Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about starting counselling at Synthesis Psychology: referrals, cost and coverage, how sessions work, and who you'll see. If your question isn't here, call 403.261.5085 during admin hours or book a free 15-minute consultation.
Need help right now?
We're not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-4357.
Getting started
Referrals, the free consultation and your first session.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Alberta?
No. You can contact a psychologist in private practice directly, without a referral from a doctor. To get started, book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
What happens on the free 15-minute consultation?
It's a short, free phone call to talk about what's bringing you in and what you're looking for, so we can match you with the psychologist best suited to your needs. Book a consultation or call 403.261.5085.
How do you decide which psychologist I see?
On your free consultation call, we learn what you're looking for and connect you with a psychologist who has the training, skills and experience for it, and who is a good fit for you. If you already have someone in mind, let us know.
If we don't offer the kind of counselling you need, we'll refer you to other specialized resources.
How should I prepare for my first counselling session?
It helps to think about three things: what led you to book an appointment, what you've been doing to manage your concerns so far, and what you'd like to achieve through counselling.
How soon can I get a first appointment?
Availability varies by psychologist. You can see open times on our online booking site, or ask on your free consultation call. Our team works to respond to inquiries promptly, and we're generally able to accommodate consultations within a couple of days.
Cost and coverage
Fees, benefit plans, payment and taxes.
How much does a counselling session cost?
Sessions range from $235 to $250 for a 50-minute appointment. Your first step, a 15-minute phone consultation, is free, so you can find the psychologist best suited to your needs. See fees and insurance.
Is counselling covered by insurance or extended health benefits?
Many extended health benefit plans reimburse sessions with a psychologist, including plans through Alberta Blue Cross and Sun Life, and some clients are covered through their partner's or parents' plan. These plans can cover counselling with a psychologist regardless of the specific issue, and the reason you're seeing a psychologist is always kept confidential.
We're a private, fee-based practice and don't bill insurers directly, so you pay at your session and claim it from your plan. See fees and insurance.
Does Alberta Health Care cover psychologists?
No. Alberta Health Care doesn't cover psychologist services. Many extended health benefit plans do, so check yours. See fees and insurance.
How do I pay, and can you bill my insurance?
You pay through our secure online payment system, Jane: the card you keep on file is charged the business day after your session. You can also pay by debit in person at our office. We don't bill insurance providers directly, so you submit each session to your benefit plan for reimbursement.
Can I claim counselling on my taxes?
Fees paid to a psychologist can be an eligible expense for the federal medical expense tax credit, because psychologists are authorized medical practitioners in Alberta. Check the Canada Revenue Agency's rules, or ask whoever prepares your taxes, for what applies to you.
Sessions
How counselling works, and when and where it happens.
How long is a counselling session?
Each appointment is one hour: 50 minutes with your psychologist, with the last 10 minutes for next steps and booking your next session.
Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
Yes, many of our psychologists offer evening and weekend appointments, depending on their availability. Contact us to discuss scheduling options and find a time that works for you. Our administrative team is available to respond to calls and emails Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Do you offer online or phone sessions?
Yes. As well as in-person sessions at our Calgary office, we offer online and telephone counselling across Alberta. See online counselling.
What happens in a counselling session?
Your psychologist helps you explore and understand your situation, your concerns and your options, so you can overcome what's holding you back and work toward your goals. Every client is unique, so sessions adapt to your needs and situation.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It depends on you. Every person and situation is different, and moving through challenges is a process, so your psychologist tailors counselling to your goals and supports you as you work toward them.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes, we offer couples counselling to help partners navigate relationship challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their connection. Visit our team page to explore our psychologists and find someone who may be a good fit. You can also learn more about our couples and relationships counselling services.
Do you offer counselling in Spanish?
Yes. We can offer counselling services in Spanish as well as English. Mention it when you book your free consultation.
What ages do you see?
We see clients aged 16 and older. If you're looking for support for a teenager, ask on your free consultation call.
About our psychologists
Registration, training, and how psychologists differ from other professionals.
Who are the psychologists at Synthesis Psychology?
Our counsellors are Registered Psychologists and a Registered Provisional Psychologist with master's and Ph.D. level training and extensive counselling experience, all registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Meet our psychologists.
What is a Registered Psychologist?
A Registered Psychologist is a regulated health professional who provides services including psychotherapy and assessment, and supports people's psychological health. Registered Psychologists have extensive education and experience helping people move through challenges and reach their potential. See our counselling services.
Is a psychologist the same as a Registered Psychologist?
Yes, in Alberta. Psychologist is a protected title: anyone calling themselves a psychologist must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Registered Psychologists and Registered Provisional Psychologists complete the education, supervised practice and ongoing professional development their college requires.
What's the difference between a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a Registered Psychologist?
A Registered Provisional Psychologist has completed a master's or doctoral degree in psychology and is completing supervised practice on the way to becoming a Registered Psychologist, working closely with a supervising Registered Psychologist.
In Alberta, that means at least 1,600 hours of supervised practice plus 107 hours of supervision, and passing the EPPP and the LEAP ethics exam, all within five years. Once those are complete, they can register as a Registered Psychologist.
What's the difference between a psychologist, a counsellor and a psychiatrist?
In Alberta, psychologists are regulated: using the title requires registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Counselling therapists are not yet a regulated profession in Alberta, so the training behind titles like counsellor or therapist can vary.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists primarily provide psychological assessment and therapy.
Do you offer career counselling?
Career counselling is offered by our partner practice, Canada Career Counselling. Several of our psychologists also offer career counselling there.
Privacy and safety
Confidentiality, and where to turn if you need help right now.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Psychologists follow a code of ethics with strict confidentiality rules that protect your privacy, with limits only in exceptional circumstances, as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you claim sessions through a benefit plan, the specific reason you're seeing a psychologist stays confidential.
What if I need help right now?
Synthesis Psychology is not a crisis service, and we answer calls and email during admin hours only. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time. In Calgary, Distress Centre Calgary's 24-hour crisis line is 403-266-4357. Alberta's Mental Health Helpline is 1-877-303-2642, 24 hours a day. You can also call Health Link at 811 for health advice.
Still have a question?
Call us at 403.261.5085 during admin hours, or book a free 15-minute phone consultation and ask us then.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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