Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the answers to Insight Psychological’s most frequently asked questions. Can’t find the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us at one of our locations.

Do you have sliding scale fees or more affordable options?

Insight Psychological uses a sliding scale fee model so that everyone can find the right therapist at the right price. Please visit our Reduced Rates page for more information.

Should I see a provisional psychologist or a registered psychologist?

Whether you choose to see a provisional psychologist or registered psychologist depends on your needs and resources. A registered psychologist will have completed 1600 hours of supervised practice and an examination of practice, while a provisional psychologist will be working to complete theirs. However, provisional psychologists still have significant experience.

More specifically, in Alberta, the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) is the regulatory body for the profession of psychology. Their requirements to become a registered psychologist in Alberta are:

Successful completion of a minimum of a Master’s level degree from an approved Psychology program (which would have included a 200-600 hour practicum)
Completed a minimum of 1600 hours of supervised hours in the practice of Psychology.
Successful completion of the Examination of the Professional Practice of Psychology and passed the oral exam.

A registered provisional psychologist is a therapist who has a completed a minimum Master’s level psychology or related degree and is practicing to become a registered psychologist. They must have completed a practicum placement of 200 to 600 hours of counselling in order to obtain their graduate degree. Once they’ve graduated, they can apply to become a registered provisional psychologist. They must also present a supervision plan to CAP as part of their application requirements.

It’s important to note that many registered provisional psychologists have significant experience, are of varying ages and can have areas of unique expertise or specialty.

It takes generally one or two years (or more) for a provisional psychologist to become a registered psychologist.

A senior psychologist has been registered and practicing for at least five years.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a registered psychologist?

In summary, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specially trained in mental health and can prescribe medication. They tend to focus on diagnosis and medication monitoring, and don’t all provide therapy. A psychologist is a trained professional who uses a number of therapeutic approaches and techniques to help a patient overcome their mental health struggles. A psychiatrist may refer you to a psychologist and vice versa.

More specifically and according to the dictionary, psychiatry is the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and abnormal behaviour.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with special training in psychiatry and mental health who can also prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists provide therapy but many do not and tend to focus on diagnosis/evaluation and/or psychiatric medication monitoring.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

A registered psychologist is a person with a minimum of a graduate degree in psychology (although there are several registered psychologists who also have doctorate level degrees), who has completed a minimum of 1600 hours of supervised practice, and in Alberta, has passed the Examination of the Professional Practice of Psychology. Psychologists focus on different therapeutic approaches, usually from the approach of combining biological, psychological and social factors to treat mental illness and issues. They do not prescribe medication.

What kinds of therapists do you have at Insight?

At Insight, we have a variety of therapists available to support clients in their mental wellness. These include:

Senior psychologists – Senior registered psychologists focus on using different therapeutic approaches to treat mental illness. They have at least 5 years of experience practicing in a clinical setting, but do not prescribe medication.
Registered psychologists – Registered psychologists focus on using different therapeutic approaches to treat mental illness. They do not prescribe medication.
Registered provisional psychologists – A therapist who is working towards becoming a registered psychologist, which requires 1600 hours of work. They use therapeutic approaches to treat mental illness.
Certified Canadian Counsellors – People who have been identified as qualified to provide counselling in Canada.
Post practicum therapists – A student who has completed their practicum hours but still in the process of obtaining their Master’s degree or provisional status. They are supervised by a registered or provisional psychologist.
Practicum student therapists – A master’s level student who is in the process of completing between 200 to 600 counselling hours under the supervision of a registered or registered provisional psychologist.

Does Insight provide emergency care or assessments?

Insight Psychological does not provide emergency care. However, there is help available at the 24-hour Distress Line, operated by Canadian Mental Health Association in Edmonton (780-482-4357) and rural Alberta (1-800-232-7288) and the Distress Centre in Calgary (403-266-4357). If you feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest hospital Emergency department.

Insight provides many non-emergency assessments in the following areas:

GIFTED/INTELLECTUALLY ADVANCED (Intellectually Advanced Assessments)
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL (Assessing Brain Injury or Neurological Illness)
CAREER & JOB APTITUDE (Understanding Career Options)
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (Diagnosis of Developmental Disorders)
PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL & MEMORY (Tests related to aspects of Learning & Academia)
FORENSIC (Experienced Expert Opinion and Risk Related))
PERSONALITY & BEHAVIOURAL (Comprehensive Testing & Clinical Evaluation)
CUSTODY/ACCESS & PARENTAL (PN7, PN8 & Related Assessments)

Can my therapy costs be direct billed to my insurance plan?

We can provide direct billing through plans that accept it, such as those by Blue Cross or Green Shield. There are also other insurance plans that will accept direct billing, so check with your plan to determine if this is possible. Most insurance plans will have clients pay at the time of the visit then get reimbursed later.

Will my therapy visits be covered by Alberta Health Care?

Unfortunately, therapy visits are not currently covered under Alberta Health Care unless you are visiting a hospital. However, most extended health benefit plans and Employee Assistance Plans will cover in whole or in part the fees for private psychological services.

Please also note that fees for psychological services may be claimed under tax deductible health care expenses on your income tax return.