Question 1

What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists are mental health professionals who must hold a Master's or Ph.D. in psychology and be licenced by the College of Alberta Psychologists. They have typically undergone 6-8 years of education and training, as well as supervised practice in order to be a Registered Psychologist. Psychologists are trained to help others using psychotherapy and assessments.
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A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in mental health and the use of medications in the treatment of mental health concerns. In Alberta, most psychiatrist focus their work surrounding medication management, with some engaging in psychotherapy as well.

Seeing a psychologist means working with someone who has advanced training, supervision and knowledge in mental health care. Additionally, they are members of a college that has ethical codes and practice guidelines to ensure safe, effective, competent care.

Question 2

Why should my child see a Certified Play Therapist?

Accepted Answer

Certified Play Therapists have advanced training, supervised practice, and ethical guidelines that support their work with children. While many child therapists may integrate components of play or art into their work, Certified Play Therapists have met demanding requirements to ensure that their work is competent, evidence-driven, and can meet diverse needs of children throughout their development.

Play therapy is highly recommended for work with children as it takes into account developmental stages to meet children where they are at. It removes the emphasis on talking as children often do not have the language to communicate their struggles and can have issues holding strong feelings in their bodies.  Play has long been accepted as a way children make sense of their worlds. Play therapists enter the play of a child to help make shifts, practice skills, and fill-in developmental gaps.

Question 3

How long are sessions and how many will I need?

Accepted Answer

Youth and Adult sessions (12 years +) are 50-minutes in length. While the time you are billed will show 60 minutes, this reflects the time needed for psychologist to engage in note-taking and other duties related to your care.

Child sessions (3-12 years) are 45 minutes in length. Play therapy sessions involve longer and more complex notes, set up and clean up time. Additionally, I often email parents following a session with a brief update.

There is no clear answer to how many sessions you or your child may benefit from. Typically, people see therapists for 8-12 sessions. In play therapy, this number is more typically 15 due to how this modality works. Session number is often something that is discussed throughout the process and is a part of the consideration of clients, parents, and the psychologist working together.

Question 4

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No! Psychologist do not need a referral. You can simply reach out with your general information and a brief overview of your concerns. While you can either email or phone call, I am often better able to return emails between session than I am to return a call. I am also happy to set up a time to talk via phone on one of my administrative days in office.

Question 5

What are the fees for seeing a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Seeing a psychologist privately means that there is a fee-for-service that is not covered by Alberta Health Benefits. Many employer-provided health care plans provide full or partial coverage. Additionally, fees paid to a psychologist are a tax deductible health expense. 
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Session fees are charged in accordance with the Psychologist's Association of Alberta fee schedule, which can be found here.(https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/resources/recommended-fee-schedule/)

I direct bill with many major insurance plans - please feel free to ask!

Question 6

What can I expect in the first session?

Accepted Answer

Upon entering the office, an iPad will be at the door. Please check in and have a seat. There are coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water available in the waiting room – please help yourself. I will come to get you at the start of the session.

The first session is an intake session. This session is designed to help you get to know me, for me to be able to gather information about your concerns and overall health and well-being, and start to understand the problem you are coming to get help with.

For children under 12, the first session is for parents only. This helps me get to know your child, your concerns, and explain more of the process related to play therapy. This also means that your child is not either in the room listening to others talk about them, or in the waiting room where they may be anxious to be left alone.

The overall goal of the first session is to work towards starting to set some therapy goals to help focus the upcoming sessions.

Question 7

What if I have other questions?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out!

The therapy process is often unique for each person. While you may have some prior experience with a psychologist - it is okay if you don't.

Each psychologist has a unique approach and it is important to find the right fit for you. Asking questions is encouraged.

F.A.Q.