FAQ

In Alberta, a provisional psychologist has completed a graduate degree in psychology and is in the final stage of training, working under the supervision of a registered psychologist (a two for one psychologists if you will). A registered psychologist has completed all education, supervision, and examination requirements set by the College of Alberta Psychologists and is fully authorized to practice independently. Both are trained to provide therapy, and services from both are often covered by insurance plans, though coverage can vary. 

A sliding scale refers to a flexible pricing structure for counselling services that adjusts the session fee based on a client’s financial circumstances. This approach is designed to make therapy more accessible by offering reduced rates to individuals or families who may have limited income or financial constraints. Sliding scale options help ensure that cost is less of a barrier to receiving mental health support.  Please reach out to see whether you qualify.

Your first counselling session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and share what has brought you to therapy at a pace that feels comfortable. The therapist will ask questions to understand your concerns, goals, and background, explain confidentiality and consent, and discuss how therapy may help. It is normal to feel nervous at first, and there is no expectation to have everything figured out—your therapist’s role is to provide a safe, respectful space to support you. 

Potentially. When one therapist works with multiple members of the same family, there can be potential ethical and practical challenges, such as conflicts of interest, divided loyalties, or concerns about confidentiality. Information shared by one family member may influence the therapist’s perspective when working with another, which can impact trust or therapeutic effectiveness. For these reasons, therapists often discuss boundaries carefully and may recommend separate therapists to ensure everyone receives impartial and appropriate care.