Therapists in Barrhead, AB
Couselling is a very individual and private experience. Sometimes people come to a therapist to overcome emotional pain or discomfort they are experiencing; sometimes they come because they want to resolve some inner conflict; and sometimes they come just because they want to become a better person. I try to match my skills with your needs and work sensitively with you to sort out what it is that brought you to me. I use a variety of therapeutic tools in a transparent way. I work with couples and individuals, both men and women.
Couselling is a very individual and private experience. Sometimes people come to a therapist to overcome emotional pain or discomfort they are experiencing; sometimes they come because they want to resolve some inner conflict; and sometimes they come just because they want to become a better person. I try to match my skills with your needs and work sensitively with you to sort out what it is that brought you to me. I use a variety of therapeutic tools in a transparent way. I work with couples and individuals, both men and women.
My name is Vistara. I'm a Registered Psychologist and have been working in the field therapy for over 25 years. I work with a wide variety of clients, age groups, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and personal stories. I work with all ages and specialize in play therapy with children and working with adolescents. I also have a great deal of experience working with Indigenous clients and enjoy supervising provisional psychologists. Each person is different so I am always adjusting my approach and bringing warmth, honesty, openness, humour, intelligence, creative problem-solving, and a fresh perspective to every session.
My name is Vistara. I'm a Registered Psychologist and have been working in the field therapy for over 25 years. I work with a wide variety of clients, age groups, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and personal stories. I work with all ages and specialize in play therapy with children and working with adolescents. I also have a great deal of experience working with Indigenous clients and enjoy supervising provisional psychologists. Each person is different so I am always adjusting my approach and bringing warmth, honesty, openness, humour, intelligence, creative problem-solving, and a fresh perspective to every session.
Country Women Counselling
Counsellor, MA, PhD, CCC, ICADC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Barrhead, AB T7N
Climate Distress. Are you struggling with climate anxiety, depression, or grief? Does the weight of today's world break your heart, disrupt your life, or challenge your relationships? Real issues. Genuine pain. Come find the wellbeing you deserve - the information and inner peace we all need to live satisfying, resilient, and empowered lives. Come join me!
Climate Distress. Are you struggling with climate anxiety, depression, or grief? Does the weight of today's world break your heart, disrupt your life, or challenge your relationships? Real issues. Genuine pain. Come find the wellbeing you deserve - the information and inner peace we all need to live satisfying, resilient, and empowered lives. Come join me!
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Do you need someone to talk to? I offer assistance to those experiencing immediate or long term difficulties with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, addiction (or third party addiction), occupational challenges, divorce/ custody/ access, relationship issues, grief or loss, adjustment to change and trauma.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Do you need someone to talk to? I offer assistance to those experiencing immediate or long term difficulties with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, addiction (or third party addiction), occupational challenges, divorce/ custody/ access, relationship issues, grief or loss, adjustment to change and trauma.
Welcome to my profile. I'm Cheryl Otterbein, specializing in C-PTSD and trauma with a focus on men's mental health. Utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, clinical counselling hypnotherapy, and more, I offer a compassionate and understanding environment for healing. My practice emphasizes a holistic and collaborative approach, ensuring you feel supported and empowered. If you're facing trauma or seeking personal growth, I'm here to guide you towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. Let's embark on this journey together. Reach out for a consultation to start your path to recovery.
Welcome to my profile. I'm Cheryl Otterbein, specializing in C-PTSD and trauma with a focus on men's mental health. Utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, clinical counselling hypnotherapy, and more, I offer a compassionate and understanding environment for healing. My practice emphasizes a holistic and collaborative approach, ensuring you feel supported and empowered. If you're facing trauma or seeking personal growth, I'm here to guide you towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. Let's embark on this journey together. Reach out for a consultation to start your path to recovery.
Have you had an experience such as medical trauma, past experiences, or present circumstances that have caused you to be hypervigilant, reactive and having difficulty sleeping? With everything going on in your life it may be difficult to manage your relationships, career and the demands that are on you. Alot of you may have been having trouble seeking support because you have been putting your families first; however, it is now your turn to get support. it can impact you physically and Psychological to not deal with trauma. I believe these challenges you are going through are workable and there can be hope to feel lighter.
