|
1. What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have a specialization in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe medication, which is generally an integral part of their treatment regimen. A referral from your family physician is needed in order to see a psychiatrist.
Psychologists may receive training in counselling and psychology through a variety of programs. In Alberta, psychologists must meet the educational and clinical requirements of the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Psychologists are not qualified to prescribe medication. If the psychologist suspects that medication would be helpful in treatment, a referral is generally made to the clients family physician or psychiatrist.
Appointments with psychologists can be made directly by the individual seeking assistance and do not require a medical referral.
2. Are psychologists fees covered by Alberta Health Care?
Fees for counselling provided by a psychologist are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Partial coverage is provided by Blue Cross Insurance and by most extended health benefit plans. It is advisable to check with your employer to see if you have such coverage.
Cornerstone Counselling Center has arrangements for Employee Family Assistance Plans with the following organizations:
3. How is a counsellor assigned to each client?
Counsellors are assigned to clients based on their areas of expertise, availability for appointments, and other factors identified as important by the client (age, gender, etc.).
4. What if I don't "click" with the counsellor I am assigned to?
At Cornerstone we recognize it is important to feel comfortable with your counsellor. If you do not feel that an appropriate counsellor has been assigned to you, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with the counsellor or our intake worker. We will do all we can to ensure that an appropriate match is made.
5. How often should I come for counselling?
This is something that the counsellor will discuss during the first counselling session. However, while there may be exceptions, it is generally advisable to plan on scheduling weekly or biweekly sessions. Duration of treatment is dependent on a number of factors, including the severity of the concern for which help is being sought.
6. Is everything confidential?
Conversations with the counsellor are kept in strict confidence. This includes the handling of files that contain case notes, records, and psychological test results.
If there is a need or desire to disclose information from files with another professional e.g. medical doctor, lawyer, pastor, or third party billing source (for employee benefits, for example), the client will be consulted first and asked to sign a release of information document.
Legal Limitations to Confidentiality:
7. How long is each appointment?
Appointments are generally 50 minutes long, allowing your counsellor 10 minutes between appointments to attend to the file.