Clients often express confusion when it comes to finding a mental healthcare provider. Every province and jurisdiction in Canada is different, so I want to be clear: this blog post speaks to the current state in Alberta. Knowing that change is in the works, this blog will need to be updated in the future. I will also explain how these different designations impact diagnosis. If it feels a bit confusing, it's because it is. But the good news is that change is in the works and hopefully the future will have clarity.
DIFFERENT DESIGNATIONS
You go on google to search up providers and not only are there hundreds to choose from, but their designations are all different. How confusing!
The popular titles are Registered Psychologist, Registered Provisional Psychologist, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Master of Social Worker, Counsellor and Life Coach. Let me walk you through some of the differences.
In Canada, Psychotherapy is regulated provincially. The 2 main regulating bodies currently impacting Alberta are Provincially: the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and Nationally: the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Registered Psychologists are fully registered with CAP and Registered Provisional Psychologists are supervised and in the process of registration with CAP. They are qualified to provide mental health care to the population of Alberta (when they are in Alberta and the client is in Alberta). They have completed the necessary formal training. Exceptions need to be granted provincially if they wish to continue care to clients who are out of province temporarily or permanently. They DO NOT prescribe medication, however, they can complete specific research, assessments and standardized testing (if they have completed additional training and competency to do so). There is a recommended fee guide. Fees are covered by private insurance or private pay.
Canadian Certified Counsellors are fully registered with CCPA. They are qualified to provide mental health care to clients who reside in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. They hold a Masters's Degree, have had formal supervision and have continuing education competency requirements. They can also be referred to as Clinical Counsellors. Currently, Alberta is in the process of regulating Counsellors under the College of Alberta Psychologists. While CCC's cannot implement assessments or standardized tests, they can provide mental health treatment. Like Registered Psychologists, they DO NOT prescribe medication. There is no recommended fee guide. Fees are covered by private insurance or private pay.
Social Workers belong to the Provincial Health Professions Act. Social Workers in Alberta can practice within the scope of social work to clients who reside in Alberta. Fees are covered by private insurance or private pay.
Currently, Counsellors (who are not a CCC) and Life Coaches do not belong to a regulating body. Their education/training and experience can vary greatly as these terms are NOT PROTECTED. I encourage prospective clients to be cautious about using providers who do not belong to a regulating body.
WHY IS FINDING A REGULATED PROFESSIONAL IMPORTANT?
It is important to seek out a healthcare provider that belongs to a regulating body. A regulating body overviews competency, qualifications, education, and safety for clients. How will you know if they are regulated? Look for Psych, Provisional Psych or CCC title. Additionally, they will have a membership number to their regulating body that will be printed on your receipt or listed on their website. CCCs are regulated through CCPA and Registered Psychologists are regulated through CAP. It is MORE THAN APPROPRIATE to ask your provider if they are regulated, and with who.
INSURANCE
This topic comes up often with clients, so I wanted to briefly talk about it. Every employer (not insurance provider) decides what treatment provider they will cover. Your clinician of choice being/or not being covered by your employer does not necessarily mean they don't have the qualifications to see you as a client. It simply means that the employer has decided to provide coverage to a different designation. It is important to talk to your employer if you find that none of the covered titles listed above applies. Unfortunately, I have come across employer programs whose mental health coverage lists titles that aren't even offered in Alberta! Generally speaking, most employers will choose a provider that belongs to a registering body (Social Worker, Psych, CCC). Direct billing is a choice of the practice and a choice of the benefit provider. For example, Sunlife never allows for direct billing and Registered Provisional Psychologists are also unable to direct bill.
WHICH PROVIDER WOULD SUIT YOU BEST?
If you are struggling to figure out what type of provider is best for you, here are some things to consider:
Benefit coverage. Are you wanting all (or a portion) of your session covered? If so, confirm coverage with your employer's benefit plan. Generally, Psychologists are covered through most employer programs and CCC's are covered by many.
Cost. Keep in mind that some regulating bodies have suggested fee guides. This is important to keep in mind for ongoing care.
Travel. Do you have a cabin out of the province? Does your family live out of town? Planning a move? You may want to consider a CCC who can practice between provinces so you have access to care outside of your time in Alberta.
Assessment and Diagnosis. Do you want a formal diagnosis or assessment? A Psychologist who has training in this area may be the best choice.
Experience. Look for a provider with competency in the area you are seeking help with. Check out their website and see what areas they practice in. Rule of thumb, most newer practitioners will be more generalized in their practice and those with more experience will often have a specialty. Read through blogs and social media posts to get an idea about what that practice is about.
Connection. Finding someone who is qualified and that you connect with, is important!
THE INTERSECTION OF PROVIDERS AND DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be quite complicated. Part of our role as mental health professionals is to understand WHAT diagnosis MEANS to the person SEEKING it. For some, diagnosis means access to additional care and support. To others, it means finding understanding and empathy. For some, it can become a crutch for behaviour and specific choices. Diagnosis comes from a qualified healthcare provider. Diagnosis has no bearing when it doesn't come from a qualified practitioner. I am a firm believer that there is either a formal diagnosis or no diagnosis. There is no middle ground...and I will explain why.
Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to provide a diagnosis. While we as therapists may make comments about depressive traits or speak about anxious thoughts, that IS NOT a formal diagnosis. A formal diagnosis is done with formal assessment. This can be completed by your doctor or a psychologist with experience in assessments. A formal diagnosis is not necessarily required to receive help, however it is sometimes required to seek out additional support (such as medication or specific resources).
SELF DIAGNOSIS
In my experience, I find that there is a SIGNIFICANT amount of self-diagnosing happening, through very concerning channels like TikTok, Instagram and every day chats with family and friends. Self-diagnosis causes individuals to feel a certain way about themselves, and can also cause them to seek inappropriate treatment. What this looks like in practice can be sharing medication (NEVER A GOOD IDEA) or seeking unsafe support (unregulated professionals). When I speak about the difference between appropriate and inappropriate resources, I am speaking about individuals who have PUT THEMSELVES in a helping role without education, experience, ethical standards, safety protocols, or accountability to a regulating body. These types of individuals can not only be unhelpful, but harmful (mentally, physically and financially).