Have you had an experience such as medical trauma, past experiences, or present circumstances that have caused you to be hypervigilant, reactive and having difficulty sleeping? With everything going on in your life it may be difficult to manage your relationships, career and the demands that are on you. Alot of you may have been having trouble seeking support because you have been putting your families first; however, it is now your turn to get support. it can impact you physically and Psychological to not deal with trauma. I believe these challenges you are going through are workable and there can be hope to feel lighter.
Dr. Cybil Schaffer - Schaffer Psychology Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Barrhead, AB T7N
Ever since I can recall, I've been intrigued by the complexity of the human mind. My journey in psychology began as an undergraduate, where I delved into the foundational theories and the more I learned, the more I realized that psychology is not just a subject; it's a lens where we can understand ourselves and others. I believe that every individual's unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to psychological well-being. My approach is deeply personalized, focusing on your specific needs, goals, and strengths. I work collaboratively with you to develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Ever since I can recall, I've been intrigued by the complexity of the human mind. My journey in psychology began as an undergraduate, where I delved into the foundational theories and the more I learned, the more I realized that psychology is not just a subject; it's a lens where we can understand ourselves and others. I believe that every individual's unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to psychological well-being. My approach is deeply personalized, focusing on your specific needs, goals, and strengths. I work collaboratively with you to develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Online Therapists
Bo Popovic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Edmonton, AB T6W (Online Only)
Appointment available within 24 hours. Do you feel like you have lost meaning in your life? Are you feeling lost, depressed, or anxious? I aim to help you find your purpose, fulfillment and meaning again. In working with you, I aim to help you recover from your present challenges as we find a path toward happiness. In doing so, this approach requires sensitivity, patience, and time while we work through these difficulties you are facing.
Appointment available within 24 hours. Do you feel like you have lost meaning in your life? Are you feeling lost, depressed, or anxious? I aim to help you find your purpose, fulfillment and meaning again. In working with you, I aim to help you recover from your present challenges as we find a path toward happiness. In doing so, this approach requires sensitivity, patience, and time while we work through these difficulties you are facing.
Nate Meidinger
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5T (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or weighed down by the challenges life has thrown your way? Whether you're grappling with the weight of work-related stress, the pain of grief, the overwhelm of uncontrolled anger and anxiety, the complexities of breaking or broken relationships, or the scars of unhealed traumas, seeking counseling can be a crucial step towards finding relief and a renewed sense of hope, clarity and confidence in life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or weighed down by the challenges life has thrown your way? Whether you're grappling with the weight of work-related stress, the pain of grief, the overwhelm of uncontrolled anger and anxiety, the complexities of breaking or broken relationships, or the scars of unhealed traumas, seeking counseling can be a crucial step towards finding relief and a renewed sense of hope, clarity and confidence in life.
I am a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and a Registered Psychologist. I am honoured to walk with clients through their healing related to anxiety, trauma, attachment, and reproductive mental health, and caregiving stress and burn-out. Therapy helps a client to improve awareness and empowerment; develop resources and regulation; explore patterns of relationship with self and with others; process wounds and trauma; strengthen voice; cultivate authentic self-worth, and embody deep & enduring curiosity.
I am a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and a Registered Psychologist. I am honoured to walk with clients through their healing related to anxiety, trauma, attachment, and reproductive mental health, and caregiving stress and burn-out. Therapy helps a client to improve awareness and empowerment; develop resources and regulation; explore patterns of relationship with self and with others; process wounds and trauma; strengthen voice; cultivate authentic self-worth, and embody deep & enduring curiosity.
I primarily use IFS (internal family systems), EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing), and somatic therapies to help clients heal from and cope more effectively with difficulties having to do with mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, complex trauma (i.e. repeated painful experiences of betrayal, abandonment, or boundary violations); grief, disrupted attachment in early childhood, as well as experiences of discrimination, exclusion, or shaming on the basis of sexuality, sexual orientation, cultural identity, or anything else that unjustly marks an individual as inferior.
