[Rachael Curtis]

Hi. I recently wrote a report for a client for extended stress leave. I did charge for the time it took to do the report. I took my counselling rate and pro-rated it by the minute according to how long it took me to complete. I had a prof. tell us that was what she did for admin-related tasks for clients. The reports are subject to GST. I hope that helps. I will be curious to hear what others are doing.

[Georgette]

Hi Sheyla

I have written such letters before. I would first perhaps find out if the client is asking for the letter to go to a long term disability provider, if that provider has specified who can provide information to support the claim. Usually it is the person’s doctor. Sometimes it is very specifically a Registered Psychologist. If this is the case then it may be a waste of your time.

If the letter the client wants is to provide information about the client’s condition to their doctor who will then be signing off on the LTD application then I would consider writing it.

You could bill for your usual hourly amount and prorate it for the time it actually takes.

I may not be popular with my answer, but I write such letters for free. I consider it to be within the scope of providing care and support to my client. I would just suggest checking if they are submitting it directly to an LTD company more than likely they will specify it must be from an MD or R. Psych. Good luck!