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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Psychologist?
"Psychologists are regulated health professionals who provide services including psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis, and research of psychological health and problems. They are trained in evidence-based practices and follow a code of ethics that promotes respect for dignity and fair treatment.
Alberta’s psychologists have advanced university degrees (Masters or PhD) and undergo extensive supervised training and examinations.
Psychologists study the biological, cognitive, emotional, social, cultural, and environmental determinants of behavior and through such extensive research and practice, psychologists help people cope more effectively in daily life." Psychologists' Association of Alberta, 2019
To learn more about the education and training requirements for psychologists in Alberta, please visit the Psychologists Association of Alberta website.
What do psychologists do?
"A psychologist studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour." Canadian Psychological Association, 2018
"Psychologists have expertise in all aspects of psychological functioning, including cognitive, emotional, behavioural, spiritual and intellectual dimensions. Psychologists assess, advise and assist people to improve their life adjustment and functioning." College of Alberta Psychologists, 2018
When you have a concern about your physical health, you turn to a medical doctor to assess and treat your condition. Psychologists are qualified professionals who are trained to assess and treat concerns related to mental health.
What concerns can psychologists help with?
There is a wide range of mental health concerns that psychologists are trained to address. These can include:
Emotional issues, such as difficulty tolerating, experiencing, or regulating emotions, anger outbursts, stress management.
Family or relationship issues, such as communication problems, conflict resolution issues, unproductive cycles, abuse or violence, adjusting to separation or divorce; parenting struggles.
Psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, OCD, personality disorders.
Psychologists can also help individuals who are looking to improve their personal growth and development.
This is not an exhaustive list of the concerns a psychologist may be able to help you with. If you are unsure whether a psychologist is the appropriate professional to help you, please feel free to contact us for a brief consultation or to ask any questions you may have.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
"In Canada, the professionals who most commonly treat people with mental health problems are psychologists and psychiatrists.
A psychologist holds a master’s and/or doctoral degree in psychology that involves from 6 to 10 years of university study of how people think, feel and behave. A practicing psychologist is trained to assess and diagnose problems in thinking, feeling and behaviour as well to help people overcome or manage these problems. A psychologist is uniquely trained to use psychological tests to help with assessment and diagnosis. Psychologists help people to overcome or manage their problems using a variety of treatments or psychotherapies.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who go on to specialize in mental health and mental disorders. Psychiatrists often use medication to help their clients manage their mental disorders and there are some disorders for which medications are very necessary (schizophrenia and some depressions for examples). Some psychiatrists also do psychotherapy much like psychologists do. For more information on the study and practice of psychiatry, please visit the website of the Canadian Psychiatric Association at http://www.cpa-apc.org. "
Canadian Psychological Association, 2018
What is a Provisional Psychologist?
A Provisional Psychologist is a mental health professional in the process of becoming a Registered Psychologist.
The title "Provisional" means this professional has met the educational requirements to become a Psychologist according to the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Provisional Psychologists are in the process of completing their supervised practice hours and final examinations.
Have more questions?
If you have additional questions about psychologists or psychological services please visit our FAQ page.
If you cannot find the answer to your question please feel free to contact us through the Contact Us page.