Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about beginning therapy, booking appointments, fees, insurance, confidentiality and our available services.
Select any question below to open the answer.
Getting Started
What happens during my first therapy session?
Your first session gives you and your therapist an opportunity to get to know one another and make sure you feel comfortable. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy, what you have been experiencing and what you would like to change or feel differently.
You can share at your own pace. Together, you will begin identifying your goals and discussing the type of support that may be helpful. You are not expected to have everything organized or know exactly what to say.
How do I book a therapy session?
You can begin by visiting our Meet Our Team page to learn more about our therapists, their areas of focus and the clients they support.
When you are ready to book, visit our online booking page. You can select a therapist or session type, choose whether you would like an in-person, online or phone appointment, and then select from the available appointment times.
You can also call us at 403-835-3003 or email info@calgarymentalhealthandwellness.com, and our administrative team can help book your appointment.
How do I book a free consultation?
You can book a free consultation through our online booking system. Select the therapist you are interested in and choose an available consultation time.
The consultation gives you an opportunity to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, ask questions and determine whether the therapist feels like a suitable fit. There is no obligation to book a full session afterward.
Do I need a referral to begin therapy?
No. You do not need a referral to book therapy with us.
Some insurance plans may require a physician’s referral or note before reimbursing psychological services. We recommend confirming your plan’s requirements directly with your insurance provider.
How do I choose the right therapist?
Each therapist’s profile includes information about their experience, areas of focus, populations served and therapeutic approaches.
You can also contact our office or book a free consultation. We can learn more about what you are looking for and help identify therapists whose experience and availability may fit your needs.
Do you offer online and in-person therapy?
Yes. Our available services include:
Calgary: In-person and virtual therapy
Red Deer: In-person and virtual therapy
Alberta: Secure online therapy
Ontario: Secure online therapy for clients ages 13 and older
Therapy Process and What to Expect
How long is each therapy session?
Standard individual therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes long.
Longer appointments may be available or recommended for certain services, such as couples counselling or more in-depth therapeutic work. Your therapist will discuss the available options with you.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your concerns, goals, circumstances and preferred pace.
Some people attend short-term therapy for a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term support. You and your therapist will regularly discuss your progress and whether the current plan continues to meet your needs.
What therapy approaches do your therapists use?
Our therapists draw from evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches tailored to each client’s needs.
Approaches may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness-based strategies, trauma-informed therapy and other specialized approaches.
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous before beginning therapy is common. You are not expected to arrive knowing exactly what to discuss or how to explain everything you have experienced.
You can move at a pace that feels manageable. Your therapist will help guide the conversation and create a respectful, supportive environment.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Information shared during therapy is confidential and protected according to professional and legal requirements.
There are limited exceptions where disclosure may be legally required or permitted, including certain serious safety concerns, the protection of a child or a valid legal requirement. Your therapist will explain confidentiality and its limits during the informed-consent process.
Fees, Insurance and Clinic Policies
What are your therapy fees?
Session fees vary based on the service, appointment length, therapist and province.
Current fees are listed on our therapist profile pages and within our online booking system. Please contact our office if you need help confirming the fee for a particular service.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments, may be charged the full session fee. Please contact our office as soon as possible when an unexpected situation occurs.
How does payment work?
A credit card is securely kept on file and payment is processed following the appointment.
When direct billing is available, we may submit the claim to your insurer. Any portion not covered by insurance remains the client’s responsibility. A receipt is issued for all paid services.
Do you offer direct billing?
Direct billing is available for many insurance providers when permitted by the client’s plan and the treating practitioner’s professional designation.
Before your appointment, ask your insurance provider:
✓ Do I have coverage for psychological services?
✓ Is there a deductible, and has it been met?
✓ What is my annual coverage limit?
✓ How much is covered per session?
✓ Does my plan require a physician’s referral?
✓ Is my therapist’s professional designation covered?
What does NIHB mental health coverage include?
Eligible First Nations and Inuit clients may receive mental health counselling coverage through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Eligibility, prior approval requirements and available hours are determined by the program. Our office can help confirm whether an approved therapist is available.
Therapist Designations
What is the difference between a practicum student, provisional psychologist, certified counsellor and registered psychologist?
Practicum Student Intern
A practicum student is completing graduate-level clinical training and provides therapy under the close supervision of a qualified psychologist. They are not yet independently registered to practice psychology.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
A Registered Provisional Psychologist has completed the required graduate education and is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. They practice under supervision while completing the remaining requirements for full registration.
Canadian Certified Counsellor
A Canadian Certified Counsellor, or CCC, is a mental health professional certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. CCCs have completed graduate-level education in counselling and must meet national standards for training, ethics and ongoing professional development.
Registered Psychologist
A Registered Psychologist has completed the educational, supervised-practice and examination requirements for independent registration with their professional college.
Services and Specialized Support
What concerns can your therapists help with?
Our therapists support clients with concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, ADHD, emotional regulation, self-esteem, workplace stress, parenting concerns, chronic illness, identity and personal growth.
Do you provide therapy for children and teens?
Yes. Child and youth services depend on the location, therapist and appointment format.
Calgary in person: Children ages 8+, teens and adults
Red Deer in person: Children, teens and adults based on therapist availability
Alberta virtual: Youth ages 13+ and adults
Ontario virtual: Youth ages 13+ and adults
Do you provide trauma therapy?
Yes. Several members of our team support clients who have experienced childhood trauma, relationship trauma, medical trauma and other overwhelming or distressing experiences.
Trauma therapy is paced carefully. Your therapist will generally focus on safety, trust and stabilization before moving into deeper processing. You will not be required to discuss details before you feel ready.
Still Have Questions?
Contact our office and we will help you understand your options, choose a location and find a therapist who fits your needs.