Within Alberta
Questions About Working with a Registered Provisional Psychologist
It’s normal to have questions before starting therapy, especially if you’re not familiar with what a Registered Provisional Psychologist does. Below are some common questions clients ask, along with answers to help you feel informed and supported.
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A Registered Provisional Psychologist is a professional who has completed graduate-level training in psychology and is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Provisional Psychologists provide counselling and assessment services while working under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist to ensure high standards of care.
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Yes. As a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta, I offer both in-person counselling sessions in Edmonton and virtual therapy options for clients living anywhere in Alberta.
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Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with a Registered Provisional Psychologist, but coverage can vary. It’s always best to check directly with your provider to confirm what’s included under your plan.
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Your first session is about getting to know you- your goals, challenges, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, EMDR, or mindfulness-based strategies. A one hour session lasts fifty minutes in duration.
Comparing Mental Health Professionals in Alberta
When exploring therapy options, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the most common mental health professionals you may encounter. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Title | Education & Training | Regulation | What They Can Do | What They Cannot Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counsellor / Therapist | Bachelor’s or Master’s in psychology, counselling, social work, or related area | Varies — often not provincially regulated; standards inconsistent | Offer therapy and counselling for mental health concerns | Provide formal psychological assessment or diagnosis; prescribe medication |
| Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) | Graduate degree in counselling or related field | Professional member of CCPA (not provincially licensed) | Provide counselling and psychotherapy | Perform psychological assessments or diagnosis; prescribe medication |
| Registered Provisional Psychologist (AB) | Graduate degree in psychology; supervised practice under CAP | Provincially regulated (CAP) under supervision | Counselling, evidence-based therapy, psychological assessment and diagnosis (under supervision) | Prescribe medication |
| Registered Psychologist (AB) | Ph.D., PsyD, or Master’s in psychology/counselling (AB); residency + supervised practice | Provincially regulated (CAP) | Counselling, evidence-based therapy, psychological testing and diagnosis | Prescribe medication |
| Psychiatrist | Medical Doctor (MD) + residency in psychiatry | Regulated by College of Physicians & Surgeons | Assess, diagnose, treat mental health conditions; prescribe medication; rule out physical causes | Provide ongoing psychotherapy in the same way psychologists/therapists do (some may, but it’s less common) |
What’s Included
Understanding
Jody has completed significant academic and practical training and is in the final stages of her professional registration process. Jody’s work is fully aligned with SLC values, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse life experiences. Clients will feel safe in a confidential space that encourages growth, development of healthy coping strategies and exploration of personal challenges.
Additional Support
When you work with a Registered Provisional Psychologist, you're getting more than one set of eyes on your care. Along with your therapist’s support, their Supervisor also provides guidance behind the scenes, adding extra insight, experience, and accountability as your therapist works toward full registration.
Assessment Services
Qualified Registered Provisional Psychologists are able to conduct a range of psychological assessments under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. These assessments typically include cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and personality evaluations designed to provide comprehensive insights into an individual's psychological functioning.