Frequently Asked Questions

About HALEO

How many people have completed the HALEO programs?

Over 10,000 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 and what qualifications do they have? 

Our team includes registered professionals — psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers — providing expert care to clients across Canada, the United States, and Australia. All HALEO sleep experts are trained by our internal clinical team to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), the gold standard treatment, and receive ongoing support and training to ensure the highest quality of care.  

Does HALEO provide service outside Canada and the United States? 

HALEO is available to residents of Canada and the United States and recently launched in Australia in Fall 2025 through select insurance partners. To learn more about availability in your region, contact us at team@haleoclinic.com.. 

HALEO PROGRAMS

What is CBT-I and how does HALEO deliver it? 

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based approach that helps you identify and change thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep. It includes proven techniques like time-in-bed restriction, stimulus control, and relaxation training to help you achieve more restful, restorative sleep. 

All HALEO programs are grounded in CBT-I and are typically delivered in 5-6 weeks — faster and more efficient than the traditional 8–12-week group-based programs offered in hospital settings. Therapy sessions are available online through the HALEO app, making expert sleep care accessible from the comfort of your own home.  

What programs does HALEO offer? 

HALEO offers specialized programs tailored to the following sleep challenges: 

• Insomnia Program – For those struggling with difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Shift Work Program – For shift workers dealing with sleep disruption

• Nightmare Program – For individuals experiencing recurrent nightmares 

• Shift Work and Nightmares Program – For shift workers dealing with both sleep disruption and nightmares 

• Sleep Optimization Program – For individuals with mild sleep issues looking to improve their sleep quality  

Each program is grounded in CBT-I principles and customized to address your specific sleep needs.  

How do the HALEO programs work? 

Most HALEO programs run for 5-6 weeks, while our Sleep Optimization program is a shorter 3-week format. Throughout the program, you’ll meet with your therapist each week for an online session. Your therapist will guide you through evidence-based strategies and provide personalized techniques to practise between sessions. You’ll also have access to helpful tools, resources, and articles in the HALEO app to reinforce your learning and track your progress. 

Can my sleep really improve in just five weeks? 

Yes. Most clients see noticeable improvements in their sleep quality as early as the third session when they follow their therapist’s guidance consistently. Meaningful, lasting results are achievable within all our programs.  

How do I get started with HALEO? 

Getting started is simple: 

1. Take the online screener – Complete our free screener to see if one of our programs is right for you.  

1. Talk to our team – Book a free call with a HALEO sleep care coordinator to learn more about the program, get set up with the app, and schedule your therapy sessions. 

1. Start your program – Meet with your therapist and follow the clear steps laid out in the app.  

IS HALEO RIGHT FOR ME?

How quickly can I get started with a therapist? 

Our online screener is available 24/7, so you can get started whenever it’s convenient for you. Once you complete it, you’ll be able to book a call with a HALEO sleep care coordinators within the next few days. From there, you can begin working with your therapist as soon as within a week or two, depending on your availability.  

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

Working with a trained HALEO therapist provides personalized guidance that’s hard to replicate on your own. Your therapist will tailor strategies to your specific situation, answer your questions in real time, and adjust the approach as you progress through the program. This ongoing support and customization help ensure you get the most out of CBT-I techniques. 

Can I travel or take vacation during the program? 

You may be able to continue the program while travelling, but there are a few things to keep in mind: 

If you want to attend therapy session while travelling, you can only do so if you’re still in the specific region where your therapist is licensed to practise. For example, a therapist registered in Alberta cannot see a client who has travelled to British Columbia.  

If you’re taking a break from sessions and travelling within the same time zone, that’s perfectly fine. However, if you’re travelling to a different time zone, we recommend starting therapy approximately two weeks after your return to allow your circadian rhythm to adjust.    

Can I take breaks between therapy sessions? 

It depends. The therapy is most effective when you attend weekly sessions consistently. You may take up to two weeks between sessions 1 and 2, and between sessions 4 and 5. However, sessions 2, 3, and 4 must be completed without breaks to maintain momentum and achieve the best results.  