I primarily use IFS (internal family systems), EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing), and somatic therapies to help clients heal from and cope more effectively with difficulties having to do with mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, complex trauma (i.e. repeated painful experiences of betrayal, abandonment, or boundary violations); grief, disrupted attachment in early childhood, as well as experiences of discrimination, exclusion, or shaming on the basis of sexuality, sexual orientation, cultural identity, or anything else that unjustly marks an individual as inferior.
Marek Buchanan
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5N
Are you struggling and feel like you have nobody you can turn to? There are many things that can make us feel isolated or afraid to seek help. Shame, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, feeling burdened by pressures and expectations. These can be overwhelming, confusing, and scary experiences. There is no easy way to unravel the complexities of the pain we feel or the pressures we face in our lives. But I want to be there to help you figure things out.
Are you struggling and feel like you have nobody you can turn to? There are many things that can make us feel isolated or afraid to seek help. Shame, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, feeling burdened by pressures and expectations. These can be overwhelming, confusing, and scary experiences. There is no easy way to unravel the complexities of the pain we feel or the pressures we face in our lives. But I want to be there to help you figure things out.
Welcome! I'm Ida, and I'm here to support you through life's twists and turns with kindness and expertise. Whether you're a child trying to handle big feelings, a young adult navigating the complexities of life, or simply seeking balance, I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way. We'll delve into what's on your mind, identify any patterns, and work together to create strategies for positive change. My aim is to empower you to draw upon your inner strengths, cultivate healthier ways to cope, and embrace a life that's both fulfilling and true to yourself.
Welcome! I'm Ida, and I'm here to support you through life's twists and turns with kindness and expertise. Whether you're a child trying to handle big feelings, a young adult navigating the complexities of life, or simply seeking balance, I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way. We'll delve into what's on your mind, identify any patterns, and work together to create strategies for positive change. My aim is to empower you to draw upon your inner strengths, cultivate healthier ways to cope, and embrace a life that's both fulfilling and true to yourself.
Are you struggling with daily life, goals, or your relationship with yourself or others? Do fear, anxiety, low self-worth, setting boundaries, or anger hold you back? I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach focused on helping you rediscover your self-worth and innate ability to navigate life's challenges. With a background in addiction treatment and a diverse upbringing, I integrate Eastern philosophy and spirituality into my practice. I presently exclusively offer online sessions while working closely with a dedicated team at Strength Counselling Services.
Are you struggling with daily life, goals, or your relationship with yourself or others? Do fear, anxiety, low self-worth, setting boundaries, or anger hold you back? I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach focused on helping you rediscover your self-worth and innate ability to navigate life's challenges. With a background in addiction treatment and a diverse upbringing, I integrate Eastern philosophy and spirituality into my practice. I presently exclusively offer online sessions while working closely with a dedicated team at Strength Counselling Services.
Carly MacArthur
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6E
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome. You may be reading this if you're tired of feeling sad, confused, anxious, stuck, or any other difficult emotion. It takes courage to admit we struggle and to seek help to sort out how to feel better. When bad things happen to us or things don’t go as hoped, it can affect our trust in ourselves, our relationships and how we connect with the world. It is my honour to work alongside you to help you find ways to feel better. My goal is help you gain clarity on difficult feelings and problems you face and then change unhelpful patterns. Therapy can help you feel empowered and restore your connection with wellness.
Welcome. You may be reading this if you're tired of feeling sad, confused, anxious, stuck, or any other difficult emotion. It takes courage to admit we struggle and to seek help to sort out how to feel better. When bad things happen to us or things don’t go as hoped, it can affect our trust in ourselves, our relationships and how we connect with the world. It is my honour to work alongside you to help you find ways to feel better. My goal is help you gain clarity on difficult feelings and problems you face and then change unhelpful patterns. Therapy can help you feel empowered and restore your connection with wellness.
Covenant Care Counselling
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6X
I have the ability and compassion to hold a safe and confidential space for individuals to process their emotions surrounding traumatic experience and events. My aim is to customize a treatment plan which fit your mental health needs. My style is supportive and engaging; to collaborate with you through a strength- based approach to support your therapeutic needs. Through therapy, you will have the opportunity to develop your individual strength and foster personal growth in a non-judgmental environment.
