Insurance Providers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get at ReDiscover! If you have any additional questions or concerns, please get in contact with us here.
What is a Registered Psychologist?
A Registered Psychologist is a professional who studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and apply this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour.
The terms “Psychologist”, “Registered Psychologist” or “R.Psych” are legally restricted terms. This means that only individuals who have completed a minimum of a Master’s level education in psychology or related degree(ex. counselling), have passed their major Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) and satisfied all requirements set by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), have been added to the official registry and approved to use these titles to identify themselves and practice within the province.
In Alberta, the scope of practice for psychology is regulated and defined under the Health Professions Act (HPA). Outlined in Schedule 22, Section 3 of the Health Professions Act (HPA), the scope of practice for Psychologists in Alberta includes:
- Assess, diagnose, treat, guide and support persons or groups of persons in order to enhance development, effective living and quality of life or to prevent, remedy or ameliorate mental, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal difficulties;
- Teach, supervise or consult in the practice of psychology;
- Manage and conduct research in the science, techniques and practice of psychology;
- Provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations.
What is a Registered Provisional Psychologist?
A Registered Provisional Psychologist is a professional who studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and apply this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour.
Provisional Psychologist is a legally restricted term in Alberta, meaning only individuals who have been approved by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) may use this title.
For one to register as a provisional psychologist, they must have completed at least a Master’s Degree in psychology (or related field). As part of their Master’s Degree program, they will have completed at minimum one practicum in the field. Practicums often require between 200 to 400 hours of supervised direct client contact.
A provisional psychologist must have a supervisor and a supervision plan as all work must be supervised by a registered psychologist with considerable experience in the provisional psychologists chosen area of practice. This supervision may be live (supervisor is present for sessions with the client); via observation (either through a one-way mirror or video feed); through video or audio recordings; or, by case file review. The provisional psychologist must then meet a minimum of 1600 supervised hours as part of their training. This process generally takes 1-2 years.
What is a Registered Social Worker?
Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being.
A Registered Social Worker is involved in working directly with individuals and families, such as providing individual counseling/therapy or assisting a family in accessing services.
The ultimate goal of a registered social worker is about the improvement of people’s lives, alleviation of biopsychosocial concerns, empowerment of individuals and communities, and the achievement of social justice.
What is Individual Therapy?
Individual counselling is a process where a trained professional works with a person to find the root of their issues and help them overcome these difficulties.
It can be used to treat a number of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, anger issues and trauma. Find out more information HERE.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is a process where a trained professional works with relationships and/or the people in them, whether they are dating or married. Couples counselling can assist couples in identifying and expressing their emotions, as well as dealing with problems they confront. It can be incredibly helpful
to individuals, depending on their needs. A healthy relationship comprises two people who are committed to working together to make their relationship the best it can be. Find out more information HERE.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy, also known as family counselling, is a process where a trained professional aims to fix issues affecting the health and functioning of families. It can be beneficial for families going through a challenging time or those who have members with a mental illness. It can assist couples, children, and members of an extended family in developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Find out more information HERE.
HELP! I'm in a crisis! What do I do?
Take a deep breath. We have gathered the critical information you require during a crisis to access the care you need. If you are in immediate danger or this is an emergency, please call 911.
ACCESS 24/7: (780) 424-2424
Available in Edmonton at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Access 24/7 is open to anyone in crisis – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service can provide a multitude of resources including emergency counselling, psychiatric care, enrolment into care groups, and quicker admission into the hospital if deemed appropriate.
Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Distress Line: (780) 482-4357
The Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton distress line service provides confidential, non-judgmental and short-term crisis intervention, emotional
support and resources to people in crisis or distress. They also support family, friends and caregivers of people in crisis.
Other:
Children Mental Health Crisis/Mobile Response Team: (780) 407-1000
Children’s Mental Health Crisis Phone: (780) 427-4491
Child Services Child Abuse Hotline: 1 (800) 387-5437
AHS Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741
AHS Addiction Helpline: 1 (866) 332-2322
AHS Mental Health Help Line: 1 (877) 303-2642
Kids Help Phone Line: 1 (800) 668-6868
Kids Help Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
Alberta Bullying Help Line: 1 (888) 456-2323
Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1 (866) 925-4419
Indigenous Mental Health Help Line: 1 (855) 242-3310
Virtual Mental Health Support:
Togetherall
Crisis Services Canada – Suicide Prevention Service Phone Line: 1 (833) 456-4566
Crisis Services Canada – Suicide Prevention Service Text CONNECT to 45645
Please follow up with a therapist for ongoing mental health care. Other local community resources for non-crisis support can be found HERE.
Do you require a Doctor's referral before I can schedule an appointment?
No, we do not require a referral from a physician in order to schedule a consultation or appointment.
What is a Free Consultation?
Our free 15-minute telephone consultation provides a potential client an opportunity to connect with one of our therapists to briefly discuss presenting concerns, options or modalities available to work on the presenting concerns, gather some brief psycho-education and further information on counselling sessions, as well as, answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the therapists qualifications, treatment style and determine your overall readiness for counselling. The consultation also provides an opportunity to get to know a bit of the therapists personality and vice versa, as it is important to match with a therapist that is best suited to your individual needs. To schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation, click HERE.
Do you offer virtual or telephone appointments?
For Tips on Virtual Therapy, click here.
Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
Do I have to sit in a waiting room with other clients?
in-between appointments for client transitions and therapist session notes.
How do I schedule a consultation or an appointment?
What are the appointment costs?
are:
$180.00 per 50 minutes – Individuals In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$270.00 per 80 minutes – Individuals In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$360.00 per 110 minutes – Individuals In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$200.00 per 50 minutes – Couples and Families In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$300.00 per 80 minutes – Couples and Facilities In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$400.00 per 110 minutes – Couples and Facilities In-Person or Virtual Sessions
$180.00 per 60 minutes, billed in 10-minute increments – Report Writing, Telephone Consultation, Chart Copying, Detailed Fee Breakdowns, Letter Writing and Form Completion
* If you are looking for large group or corporate rates, please contact Administration.
ReDiscover Psychological Services Inc. accepts payment by Visa, MasterCard and Visa Debit. A credit card number is required to be on-file prior to all appointment bookings. All payments are processed through the Jane App and a receipt is provided.
Does Alberta Health Services cover appointment costs?
The therapists at ReDiscover, as well as the vast majority of mental health professionals in Alberta, are considered private professionals and appointments
are not covered under Alberta Health Services. This means people in need of mental health care are required to pay out of pocket for this private service. Alberta Health Services only covers psychological services that is provided within Alberta Health Services. Please speak with your family physician if you are interested in AHS psychological services. If you are in need of mental health counselling services and do not have an insurance benefit
provider or the means to pay out of pocket, please reach out to our Administration to inquire about available community resources or for more information
view our Resources section here.
Does my insurance benefit provider cover appointment costs?
Many insurance companies cover mental health counselling including Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists and Registered Social Workers. Please check with your individual insurance benefit provider to see which types of mental health counselling you are eligible for and any conditions or amount maximums set, prior to your initial appointment.
Do you offer direct billing?
If you feel you need more sessions that what your insurance can provide, please set up a consultation with your therapist, prior to your first session, to inquire
about sliding scale fees.
WCB
Physician’s & Family Support Program
Walmsley EAP
NIHB
Interim Federal Health Program
My insurance provider is paying for my sessions. Does this mean ReDiscover will provide them with my clinic notes?
What approaches are ReDiscover therapists trained in?
The therapists at ReDiscover are trained in a wide variety of approaches for mental health care. If you are aligned with a certain approach (such as EMDR/CBT/DBT etc), please check our therapist profiles HERE to find a clinician that best suits your individual needs.
Am I required to complete homework in-between appointments?
In order to facilitate long term success, client’s are encouraged to participate in-between appointments by practicing strategies and implementing tools
they learn during sessions, to real-life situations, in order to develop new behaviour patterns.
What do I need to bring with me to my appointments?
You are not required to bring anything with you for an appointment, although many client’s find it beneficial to bring a journal or paper pad to jot down notes and/or wearing comfortable clothing. Refreshments and washrooms are available on-site for client use. Mental health therapy is very individualized. If you require anything specific to be accommodated for your appointment to ensure you feel comfortable or safe, please contact our Administration
prior to your session.
Is the information discussed in session with my therapist confidential?
All information shared with your therapist is considered confidential and information will not be released without prior written authorization from the Client through a Release of Information (ROI) form. Exceptions to confidentiality include the following:
When there a professional determination that there is risk of imminent danger to the client or another individual, your therapist is legally and ethically bound to take the necessary steps to prevent such danger which, may include contacting the proper authorities, even if it is against the client’s explicit wishes;
When there is a professional determination that a minor, elder, or vulnerable person is being physically, sexually, or emotionally/psychologically abused, neglected, or is at serious risk of such abuse, your therapist is legally required to take the necessary steps to protect the individual, including contacting the proper authorities, even if it is against the client’s explicit wishes;
When a psychological condition that, in whole or in-part, was caused by a work related incident and the psychological symptoms have caused the client to be off work for more than one day, and/or is likely to cause them to be unable to perform their regular working duties, your therapist is legally required to file a report with WCB (Worker’s Compensation Board);
When tele-psychological or virtual counselling services are provided, certain confidentiality risks are associated with these services as ReDiscover Psychological Services Inc. is not in control of the client’s access to secure technology, security provisions and/or privacy limitations;
If the Client file is requested through a court ordered subpoena, your therapist is legally required to release the requested information to the courts;
The governing body of the therapist requests access to their files for the purpose of assuring quality care, your therapist is obligated to allow the governing
body access. These various governing bodies are bound by strict confidentiality regulations;
Information regarding collection of unpaid fees may be directed to a collection agency; Direct billing requires disclosing client name and session dates with their insurance provider;
When the client reports an event where a Registered Health Professional, of whom the therapist was told the name of, behaved in a sexually inappropriate
manner with the client, your therapist is ethically bound to report the event to the appropriate authorities, even if it is against the client’s explicit wishes.
How often are appointments scheduled and how many will I need?
Appointment frequency is dependant on the client’s individual clinical needs, treatment modalities and availability. Some clients require weekly sessions while others, bi-weekly or monthly. It is important to talk to your therapist after the initial assessment to determine the estimated number of sessions one may require. When both you and the therapist are confident your treatment goals have been met, your therapist will talk to you about lengthening the time in-between sessions and/or eventually discharging you from therapy. You are always welcome to return if needed! We are confident you will develop the required skills and if returning, you may only need a couple of follow-up sessions to “dust off” and become re-centred.