FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much does therapy cost?
The Psychological Association of Alberta recommends that Registered Psychologists charge $200.00 CND and hour, but I charge $190.00. I do offer a sliding scale to people who would like to work with me, but do not have insurance or the financial ability to pay this fee.
2. Do you direct bill?
Some insurance companies allow psychologists to direct bill such as Blue Cross and so whenever I can direct bill I do. However, most insurance companies require clients to manually bill. In these cases I can provide an immediate receipt upon receiving the service with all of the information necessary for you to be reimbursed as soon as possible.
3. How much does my Insurance cover?
Every insurance company is different in terms of how much they cover. I recommend to call your insurance company to find out how much they cover per calendar year. When we meet we will work out a treatment plan that works with your coverage.
4. Does Alberta Health Care cover psychological services?
At this time Alberta Health Care does not cover the costs of psychological services. However psychological services are eligible to be used as a medical expense for tax purposes. Therefore, save your receipts so that whatever portion of your expense can be used as a tax deduction.
5. How many sessions will I need?
We will work together to determine how many sessions will most benefit you as every person’s therapeutic needs are as unique as each individual. However, in general according to the 2013 sixth edition of the "Handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change" there are statistics around how many sessions is beneficial. In the chapter called "The efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy", Michael Lambert reviews relevant publications and concludes (p.204) "Therapy is highly efficient for a large minority of clients, perhaps 30% of whom attain a lasting benefit after only three sessions." and when monitoring for "reliable improvement ... it appears 50% of patients respond by the 8th session and 75% are predicted to need at least 14 sessions to experience this degree of relief."
6. Are there risks to therapy?
According to research counseling has been shown to be effective in meeting people’s goals whether they are to increase self-esteem, improve relationships, heal trauma, or to stop self sabotaging behaviors. However, sometimes when addressing parts of us that have been hurt difficult feeling can come up. Yet having these feelings come up in a safe therapeutic setting of empathy, acceptance, and non-judgment allows a space for healing, letting go and moving forward.
7. How do I know if your treatment is right for me?
It is important that you feel comfortable working with me and that it is a good fit for you. According to research most of the benefits that can come from therapy are due to a positive trusting therapeutic relationship, shared therapeutic goals and motivation to change. Only a small amount is due to the techniques used. Therefore my goal is for you to feel safe working with me and considering this research, I will offer various treatment modalities that I have been trained in so that we can collaboratively decide what works best for you.
8. How do I know if I need therapy?
People come to therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes people are just going through a rough patch and others have more long-term challenges that they wish to overcome. Aside from feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress there are some people who come to therapy in order to understand self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors that are negatively impacting their lives. While some people have an interest in self-growth and development, others may have more debilitating symptoms that are making it difficult to get through each day. As a psychologist I have experience and training in a wide range of issues. We will work together to determine what your needs are.
9. What makes you a qualified psychologist?
I believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle and I truly love working with people. I have years of very diverse experience with people from all over the world as well as First Nations and honor the diversity within humanity. I have done all of the schooling and registration processes required by the province of Alberta, but I also continue to grow as a professional and person. I put the work I do with clients into practice in my own life. I have had unique life experience that gives me a wholistic perspective.