CBT Skills Group FAQs
Welcome!
Maybe you are here because you have heard about our program from a friend or your doctor. Or, you are here because you have been referred, in a group, or just completed a group and you have some questions. Whatever reason got you here, you are in the right place for answers to your questions. If you just heard about our program, watch our orientation video and read some comments from past participants. If you are interested to join a group, have been referred, or need information about your workbook or next steps, refer to our Q and A section below.
%
of completers report confidence in their ability to manage their mental health symptoms
INTERESTED IN A GROUP
What is the course like?
The groups are a classroom setting of up to 16 participants. Currently, all group are being offered in an online format. You will receive a workbook that the facilitator will teach from each week. Most of the classroom time will be spent learning the concepts and practicing the skills, with minimal personal sharing. Each class you will be assigned homework for you to complete for the following week.
Who are the facilitators?
What is the time commitment?
Will I have to share personal information?
How much does it cost me?
The facilitators are paid by MSP, and the cost to you is an initial $65 as no show fee deposit that is returned to you if you attend all the sessions, or miss only one. You can choose to purchase a hard copy of the workbook for $35 at the time of registration, or access an online copy. If you want a hard copy of the book but it is a financial hardship for you, we offer coupons to reduce the cost.
Once you are registered for a group, you will be able to modify your booking up until two weeks prior to the group start date. After that time, you will not be able to change your booking and we will not refund your no show fee deposit.
When do your next groups start?
We have start groups in quarters. They are as follows: Fall – September, October New Year – January, February Spring – April, May Summer – June, July.
I would like to join a group. What do I need to do?
You need to go to your family physician, nurse practitioner, or a walk-in clinic to complete a screening questionnaire to determine if the group is suitable for you. If it is, a referral will be sent to the CBT Skills Groups Society and you will receive an email with the list if upcoming groups for you to choose from
What are the wait times for getting into a group?
We offer groups on a rolling basis. The link to our registration page and group schedule is offered to participants by email 1-2 weeks after their referral is processed.
When and where are the groups held?
The groups are run days, evenings, and even weekends. During the pandemic, all groups will be held virtually using zoom technology.
REFERRED OR IN A GROUP
A referral was sent by my doctor, when will I hear from you?
You should receive an email from our cbtskills@divisionsbc.ca or info@cbtskills.ca email addresses within 7-10 days. If you haven’t received an email, check your junk folder. If you still can’t find it, then email us again indicating you have checked your junk mail and we will look for your referral and respond to your email.
I’ve received the offering email but can’t find the group registration page.
When you sign in on our website please making sure that the login and password are all in lower case. If you are copying and pasting make sure you do not have any spaces before or after the text highlighted as that space will be logged as a character and the username and password will be rejected. Once logged in you will be required to accept the confidentiality agreement which will then take you to the landing page that will be titled “Welcome to our virtual CBT Skills Groups”. Please scroll down that page until you reach “to register for your group, complete the following two steps:” Below that you will see a pink box titled “1. Select a group date and time that works for you”, please click on that box and it will take you to the registration page.
When will I receive the link to access my group?
You will be emailed the link, login information, and link to the virtual workbook one week before your group starts.
Can I switch or cancel my group registration?
Please email us again letting us know that you would like to cancel your registration. If it’s before the two-week cut off we will refund your fee and remove you from the group. If it is past the 2-week cut off we will retain the deposit and remove you from the group. **If you are withdrawing we request that you make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to update them on your withdrawal and to discuss alternative resources so that you are not without support.
How do I cancel my group registration?
Please email us again letting us know that you would like to cancel your registration. If it’s before the two-week cut off we will refund your fee and remove you from the group. If it is past the 2-week cut off we will retain the deposit and remove you from the group. **If you are withdrawing we request that you make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to update them on your withdrawal and to discuss alternative resources so that you are not without support.
How do I switch my group registration?
If it is prior to the 2-week cut off please email us your name and the group number of the group you would like to move to and we will move you. You will be emailed confirmation of the switch through our booking site.
Do I have to purchase a workbook to participate in the group?
No, we have an online version of the workbook you can use. However, many participants find it helpful to have a hard copy of the workbook and use it as an on-going resource.
I have already registered but would now like to purchase the hard copy of the workbook. Is this possible?
Yes! Please email us written authorization to charge your credit card on file (kept to issue refunds, only last 4 digits are visible) and whether you would like to pick up your workbook from one of our pickup locations (Vancouver, Victoria, Campbell River and District) or have it shipped to your home for an additional shipping fee. We will apply the $35 fee and email the pickup location or the link to order your workbook shipped.
COMPLETED A GROUP
When will I get my $65 no-show deposit refund?
Refunds can take up to 4 weeks after the group ends to be processed. If you qualify (only missed one session) you will be emailed as soon as the refund has been issued.
I have finished my group and I would like to participate in another group. Can I do this?
Yes, if you would like to participate in another group we recommend you take another group with a different facilitator. We will continue to send you opportunities to participate in a group until 6 months after you completed your last group. After that, your referral will expire and you will need to be re-referred by your primary care provider.
Does my referral expire?
Yes. Your referral will expire 6 months from the date of your last session attended. If you do not start a new group within that time frame please ask your physician for a new referral so that you can continue to be contacted with future group offerings.
I have heard about level 2 groups. What are these and how can I participate in one?
You are able to participate in a level 2 group if you have completed the CBT Skills Group (i.e., attended 6/8 sessions). If you did, you will automatically be sent the schedule for the level 2 groups.