Find a Psychologist in Calgary

In Alberta, psychotherapists have historically not been regulated. Anyone with any amount of education or experience has been able to advertise their services as a therapist or counsellor and treat clients.

Provisional Psychologists filled the space normally occupied by certified therapists in other provinces that regulate the terms “therapist” and “counsellor.” A Provisional Psychologist is a practicing therapist who is working towards their full designation as a Psychologist. They hold a Master's degree in clinical psychology (or equivilant) and must meet requirements set by the College of Alberta Psychologists.

Registered Psychologists are required to have a graduate degree in psychology, complete extensive supervised clinical hours, and meet requirements set by the college.

Thanks to recent changes, therapists and counsellors will soon be regulated and licensed by the College of Alberta Psychologists. But until those changes fully come into effect, Provisional Psychologists, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Psychiatrists are the only clinical mental health professionals regulated by law in Alberta.

In Calgary, the cost of seeing a psychologist ranges from $100 – $250 for a standard 50minute session. An individual therapist’s fees typically depend on their level of education and experience, as well as demand for their services. Some psychologists offer sliding scale pricing, which adjusts the session fee based on your income or financial situation. This can make therapy more affordable if cost is a barrier.

The cost of seeing a private practice Psychologist is not covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, but your health insurance plan may provide full or partial coverage. There are some community resources available which are free to the public, but may have waitlists, or only be tech-enabled offerings (not private therapy).

You do not need a doctor's referral to see a Psychologist in Calgary. If you’re looking for ongoing psychotherapy, a Psychologist is often the right choice. You can book directly without going through a doctor.

Psychiatrists, on the other hand, require a referral. They primarily focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication, and do not usually offer regular therapy sessions. If you are referred to a Psychiatrist by a doctor, the cost is covered by Alberta Health.

Your health insurance may cover seeing a psychologist, but carefully review your plan before booking an appointment. Health insurance (often referred to as employee benefits) plans are very specific about the designations of mental health professionals they cover. For instance, your plan may cover treatment by a Social Worker, but not by a Psychologist, even if you would receive similar treatment from professionals with either designation.

To confirm, review your benefits booklet and contact your insurance provider to ask exactly what mental health services are included, which professional designations are covered, and the annual coverage limit. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your insurance coverage.

Start by considering what you want to work on, then look for a Calgary psychologist who specializes in that area (for example, anxiety, couples counselling, trauma). The video profiles on First Session are very helpful to allow you to assess whether or not a therapist you are considering is a good fit for you.

You may also want to consider their approach to therapy, availability, and whether you feel comfortable after an initial consultation. Most Psychologists on First Session offer free initial consultations so you can see if they seem like a good fit before investing any money.

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Calgary therapists offer a wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, couples counselling, and trauma-focused therapies. The right approach depends on your needs and goals, which you can discuss during your initial consultation.

Yes, you can see a Psychologist outside Alberta as long as they’re registered and insured to work with clients in Alberta. For example, a psychotherapist based in Toronto can provide online therapy to someone in Calgary if they meet necessary requirements. On First Session, each therapist’s profile clearly lists the provinces where they’re licensed to practice. If you are searching for a therapist you can select which province you live in, and all eligible therapists will show up in your search.

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