I have the ability and compassion to hold a safe and confidential space for individuals to process their emotions surrounding traumatic experience and events. My aim is to customize a treatment plan which fit your mental health needs. My style is supportive and engaging; to collaborate with you through a strength- based approach to support your therapeutic needs. Through therapy, you will have the opportunity to develop your individual strength and foster personal growth in a non-judgmental environment.
Resilience Awakening, Revekka Kakoullis
Psychologist, MSc
Verified Verified
Edmonton, AB T6X (Online Only)
Our humanness naturally predisposes us to vulnerabilities and it is in those vulnerabilities that resilience is cultivated. There are times, however, when we are filled with uneasiness, meaninglessness, unhappiness and/or uncertainty and our struggle seems unbearable. Undoubtedly, life presents us with challenges and I firmly believe these can be transitory circumstances that can reawaken us by opening up opportunities for our attainment of greater self-awareness and deeper and more meaningful sense of our authentic selves, of gratitude, courage and resiliency and of preparation for meaningful change, growth and sense of freedom.
Our humanness naturally predisposes us to vulnerabilities and it is in those vulnerabilities that resilience is cultivated. There are times, however, when we are filled with uneasiness, meaninglessness, unhappiness and/or uncertainty and our struggle seems unbearable. Undoubtedly, life presents us with challenges and I firmly believe these can be transitory circumstances that can reawaken us by opening up opportunities for our attainment of greater self-awareness and deeper and more meaningful sense of our authentic selves, of gratitude, courage and resiliency and of preparation for meaningful change, growth and sense of freedom.
ECSS is committed to empowering individuals and families to realize their potential through a nurturing and challenging environment that respects each person’s uniqueness and right to privacy. ECSS acknowledges the importance of the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of persons as they grow and develop. We believe that people have the ability to change and to achieve their goals, in respecting the uniqueness and privacy of individuals, and in the importance of the mental, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of persons.
ECSS is committed to empowering individuals and families to realize their potential through a nurturing and challenging environment that respects each person’s uniqueness and right to privacy. ECSS acknowledges the importance of the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of persons as they grow and develop. We believe that people have the ability to change and to achieve their goals, in respecting the uniqueness and privacy of individuals, and in the importance of the mental, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of persons.
Alycia Chung Registered Psychologist
Psychologist, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6J (Online Only)
I provide a safe and welcoming environment in which to support you along your healing journey. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential, and you can expect a compassionate and genuine therapist who is dedicated to helping you grow to your fullest potential. I believe that you are the best expert on your life and that effective therapy involves a process of skill building and learning to trust your intrinsic wisdom. Therapeutic success to me is when you can use the wisdom from both your mind and body in order to make choices that are congruent with your values.
I provide a safe and welcoming environment in which to support you along your healing journey. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential, and you can expect a compassionate and genuine therapist who is dedicated to helping you grow to your fullest potential. I believe that you are the best expert on your life and that effective therapy involves a process of skill building and learning to trust your intrinsic wisdom. Therapeutic success to me is when you can use the wisdom from both your mind and body in order to make choices that are congruent with your values.
Tina Gal Counselling Psychology
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5N
Are you struggling with the effects of trauma/PTSD, anxiety, low self-esteem, fibro/chronic fatigue or sexuality-related concerns? Is tired but wired or stressed and depressed a familiar experience for you? Life feels hard & tiring if our nervous systems are out of whack and our emotions out of balance. I enjoy supporting folks with dysregulated nervous systems, and those who struggle with sexuality-related concerns. I have extensive training in somatic/holistic modalities and also have training in supporting clients with sexuality-related concerns.
Are you struggling with the effects of trauma/PTSD, anxiety, low self-esteem, fibro/chronic fatigue or sexuality-related concerns? Is tired but wired or stressed and depressed a familiar experience for you? Life feels hard & tiring if our nervous systems are out of whack and our emotions out of balance. I enjoy supporting folks with dysregulated nervous systems, and those who struggle with sexuality-related concerns. I have extensive training in somatic/holistic modalities and also have training in supporting clients with sexuality-related concerns.
