Why should I choose a Registered Psychologist?

Registered Psychologists and Registered Social Workers are currently the only regulated counselling professions in Alberta. These regulated bodies require additional training, experience, and exams that go beyond Masters level educational training.The regulating bodies also ensure that ethical care is provided by qualified and competent professionals. As well, many health benefit plans will only cover services provided by a Registered Psychologist or Social Worker in Alberta, but you will have to check with your specific plan to see if you are covered.

How much does it cost for counselling services?

Counselling services are $220 for a 50 minute session. This fee is the recommended fee that is set by the Psychologists Association of Alberta. This fee is set based on Psychologists having a minimum of a Masters level education plus 1600 additional supervised counselling hours, completing 2 comprehensive exams and participating in required continuing education every year. It also accounts for the time spent doing outside administration for each client, as well as the research to tailor services to the individual needs of each client.

What is your training for perinatal therapy and why should I choose someone with specialized training in this area?

It is important to choose a practitioner with specialized training in this area as most therapists will not have received any training specific to the perinatal population in their training programs. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. This is a standardization of training, experience and a comprehensive exam that ensures a high level of perinatal mental health care. I have obtained training from the Seleni Institute as well as Postpartum Support International that is specific to perinatal mood disorders (including postpartum depression and anxiety), perinatal grief and loss, perinatal medications, advanced training specific to birth trauma, and therapies to utilize with perinatal clients. All of this additional specialization further equips me to support you in this very specific and delicate perinatal period.

What happens when I come to therapy?

Before your online session a profile will be set up and paperwork will be sent through JaneApp to complete prior to your first session. An invitation and instructions will be emailed to you prior to your first online session. Log in a few minutes prior to your first session and you will be sent to a virtual waiting room and once your therapist is ready they will start the session with you. Make sure that you feel comfortable in the space where you have the session and you might want to make yourself your favourite drink to enjoy during the session. The first session is the one where we go through a detailed history and get to know each other. Subsequent sessions will be working on your healing and growth to hopefully bring you to a place of restoration.

Can my baby be a part of my session?

If you are in the postpartum period I know how much of a challenge it can be to balance everything and go to an appointment for an hour without your baby needing you. So yes, babies are absolutely welcomed. If you do have someone that can take care of the baby or other children during this time so that you can take care of yourself that may be helpful. But know that part of taking care of yourself may be also to take care of your baby when you need to and there is space made for this in the session.

How do I pay for a session and can I submit receipts for benefits?

Your session can be paid by having a credit card on file and processed through JaneApp or sending an e-transfer immediately after the session. Receipts are sent once payment has been received. Direct billing is not available, but you can check that your benefit provider covers a Registered Psychologist and submit your receipt for reimbursement following the session.