you don't need a diagnosis. You can book online any time, or email us if you'd rather ask a few questions first.

If you've never worked with a private practice therapist before, that answer probably raises a few more questions:

• Who am I actually booking with?

• Is this the same as going through Mental Health and Addictions?

• Do I need my doctor to send a referral first?

Here are some answers to questions we often hear...

Private practice therapy vs. public mental health services

New Brunswick has a public mental health system — Mental Health and Addictions Services — and it plays an important role, particularly for urgent care. It tends to be more short-term and solution-focused by design, and it's set up to respond quickly when someone is in crisis.

Private practice therapy, which is what we offer at 3 Rivers, works a little differently. It's ongoing, individualized support, and you decide when to start. There is No referral required. No diagnosis required. No waiting to be assessed.

We aren't formally connected to Mental Health and Addictions, Social Development, Transition Houses, or Victim Services, but we do work alongside them. Social Development and Victim Services and other local agencies often refer clients to us, and if you're already working with another professional or agency and want us to be in touch with them, we're glad to — but only if you ask us to, and only about what you specifically want shared. Your privacy is always the starting point.

What about a psychologist or psychiatrist?

Psychologists and psychiatrists typically assess, diagnose, and — in the case of psychiatrists — prescribe medication. And some offer therapy as well.

We don't diagnose at 3 Rivers, but you don't need a diagnosis to work with us. Most people who reach out aren't looking for a label. They're looking for a place to bring what they're carrying and support figuring out what to do with it.

How to book

• Book online, any time. No forms to fax, no waitlist screening.

• Or email us first if you'd rather ask a few questions before committing to anything.

• Start with a free consultation if you're not sure which therapist is the right fit — a short conversation before your first real session.

• Or book directly into an appointment if you already know you're ready.

Insurance and direct billing

Most extended health plans that include coverage for counselling, mental health, or psychology will cover sessions with a private practice therapist, though coverage varies by plan. If you do have coverage, we can often direct bill your insurance provider, so you aren't paying out of pocket and waiting on reimbursement.

Why people start therapy

People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes something recent has happened — a loss, a divorce, a traumatic event, retirement, a job loss, a new diagnosis, perimenopause. Sometimes it's something that's been building for a while — anxiety, depression, grief that hasn't lifted, OCD, disordered eating, ADHD. And sometimes it's something older, still showing up in everyday life long after the fact — earlier trauma that hasn't been addressed.

None of that requires a referral. None of it requires a diagnosis first. It only requires you deciding you're ready to start.

Who we work with

We work with individuals, couples, teens, and children — including play therapy starting at age 3.

Ready when you are. [Book online here] or [email us at clinic@3riverscounselling.com].

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About the Author

Brittany Rickett, MA in Counselling Psychology, CCC, CCS, LCT

Brittany Rickett is a licensed therapist and the Clinic Director of 3 Rivers Counselling in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. With over a decade of experience in education before moving into clinical work, Brittany brings a grounded, compassionate approach to therapy that blends neuroscience with evidence-based modalities. She integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic work, and nervous system-informed practices, supporting clients through trauma, stress, and life transitions.