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

No. You can continue taking your sleep medication during the program. In fact, about 60% of our clients who are taking sleep medications when they start are able to stop or reduce their use as they progress through the program. If you're considering stopping or changing your sleep medication during therapy, we strongly recommend consulting with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Is sleep therapy right for me if I have anxiety or depression? 

Yes. If you experience worries or ruminative thoughts that keep you up at night, your therapist can address these issues through targeted exercises and techniques as part of your sleep therapy. Cognitive restructuring, one of the techniques of CBT-I, directly targets thinking patterns commonly found in anxiety and depression.
For some people, improving sleep through CBT-I is enough to see improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms as well. However, if your symptoms are quite severe or significantly interfering with daily life, working with another specialist alongside the sleep program may provide the best results.  

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 with a CPAP or other device. 

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

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?

While we don't treat chronic pain itself, CBT-I can still be beneficial for many people living with chronic pain. Research shows that CBT-I effectively improves insomnia symptoms in individuals with chronic pain, and better sleep can help with how you manage and experience pain. 

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

Yes. Many women experience disrupted sleep during the menopause transition due to hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal changes. While CBT-I doesn’t eliminate these hormonal symptoms, it equips you with effective strategies to manage the sleep disturbance they cause.  

You’ll learn techniques to strengthen your body’s natural sleep drive and reduce unhelpful thoughts that interfere with sleep. This helps you respond more calmly to nighttime disruptions and feel more in control of your sleep during menopause.  

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

Yes, as long as your current therapist isn’t providing sleep-specific therapy. Our programs are designed to complement your existing therapy by addressing insomnia with specialized treatment. Improved sleep can enhance your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and support the overall progress you’re making with your current therapist. 

FEES, PAYMENT AND COVERAGE

How much does sleep therapy cost? 

The cost depends on how you’re accessing the program: 

If you’re enrolled through your organization or employer, the program may be fully covered or available at a preferential rate. Coverage varies by organization. 
If you’re paying independently, sessions are $300 each. The total cost of your program will depend on how many sessions you need, as our programs differ in length.  
Many insurance companies cover all or a portion of the therapy costs, which means your out-of-pocket costs could be significantly reduced or even fully covered depending on your provider and plan. 
For specific pricing information, complete the online screener and book a call with our team to discuss your options. 

How do I pay if I’m not covered through my employer? 

You’ll pay by credit card. You can provide your payment details either during your call with a HALEO sleep care coordinator or directly in the app.  

If you have extended health benefits that cover psychological services, we can submit a claim to your primary insurance provider on your behalf. Any portion they don’t cover becomes your responsibility.  

Can I have extra sessions beyond what my employer covers? 

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

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

No, as long as you notify your therapist at least 48 hours before the session. If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice or don’t show up for your appointment, you’ll be charged a $100 administrative fee. 

Can you contact my insurance provider for direct payments or submit claims on my behalf? 

Yes! We can submit a claim to your primary insurance provider on your behalf. Any portion they don’t cover becomes your responsibility. You can then submit the remaining amount to your secondary insurance if you have one.  

If you need to submit a claim or require a quote to confirm your coverage, email your request to team@haleoclinic.com.

Does my insurance cover family members? 

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

How do I access my invoice for therapy sessions? 

The invoice for each session will be emailed to you shortly after your session. You can submit it to your insurance provider for reimbursement.  

ACCESSING THERAPY SESSIONS

Where can I find the mobile app?

Our mobile app — HALEO Virtual Sleep Clinic — 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.

How do I join my therapy session? 

You join your sessions directly through the HALEO app by clicking “Join therapy session” when it’s time for your appointment. Your therapist won’t call you on the phone—you’ll connect with them through the app or another device.   

Can I attend therapy sessions on my computer? 

Yes. Fifteen minutes before each session, we’ll email you a link that you can use to join from any device, including your computer. You can also prompt this email to be sent by opening the HALEO app and clicking “Email session link.” 

Can I use my smartwatch data instead of filling out the sleep diaries? 

No. Your therapist can only access sleep information entered directly in the HALEO app. 

Do I have access to the app after the program ends? 

Yes. You have unlimited access to all the tools and articles in the HALEO app, even after completing the program.  

Need more help?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us: 

• Email us at team@haleoclinic.com 
• Send a message to Support in the HALEO app