A Practical Guide to Mental Health Professionals in Alberta — What They Do, How They’re Trained, and How to Find Them
Searching for mental health support can feel overwhelming — especially when the titles sound similar but mean very different things. You might ask yourself:
Do I need a psychiatrist? A psychologist? Someone with a master’s in counselling?
Who can diagnose me? Who can prescribe medication?
Which ones are covered by public health care? And how the heck do I find them?
This guide breaks all of that down and gives you clear, step‑by‑step ways to find someone who actually fits your needs and feels like a good human match — not just a name on a directory.
🧠 1. Psychiatrist — Medical Mental Health Specialist (Covered by AHS)
What they are: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They complete medical school + psychiatry residency training and are regulated like all physicians.
What they can do:
Diagnose mental health conditions
Prescribe and manage medication
Assess mental health in the context of other medical issues
Public coverage:
Psychiatrist visits are covered by Alberta Health Care (AHS) when you see them through AHS programs — meaning no direct cost to you when you’re referred by your doctor or access AHS mental health services.
When to consider a psychiatrist:
You think you might benefit from medication management or a medical assessment
You’re dealing with complex or severe symptoms that might involve biological factors
You want a psychiatric evaluation for conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression/anxiety
🎓 2. Registered Psychologist (R.Psych.)
What they are:
Psychologists hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in psychology and complete extensive supervised practice hours and exams. They are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), and only those registered with CAP can legally call themselves “psychologist.”
What they can do:
Diagnose and assess mental health conditions
Provide evidence‑based therapies (e.g., CBT, trauma therapy)
Conduct psychological testing leading to diagnoses (e.g., IQ, ADHD assessments)
Help with deep emotional, behavioural, and relational work
Insurance:
Private psychologists are not covered by AHS, but most extended health benefit plans cover sessions with R.Psych., Registered Social Workers, and Registered Psychotherapists.
🧑🔬 3. Provisional Psychologist
What they are:
Someone on the path to becoming a fully registered psychologist. They’ve completed their graduate training but are completing supervised practice hours before full registration.
What they can do:
Provide therapy
Work under supervision of a registered psychologist
Often offer more accessible rates because they’re in training.
🗣️ 4. Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying & Registered)
These titles are part of Ontario’s regulated framework under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. This means both Registered Psychotherapists and those “qualifying” for that status have credential standards and oversight. Although registered in Ontario, they can practice in Alberta and may be accepted through extended benefits.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying):
Someone who has started the official registration process — often already trained but completing requirements.
Registered Psychotherapist:
A mental health professional with a recognized degree (usually at least Master’s level in counselling, psychology, social work, or related field), supervised experience, and active registration.
What they can do:
Provide talk therapy/counselling
Use evidence‑based methods for issues like anxiety, relationships, depression
They usually cannot medically diagnose (in the medical‑legal sense) or prescribe medication.
🧑🤝🧑 5. Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.)
What they are:
A professional designation from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Many counsellors hold this to show they’ve met standards in training, education, and supervised practice.
What they can do:
Provide counselling and psychotherapy
Help with emotional support, life transitions, coping skills
Do talk‑based work — but don’t diagnose psychiatric conditions or prescribe medication.
Can specialize in trauma, anxiety, couples, and many other topics and needs.
👥 6. Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.)
What they are:
Social workers with registration from the Alberta College of Social Workers. Many have Master’s degrees in social work and substantial clinical training.
What they can do:
Provide counselling and therapy
Connect you with community resources and support systems
Work across many contexts: clinical settings, hospitals, community agencies
🧠 7. Titles You’ll See — But That Aren’t Professionally Protected
Titles like “coach” aren’t legally protected in Alberta. That means anyone could use those titles unless they also hold a regulated credential like R.Psych., R.S.W., C.C.C or Registered Psychotherapist.
This doesn’t mean the person is necessarily bad — many excellent professionals use these terms. But you should always ask about education, supervision, and credentials before starting.
🔎 Step‑by‑Step: How to Actually Find These Professionals
🪪 Step 1 — Figure Out What You Need
Ask yourself:
Do I want someone who can prescribe meds? → Psychiatrist
Do I want assessment + therapy? → Psychologist
Do I want talk therapy and coping skills? → Registered Psychotherapist / C.C.C. / R.S.W.
Am I okay paying privately or wanting public coverage? (Psychiatrists can be covered by AHS)
🧑⚕️ Step 2 — If You Want Public Coverage for a Psychiatrist
Contact your family doctor / GP
Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist through Alberta Health Services (AHS) mental health programs
This is covered by your Alberta health card — no session cost
Be prepared for wait lists — psychiatrists are in high demand.
🧠 Step 3 — Search Directories
Private options (paid or insurance‑covered):
Psychology Today’s therapist directory (Alberta) — search by location, specialty, insurance, etc.
– Useful for therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workersGoodTherapy’s Alberta listings — another directory to browse practitioners near you
College registries — look up therapists with protected titles (e.g., CAP for psychologists) and verify their credentials.
📞 Step 4 — Call or Book a Consultation
Once you’ve found some options:
Email or call to ask about their approach
Ask about insurance billing or direct‑billing
Do a 15–20‑minute consultation if offered — think of it like a “getting to know you” call
Notice how you feel talking to them — comfort matters.
📋 Step 5 — Insurance and Cost
Extended health benefits (Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life) often cover therapy with registered psychologists, social workers, and registered psychotherapists — check your policy.
Psychiatrists through AHS are publicly covered.
Private psychology or therapy often requires receipts for reimbursement.
Credentials matter, but fit matters more. A therapist you connect with will help you more than the fancy letters after their name.
Don’t be afraid to switch. Therapy is a relationship, and you deserve someone who listens, understands, and adapts to you.
Asking questions upfront is normal and healthy — good therapists welcome curiosity about qualifications, approach, and process!