Question 1

Cancellation Policy

Accepted Answer

Since your appointment time is set aside just for you, I require 24 hours' notice for any changes or cancellations. This helps me offer the spot to someone else and keep things running smoothly.

If you provide less than 24 hours' notice, a fee equal to 50% of the appointment cost will be charged for the first occurrence. If you miss your appointment altogether or have more than one late cancellation, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the appointment cost will be charged. I always make every effort to rebook the spot with a waiting client before the fee is applied. Future appointments cannot be scheduled until cancellation fees are paid.

Cancellations due to illness:
I understand illness happens — if you need to cancel within 24 hours due to being unwell, a $40 fee will only apply if the appointment cannot be filled.

Question 2

Boundaries and Respect

Accepted Answer

As your RMT, I am dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. I will always conduct myself in a professional manner, keep all your personal and health-related information confidential, advocate for your health and well-being within my scope of practice, and respect your boundaries. If you have any special requirements, concerns, or if you’ve experienced trauma that might affect your massage experience, I encourage you to share this with me.
​
How to share your needs:​
- At the start of your session: You can mention any specific requirements or preferences during our consultation before we begin treatment.
- Before booking: If you feel more comfortable, you can let me know in advance via email or text so I can prepare accordingly.

​Inappropriate Behaviour and Violation of Boundaries:
​Please be advised that if a client exhibits any form of inappropriate behaviour—whether it be sexual comments, gestures, advances, or threatening actions— your RMT reserves the right to terminate the session immediately. In such cases, the client will be charged the full fee for the session, and further appointments will be denied.

Question 3

Safety and Hygiene

Accepted Answer

I follow all health and safety protocols, including sanitizing all equipment and spaces between clients. Fresh linens are used for each session, and I maintain strict personal hygiene practices.

​​Scent Free Policy:
​As someone who is personally sensitive to scents, along with many others, I kindly ask that you refrain from wearing heavily scented products such as perfumes, colognes, or lotions before your appointment.

​Some other sources of strong scents may include;
Scented hair products, deodorants, aftershave, beard oil
Cigarette or cannabis smoke, vaping products
​Odorous foods brought into the space
​
I appreciate your understanding and consideration!

Question 4

Payment Methods

Accepted Answer

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Debit, E-Transfer

Question 5

Direct Billing

Accepted Answer

I currently offer direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife, GreenShield Insurance, SSQ Insurance, Empire Life, and Telus eClaims (https://www.telus.com/en/health/health-professionals/allied-healthcare-professionals/eclaims)

Please check with your plan provider to determine coverage. Unless listed as the provider above, clients are responsible for paying me directly and are independently responsible for claiming repayment from their insurance provider. Some insurance companies require a doctor’s note.

Please note that direct billing is not guaranteed. In the event of any service disruptions—such as issues with the insurer’s system, billing software, or connectivity problems— I may not be able to bill on your behalf.
In such cases, full payment for the treatment will be required at the time of your appointment. You will be provided with a receipt, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

The majority of claims that you can submit to providers are for illness or injury that are not related to motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or any other accidents.

Lastly, to set up direct billing, you’ll need to sign a mandatory “Consent to Authorize Direct Billing” form, as required by insurance companies. Please ensure all forms are completed prior to your appointment. If paperwork is incomplete, you'll be asked to pay in full and submit manually.

Question 6

ICBC and WorkSafe BC

Accepted Answer

Please note while I accept patients with active ICBC claims, I do not offer direct billing to ICBC.

I do not accept WorkSafe claims at this time.

Question 7

What to expect for your massage appointment

Accepted Answer

Before Your Appointment: Please complete the health history form that was sent to your email prior to arriving at your first appointment. We will discuss your medical history, current health concerns, and treatment goals. This information is kept confidential and used to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your appointment time includes a detailed health history intake, which is required under CCHPBC standards, hands-on treatment, as well as any homecare prescribed.

Informed Consent: As your RMT, I will explain the proposed techniques, pressure levels, areas of focus, and any potential risks or side effects. You have the right to ask questions and are encouraged to share any concerns. Consent is ongoing, meaning you can ask for adjustments or stop treatment at any time if you’re uncomfortable.

Privacy and Comfort: Strict protocols to ensure your privacy and comfort during the session will be followed. You’ll be instructed on how to prepare for the massage, undressing only to your comfort level. During the session, professional draping techniques are used, with only the area being treated uncovered.

After Your Session: Following treatment, I will review the session with you, sharing insights on muscle tension, areas worked on, and any self-care recommendations.

Billing and Insurance: RMT treatments are eligible for coverage under most extended health insurance plans in BC. If direct billing is unavailable on your behalf, you’ll receive a receipt that meets insurance requirements if you wish to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Question 8

Maintaining a Therapeutic Relationship

Accepted Answer

To maintain a professional, effective, and ethical therapeutic environment, interactions between Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) and clients are strictly limited to the treatment setting. Engaging outside of this context—including dating, or any form of personal relationship—is not permitted. 
This boundary is crucial to preserving objectivity and ensuring that your therapeutic needs remain the sole focus of each session. When RMTs adhere to this standard, it fosters trust, respect, and safety, allowing clients to feel fully supported in their treatment journey.

Question 9

Social Media Policy

Accepted Answer

To maintain professional boundaries and uphold the highest standards of care, I have the following social media policy in place:
Following Patients:
I do not follow patients or clients on social media platforms. This policy helps maintain privacy, professionalism, and clear boundaries in our therapeutic relationship.

Patients Following Me:
You are welcome to follow my professional social media accounts. I share content related to wellness, massage therapy, and my professional journey. Please note that following my account is entirely optional.

No Online Consultations or Conversations:
Social media is not a platform for discussing health concerns, treatment plans, or booking appointments. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me directly through my professional channels, such as email or phone.

Confidentiality:
I will never discuss or disclose patient information on social media. I ask that patients also respect their privacy by refraining from discussing their treatments publicly.

Thank you for understanding and respecting these guidelines. If you have any questions about this policy, feel free to reach out directly.

Question 10

How are RMTs regulated?

Accepted Answer

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in British Columbia are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) which amalgamated in June 2024 to the College of Complimentary Healthcare Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). The CCHPBC is responsible for setting and enforcing standards of practice, ethics, and education to ensure public safety and professional competency.

Key Aspects of RMT Regulation in BC:
 • Licensing & Registration: To practice as an RMT in BC, individuals must complete an accredited program and pass the CMTBC board exams (written and clinical).
 • Scope of Practice: RMTs in BC are trained in assessment, treatment, and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain using massage therapy techniques.
 • Continuing Education: RMTs must complete Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to maintain their registration.
 • Code of Ethics & Standards: RMTs must adhere to CMTBC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and patient safety.
 • Complaints & Discipline: The CMTBC investigates complaints from the public and enforces disciplinary actions if an RMT violates regulations.

This makes BC one of the most highly regulated provinces for massage therapy in Canada.

https://cchpbc.ca/ (https://cchpbc.ca/)

Question 11

Privacy Policy

Accepted Answer

We respect your privacy. Any personal information collected through this website (such as contact forms or booking systems) is used only to provide services and respond to inquiries. We do not sell or share your information with third parties.
Your data is protected through secure systems, and you may request its deletion at any time by contacting us. By using this website, you agree to this policy.

RACHEL BARNETSON, RMT

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY IN CASTLEGAR & SOUTH SLOCAN, B.C.

What You Knead, When You Knead It.