Accessing Mental Health Support in Red Deer, Alberta

For the residents of Red Deer, Alberta, and surrounding areas, numerous pathways to mental wellness exist. 

This blog details mental health resources available in Red Deer and how to access the support of skilled professionals. We will also answer common questions about therapy coverage and clarify the differences between mental health professionals.

Accessing Psychological Support in Red Deer

For those looking to tackle mental health issues, contacting a psychologist in Red Deer is an excellent first step. These professionals are equipped with the education, tools, and insights tailored to help individuals reach their goals. 

Understanding the Differences: Therapist vs. Psychologist

While the terms “counsellor”, “therapist”, and “psychologist” often surface in discussions about mental health, there are differences in what those terms mean. 

Psychologists are one of the primary professions treating mental health issues in Canada. Psychologists have scientific training and education in aspects of psychological functioning, such as emotional, behavioural, intellectual, cultural, and cognitive areas. This means that Psychologists study how people think, feel, and behave, and will apply this knowledge to helping people understand and change their emotion and behavioural functioning. 

To become a psychologist in Alberta, you must register with the College of Alberta Psychologists. The College of Alberta Psychologists is the regulatory body for the profession of psychology in Alberta. This regulatory body ensures that the public is protected by maintaining 

practice standards, education, training, and ethical principles for Psychologists practicing in Alberta.

The term “Psychologist” is a protected designation available only to those who have completed the rigorous education requirements. As you are looking for mental health resources, you may see two different types of Psychologists, a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a Registered Psychologist.

Registered Psychologist

In Alberta, a Registered Psychologist has successfully completed:

• A Master’s or Doctoral level of education (6-10 years of University)

• 1600 hours of supervised practice

• The Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology and the Law and Ethics for Alberta Psychologists Examination

Registered Provisional Psychologist

A Registered Provisional Psychologist is a therapist who has completed at minimum a Master’s level education in psychology or related degree.

They are working towards the completion of the 1600 supervised practice and the licensing exams. All Registered Provisional Psychologists are all supported by a supervisor who helps guide their professional development and practice.

Counsellors

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) defines counselling and psychotherapy as, “Counselling/psychotherapy is the skilled and principled use of relationship to facilitate self-knowledge, emotional acceptance and growth and the optimal development of personal resources.”

Counsellors may address wellness, relationships, personal growth, career development, mental health, addiction, adjustments through lifespan, and/or distress. They may provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, adults, couples, families, and groups. 

The landscape of the counselling/psychotherapy profession is rapidly evolving, and regulation standards are changing. Currently, in Alberta, there are counselling therapists who have acquired their competencies through diverse avenues and levels of education, training, experience, and supervision. 

Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

In Canada, a CCC may have either a Masters or Doctorate degree. The CCC is a protected designation available only to Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) professional members whose application was evaluated and approved. 

Counselling Therapists, or Therapists on the other hand, may encompass professionals like social workers and counsellors, or counselling therapists. They often hold a Master's degree in psychology, social work, counselling psychology, or psychotherapy. They may not hold a doctoral degree and often focus on providing counseling. 

While expertise and training differ for these designations, there are other differences as well. For example, Psychologists are most often covered by Health Insurance, while insurance coverage for Counsellors or Counselling Therapists may be more limited. Understanding these roles can help you find the right fit for your specific needs, whether they are personal challenges, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or dealing with issues in relationships.

Mental Health Support in Red Deer - How do I find a therapist? Where do I go?

Red Deer has a variety of mental health resources to meet diverse requirements. 

• Your family doctor may give referrals and recommendations of Psychologists. At It Takes Practice, we believe that when we collaborate with primary care providers, clients see better outcomes. We are working with family doctors in Red Deer and surrounding areas to provide better referrals to mental health services.

• Word-of-mouth. It is a great idea to talk to friends and family members to see if they have names of therapists they like to work with. 

• Google Search - Using many search terms such as Therapist near me, Psychologist in Red Deer, individual counselling or couples counselling will pull up a host of options in your area.

• Psychology Today offers a list of many professionals with differing credentials. This website allows you to take your time and look through clinician profiles to see what draws your attention. 

• Other online resources are available - for example, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers free online courses through their Recovery College. 

When you are searching for a therapist, what should you look for?

• Does their photo seem warm and welcoming?

• Does their bio show expertise in the area I need?

• Do they offer insurance coverage?

• Do they offer free consults? 

• How do they manage the fee/billing, and do they offer a sliding scale?

• Do they offer sessions during the times I am able to attend appointments?

When you attend the first consult or appointment, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable opening up to this person? Studies show that the therapeutic relationship is essential to the success of therapy.

• Is the therapist empathic and a good listener? Do they seem to understand my situation and are they curious about my issues?

• What are their credentials and level of expertise?

• What types of therapy do they offer and how would it be beneficial for my situation? They should be able to explain why they use the types of therapy, and why these would be a good fit for your issues.

• How will they collaborate with my other healthcare providers? Collaboration between these health professionals will greatly improve the quality of care.

• What are the agreed-upon goals and endpoints for therapy?

We recommend taking time after the consultation or the first appointment before booking the second session, to decide if that therapist is a good fit for your needs.

Need to find a mental health therapist? 

At It Takes Practice Counselling Services, we have compassionate, caring and experienced mental health professionals that help our clients understand and manage their mental well-being. Please contact us today with questions, or to set up an appointment.