Any trauma, depression, Relations issues, unhealthy relationships, domestic abuse, adult survivors of childhood abuse. Adult survivors of sexual abuse. Also immigration and criminal assessment report.
Any trauma, depression, Relations issues, unhealthy relationships, domestic abuse, adult survivors of childhood abuse. Adult survivors of sexual abuse. Also immigration and criminal assessment report.
I place paramount importance on providing psychological services in a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental environment, where I collaborate with clients on their change and healing journey. I practice integrative psychotherapy, tailoring my approach to meet the individual needs of my clients. Mindfulness, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy are my passions, and I have completed extensive training with the Child Trauma Academy. I firmly believe in the power of connection, compassion, and education to promote mental wellness.
I place paramount importance on providing psychological services in a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental environment, where I collaborate with clients on their change and healing journey. I practice integrative psychotherapy, tailoring my approach to meet the individual needs of my clients. Mindfulness, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy are my passions, and I have completed extensive training with the Child Trauma Academy. I firmly believe in the power of connection, compassion, and education to promote mental wellness.
My counselling approach is creative and integrative. This allows me to be flexible in my work and tailor my approach to meet your unique needs. I believe strongly in every person's natural ability to heal and grow from painful feelings and life experiences. My job is to be a supportive, caring guide towards a more fulfilling life. Research shows that meaning therapeutic relationships strongly contribute to profound, long lasting change. It is important to find a therapist that you are able to genuinely connect with. My clients consistently describe me as someone that is easy to connect to and who is warm and caring.
My counselling approach is creative and integrative. This allows me to be flexible in my work and tailor my approach to meet your unique needs. I believe strongly in every person's natural ability to heal and grow from painful feelings and life experiences. My job is to be a supportive, caring guide towards a more fulfilling life. Research shows that meaning therapeutic relationships strongly contribute to profound, long lasting change. It is important to find a therapist that you are able to genuinely connect with. My clients consistently describe me as someone that is easy to connect to and who is warm and caring.
As a Registered Psychologist, I am committed to helping others live a life they deeply value, in spite of what suffering inevitably arises. I offer a respectful, confidential space where you will be supported in honest, non-judgmental self-exploration. Together, we can work on approaching your difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences in new ways: with compassion, understanding, and the courage to be vulnerable. My goal is to help you build behavioural flexibility, so that you are increasingly able to act in ways that align with your values, rather than rigidly re-cycling old patterns of behaviour.
As a Registered Psychologist, I am committed to helping others live a life they deeply value, in spite of what suffering inevitably arises. I offer a respectful, confidential space where you will be supported in honest, non-judgmental self-exploration. Together, we can work on approaching your difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences in new ways: with compassion, understanding, and the courage to be vulnerable. My goal is to help you build behavioural flexibility, so that you are increasingly able to act in ways that align with your values, rather than rigidly re-cycling old patterns of behaviour.
Sometimes, the more you try to hold it together on the outside, the more you fall apart on the inside. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, devastated, confused and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, life transitions, relationships, grief or trauma, you're probably striving to get back on your feet. It happens to all of us and even the strongest can benefit from taking time to explore (often hidden or forgotten) inner resources. It's not a sign of weakness to seek support, but of wisdom: when what used to work no longer does, it's time to explore alternative options.
Sometimes, the more you try to hold it together on the outside, the more you fall apart on the inside. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, devastated, confused and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, life transitions, relationships, grief or trauma, you're probably striving to get back on your feet. It happens to all of us and even the strongest can benefit from taking time to explore (often hidden or forgotten) inner resources. It's not a sign of weakness to seek support, but of wisdom: when what used to work no longer does, it's time to explore alternative options.
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Barrhead, AB
< 10
Counsellors in Barrhead, AB who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Grief |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Self Esteem |
86% | Anxiety |
86% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
75% | SunLife |
75% | First Nations Health Authority |
75% | Canada Life | Great-West Life |
How Counsellors in Barrhead, AB see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
86% | Female | |
14% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Barrhead?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.