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Fees And Insurance

Fees are $220 per therapeutic hour, which is currently less than the recommended fee schedule for psychologists as per the Psychologists Association of Alberta.

Is Paid Therapy Worth It?

If you’ve ever looked into therapy and thought, why is this so expensive, you wouldn’t be the only one. Many people struggle with the cost of mental health care, especially when free or low-cost options are also available.

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So, is there a reason to pay for therapy when there are cheaper or even free alternatives? It depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances, but there are some advantages to paid services.

 

Free and low-cost counselling services are incredibly important. They’re often the first step for people in crisis, or for those without insurance or benefits. In many cases, they provide help when it’s really needed.

But these services also tend to be short-term, with longer waitlists, limited session availability, and higher staff turnover. In some cases, you might be paired with a student in training rather than a fully licensed clinician. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can affect the depth and consistency of the care you receive.

 

When you see a Registered Psychologist or Clinical Social Worker, you’re working with someone who has spent 6–10 years on post-secondary education, followed by hundreds of hours of supervised practice, and who is required to stay up to date with ongoing professional development. That level of training allows them to treat complex mental health issues using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 

You’re also paying for:

Shorter wait times and more flexible scheduling

Consistency working with the same therapist over time

Access to insurance reimbursement, if you have coverage

 

Research shows that therapy tends to work better when people feel a strong connection with their therapist, can attend regularly, and receive care based on proven methods. Those things are more common in private practice settings.

Also, research tells us that when people invest financially in therapy, they often engage more fully in the process. That investment (when affordable) can actually improve outcomes.

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Free services play a crucial role. For many, they’re the only accessible option—and they can still be very helpful.

But if you’re looking for longer-term support, need help with more complex issues, or want the flexibility and consistency that come with private care, paid therapy might be a worthwhile investment in your well-being.

Insurance

Payment for private counselling and psychological services are not covered under Alberta Health Care, however, counselling services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Clients are responsible for paying any amounts not covered by insurance at the end of each session.

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Our therapists can directly bill most insurance companies, such as Alberta Blue Cross, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, Equitable Life, Green Shield, Medavie Blue Cross, Canada Life/Great West Life, Claim Secure, Group Source, Manulife, Sun Life, and more. If your insurance is not listed here, please get in touch with us, as we may still be able to direct bill for you.​​

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Please contact your provider directly to determine if you have coverage for psychology services by asking the following questions:​

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  1. Do I have mental health insurance benefits?

  2. What registration requirements does my health insurance have of the provider (i.e., Register Psychologist or Registered Provisional Psychologist, Registered Social Worker Masters Level)?

  3. What is my deductible and has it been met?

  4. How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

  5. What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

  6. Is approval required from my primary care physician?

 

Acceptable Payment Methods:​ 

Cash, Check, American Express, Visa and MasterCard accepted for payment.

Cheques that are returned will incur a $30.00 administration fee.

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Please note: We are not able to contact your provider to determine how much coverage you have.
 

Cancelation Policy

Our cancellation policy is designed to ensure that counseling appointments run smoothly and efficiently for all clients. We kindly request that you provide at least 24 to 48 hours of advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to adjust our schedule and accommodate others who may be in need of our services. In cases of late cancellations or no-shows, a fee may be applied to compensate for the reserved appointment time. We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations can arise, and we are committed to being flexible and compassionate in such cases. Your well-being is our priority, and we aim to maintain a client-centered and understanding approach to scheduling.

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