Frequently Asked Questions

About HALEO

How many people have completed the HALEO programs?

Over 7000 people have completed our programs. On average, over 9 out of 10 individuals experience a significant improvement in their sleep quality.

Who are the HALEO sleep experts?

Our team includes registered social workers, counselling therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists providing therapy to people from all over Canada and the United States.

What certifications do your sleep experts have?

All our sleep experts are therapists trained to provide cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Does HALEO provide service outside Canada and the United States?

No. You can benefit from our services only if you live in Canada or the United States.

HALEO PROGRAMS

What is CBT-I?

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a program that helps you identify thoughts and habits that cause or worsen sleep difficulties and replace them with ones that promote healthy sleep. Healthy sleep habits include relaxation training, stimulus control and techniques to build up your sleep drive.

How are the HALEO programs created?

Our programs are based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, traditionally delivered in hospitals to groups of people for 12 weeks.

Our experts have restructured the content of the original therapy to be able to deliver it in only five weeks. Therapy sessions are available online using the HALEO app, accessible in the comfort of your home.

How do the HALEO programs work?

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia spans five weeks. Every week, you have a 30-minute online session with your therapist, who provides a series of strategies to use between sessions. You have access to additional tools and articles in the HALEO app.

The sleep optimization program also helps people with sleep difficulties but not necessarily insomnia. That program takes three weeks to complete.

We also provide programs for specific needs such as shift work and nightmares.

Can my sleep improve in only five weeks?

Yes. You can achieve the desired results in five weeks if you follow your therapist’s instructions to the letter. Most of our clients see an improvement in their sleep as early as the third session.

Why are the therapy sessions only 30 minutes long?

Our therapy sessions take only 30 minutes because your therapist has prior access to your sleep diaries. That way, they can prepare in advance and provide the guidance you need. Additional exercises and articles are available in the app to complement the therapy sessions.

IS HALEO RIGHT FOR ME?

How fast can I see a therapist?

After completing the online screener, you can book a call with one of our sleep care coordinators. They will schedule your first session with a therapist as soon as possible.

I’ve already tried CBT-I on my own. How is your program different?

Our programs offer face-to-face guidance by a trained therapist who walks you through the various steps. Your therapist provides tools and information specific to your needs and addresses your concerns.

Can I do the program while on vacation?

Yes, if you are in the same time zone. If you travel to a different time zone, we recommend starting the therapy approximately two weeks after your return so your circadian rhythm has time to adjust.

If I move to another country, can I continue my therapy sessions?

No. We do not service regions outside Canada and the United States. Our therapists may only practice in areas where they are registered.

Can I take breaks between therapy sessions?

It depends. The therapy is most successful when you attend back-to-back weekly sessions. If you need to take a break between sessions, you may take up to two weeks between sessions 1 and 2 and between sessions 4 and 5. However, you must complete sessions 2, 3, and 4 without breaks.

Do I need to stop taking my sleep medication before the program?

No. You can continue taking your sleep medication. We strongly recommend that you speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking or change sleep medication during therapy.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I suffer from anxiety?

Yes. If you deal with anxiety and ruminating thoughts that keep you up at night, your therapist can address those issues through a series of exercises and techniques.

We recommend that you see a specialist for anxiety as a complement to the sleep program to achieve the best results.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I suffer from depression?

Yes. Research has shown that CBT-I addresses both insomnia and depression symptoms effectively. It appears that improving sleep in people with depression leads to better outcomes than treating depression alone.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I use a device for sleep apnea?

Yes. You can participate in the program if you currently receive sleep apnea treatment.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I suffer from chronic pain?

Yes. Research indicates that CBT-I effectively improves insomnia symptoms in people with chronic pain.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I’m going through menopause-related changes?

Yes. Many women find they have disturbed sleep during the menopause transition, mainly because of hot flashes and night sweats. CBT-I does not eliminate hormonal changes but helps you to find ways to reduce negative thoughts and develop calmer responses. Therefore, you feel more in control and more able to cope with the stress associated with sleep.

Is sleep therapy right for me if I’m already seeing a psychologist?

Yes, our programs may still be beneficial to you. You can receive insomnia-specific therapy to boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

FEES, PAYMENT AND COVERAGE

How much do I need to pay for sleep therapy?

If your organization provides the program, it is your organization that will cover the costs.

If your employer does not offer the program, the price varies depending on the program you need. Your insurance company may cover a percentage of the therapy costs. The level of coverage varies based on your insurance provider and plan.

For more information, please complete the online screener and follow the steps on the screen to book a call with us. 

How do I pay for sleep therapy if my employer does not cover me?

By credit card. You will need to provide your credit card details during the call with the sleep care coordinator.

How do you charge for the therapy sessions?

Your credit card is charged at the end of each session if your employer does not offer the HALEO program.

Can I have extra sessions if my employer offers the program?

It depends on the plan your employer offers. Feel free to email us at team@haleoclinic.com so we can check if you are covered for additional sessions.

Is there a fee for using the app or for the calls?

No. Our mobile app and pre-therapy consultation calls are free of charge.

Is there a cancellation fee?

No, if you notify your therapist 48 hours or more before the session.

If you cancel a session with less than 48 hours’ notice, we charge 100% of the cost of the therapy session.

Can you contact my insurance provider for direct payments?

No. Unfortunately, we cannot contact your insurance provider directly. We encourage you to contact them and validate the amount and conditions of your coverage. We can provide a quote to accelerate the process with your insurance company.

Does my health insurance cover family members?

It depends on your plan. We encourage you to confirm with your insurance provider.

Can you send me my invoice for the therapy fees?

The invoice for each session is available to download in the mobile app shortly after the session. You can send it to your insurance provider to be reimbursed.

Can I get a quote to submit to my insurance provider?

If you need to send a quote to your insurance provider to confirm coverage, email us the request at team@haleoclinic.com.

SUPPORTED DEVICES

Where can I find the mobile app?

HALEO: Sleep Clinic, our mobile app, is available to download on smartphones and tablets in the App Store and Google Play.

Can I install the HALEO app on my computer?

No. The HALEO app is currently only available for smartphones or tablets.

Can I attend therapy sessions on my computer?

Yes, you can. There are three steps:

1. Open the HALEO app shortly before the session.
2. Click CONNECT THROUGH OTHER DEVICE.
3. We will email you a link to access your online therapy session on a different device.

You will need to repeat this procedure for each session you want to connect to with another device.

What can I do if my therapist doesn’t call me when the session starts?

Your therapist is not supposed to call you. You need to access the therapy session online by clicking JOIN THERAPY SESSION in the HALEO app.

Can I use my smart watch data instead of filling out sleep diaries?

Not yet. Your therapist can only access information entered directly in our app. 

Do I have access to the app after the end of the program?

Yes. You have unlimited access to all the tools and articles provided in the HALEO app.

If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, try the following options:

Email us at team@haleoclinic.com

Send a message to Support via the HALEO app