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What is a Registered Psychotherapist?
"Registered Psychotherapist" (RP) is a protected professional title in Ontario, where the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) regulates RPs. Alberta does not currently regulate the title "psychotherapist" or "counsellor" in the same way.
That doesn't mean an Ontario RP can't provide therapy to someone in Calgary. Some therapists on First Session are registered and regulated in another Canadian province but are authorized to provide virtual therapy to clients in Alberta. For example, an Ontario RP may work with Calgary clients online while remaining regulated by the CRPO in Ontario.
First Session verifies therapists' professional credentials before listing them and clearly displays their designation on each profile. You can also check whether they offer online sessions to Alberta clients and review their training, specialties, and approach before booking.
What to know about Registered Psychotherapists in Calgary
Credentials in Alberta
Alberta regulates professions such as psychology and social work, while the titles "psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are not currently regulated in the same way. Registered Psychologists are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists, and Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers.
You may also see designations such as RPC (Registered Professional Counsellor) on Calgary therapist profiles. RPC is a professional certification rather than a provincially regulated health-profession designation, so it is important to look at the therapist's underlying training, registration, and professional credentials when choosing a provider.
Why some Calgary profiles show "RP"
You may see therapists with the designation "Registered Psychotherapist (RP)" in a Calgary search, even though Alberta does not have an equivalent RP designation. These therapists are typically registered and regulated in another province, such as Ontario, where the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) regulates the RP title.
Some of these therapists provide virtual therapy to clients in Alberta while remaining regulated by their home province. Seeing "RP" on a Calgary profile therefore does not mean the therapist is unregulated or unqualified. It means their professional registration is held in another province.
Alberta's government announced in 2024 that the College of Alberta Psychologists would eventually regulate counselling therapists directly, but the plan remains unfunded, with no firm start date before 2027.
Online and in-person
First Session's Calgary listings may include therapists offering online sessions, in-person appointments, or both. Online therapy can give you access to therapists not based in Calgary, including qualified professionals regulated in other provinces who can work with Alberta clients virtually.
Whether online or in person is better depends on your preferences, schedule, privacy, and the type of support you are looking for. If you plan to use insurance, check your benefits plan to confirm that virtual sessions and the therapist's professional designation are eligible for reimbursement.
Cost and insurance
Therapy fees in Calgary vary depending on the therapist's designation, experience, specialization, and practice. First Session profiles show each therapist's fee before you book.
Insurance coverage also varies by plan. Some benefits specifically name eligible designations, such as Registered Psychologist or Registered Social Worker, while others use broader categories for mental health or counselling services. A therapist's use of the title "RP" does not automatically determine whether your plan will cover their services; what matters is whether your insurer recognizes that therapist's professional designation and registration.
Before booking, check your benefits plan or contact your insurer to confirm:
- whether the therapist's specific designation is covered;
- whether online therapy is eligible;
- what percentage or amount is reimbursed;
- your annual mental-health maximum; and
- whether any per-session limits apply.
First Session provides a receipt after your appointment that you can submit to your insurer when your plan allows reimbursement.
How to choose a Registered Psychotherapist in Calgary
1. Read the actual credential on the profile
Since "psychotherapist" is not a regulated title in Alberta, look at the specific designation listed on the therapist's profile. This might be an RSW, Registered Psychologist, RPC, or an RP or RCC who is registered in another province. The designation tells you where the therapist is regulated or certified and can also help you determine whether they are eligible under your insurance plan.
2. Consider what the credential means
Different designations have different education, registration, and oversight requirements. Alberta professional colleges regulate RSWs and Registered Psychologists, while an RP or RCC may be regulated in another province. Professional certifications such as RPC are issued through professional associations rather than an Alberta regulatory college. Understanding the credential helps you know what training and professional oversight apply to the therapist you are considering.
3. Match the therapist to what you need
A professional designation is only one part of finding the right therapist. Two therapists with the same credential can have very different specialties, approaches, and experience. Read their profiles to see whether they work with the concerns you want help with and whether their therapeutic approach sounds like a good fit.
4. Watch the intro video
A written profile can tell you about a therapist's training and areas of focus, but it may not show you their communication style. Every First Session profile includes a short introductory video, which can help you get a better feel for the therapist before booking.
5. Use the free consultation to see if the fit feels right
The free 15-minute consultation gives you a chance to speak with the therapist before deciding whether to start ongoing sessions. You can briefly explain what you're looking for, learn more about their approach, and get a sense of how comfortable you feel talking with them. You don't need to prepare a list of questions. The goal is simply to see whether the therapist feels like someone you could work with.
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