You don't need a referral to get started, and you don't have to go through a receptionist to match you with a therapist. You can contact me directly right from the start by phone (780-619-0626) or email for a free 15 minute consultation.

I direct bill for Military, Veterans and RCMP as well as for Alberta Blue Cross.

Counselling services by a Registered Psychologist are often covered through most insurance providers. Some insurance companies require the client to pay for the session and then submit a receipt for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider before getting started. Manulife and Sun Life Financial do not offer direct billing for counselling services.

It can feel overwhelming and confusing navigating through all the types of professionals that go by different titles and offer various mental health services. Understanding the distinct differences can help you make an informed decision about the type of support you need. There is a significant difference in roles, qualifications, areas of practice, and regulatory standards that can also impact the type of services you receive and coverage through insurance. Here is some guidance to help you out:

Psychologists (R. Psych)

Psychologists specialize in human behavior and the treatment of mental health issues. They have training in counselling, diagnosis/assessment and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioural problems, as well as the use of medication to treat mental illness, although they do not prescribe medication. Psychologists are the only profession specifically trained and qualified in the development and administration of specialized psychological testing to assess areas such as cognition/intelligence, personality characteristics, emotional disorders, and the effects of brain injury. Psychologists in Alberta must be licensed and regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists and ensure they are maintaining continuing competency in their area of practice.

Some provinces across Canada require individuals to obtain a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology) or Psy. D. (Doctor of Psychology) to hold the professional title of “Registered Psychologist”. In Alberta, individuals can be registered with the above designation or with a Master's degree. A Master's degree takes approximately two to three years to complete. A doctoral (Ph.D., Psy.D.) degree is an additional four to six years post master's degree. Check out the article Becoming a Psychologist from the Canadian Psychology Association for further information.

Individuals can begin working with clients at a Provisional level (R. Prov. Psych.) and have the designation of Registered Provisional Psychologist. This means they are in the process of completing the full registration requirements set by the province and the College of Alberta Psychologists. A provisional psychologist's client work must be supervised by a fully registered psychologist.

Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCC)

As of March 1, 2024 the Alberta government announced that Canadian Counsellors will be regulated under the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). They must hold at least a Master's level degree in counselling or a related field from a government-recognized and accredited institution to attain this designation. They are able to provide mental health/counselling services, but they are limited in their scope of practice such as the professional assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions. Please visit Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy for further details.

Psychotherapist, Counselling Therapist, Mental Health Provider, or Life Coach

They MAY hold a degree in psychology, counselling or a related field and may or may not be professionally regulated. They can hold varying levels of education, training, and experience. In many jurisdictions across Canada, these individuals are not professionally regulated.

Psychiatrists (MD)

Psychiatrists are physicians who have attained their Doctor of Medicine degree. They specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health issues, and they can prescribe medication.

No worries - 24 hours notice is appreciated to cancel or reschedule an appointment, but unlike many other counselling centers I do NOT have a late cancellation fee. I understand that "life happens". If you are feeling cold- or flu-like symptoms please consider rescheduling your session. You can do this by phone/email or through the online booking portal.

Each person is different and each couple is different. The extent and level of complexity of the issue(s) being faced with vary along with the goals set for counselling, and availability to attend sessions. After the first session and once a solid understanding of goals is determined we will work together on a treatment plan and approach forward. Feedback throughout each session and the course of counselling is highly encouraged to ensure we are on track.

Typically, sessions are 50 minutes in length (scheduled in by the hour) - this allow psychologists the remaining 10 minutes to complete case notes and update important information about the session, treatment planning, and prepare for your next upcoming session(s).

Payment is due at the onset or end of each session by Interac e-Transfer (cash/cheque is also accepted). A receipt is provided for coverage and/or for your records.

There is no GST on professional counselling services. Across Canada, psychologists are among the health care providers that are exempted from charging GST.