Working with a Psychologist FAQS
Why do People Seek Help from Psychologists?
Some people may be reluctant to ask for assistance from a psychologist. When we are struggling with personal issues, we may initially try to address them by ourselves, and if this doesn’t work we may ask for advice from family, friends, colleagues, etc. This is completely normal and understandable.
However, if the problem doesn’t seem to be improving or if it is actually getting worse, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a psychologist. Emotional or psychological suffering can be just as painful (or in some cases, more painful) than physical suffering. People ask for help from physicians when they are ill, are in physical pain, and do not want to suffer needlessly. Similarly, people ask for help from psychologists when they are in emotional pain, are struggling with personal issues or decisions, and do not want to suffer needlessly.
However, if the problem doesn’t seem to be improving or if it is actually getting worse, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a psychologist. Emotional or psychological suffering can be just as painful (or in some cases, more painful) than physical suffering. People ask for help from physicians when they are ill, are in physical pain, and do not want to suffer needlessly. Similarly, people ask for help from psychologists when they are in emotional pain, are struggling with personal issues or decisions, and do not want to suffer needlessly.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Psychologist?
No. Referrals from physicians (for example) are not necessary to book an appointment with one of our psychologists. Self-referrals are just fine. If you have personal concerns that you would like to address in therapy or via an assessment, we are happy to assist you.
Are Psychologists’ Fees Covered by Provincial Health Plans?
Unfortunately, the fees for seeing a psychologist in Canada are not covered by your provincial health card (MSI in Nova Scotia). However, if you have private insurance, insurance through your work, or through school, there is a good chance that psychological services are included on your plan. Also, any fees paid to a psychologist can be claimed as a medical expense on your taxes.
Can You Guarantee that My Problems will be “Solved”?
We would love to be able to do this, but this just isn’t possible or ethical to make this promise (for us or for any psychologist you may consider working with). We are confident that we can help our clients address a wide variety of personal concerns and have many years of experience doing so. Research consistently demonstrates that working with a psychologist is an effective way to deal with personal issues. We can promise that your goals in therapy will be our priority and we will do everything we can to help you achieve them.
How Confidential is Counselling / Therapy?
In a word, “very”. Confidentially in therapy is extremely important and without it, the entire counselling process just wouldn’t work (in our opinion). You can trust that your psychologist will treat the information you provide in therapy with the utmost respect and will not discuss anything you reveal outside the session.
There are a few rare exceptions to this rule that you should be aware of. For example, if a psychologist has reason to suspect child or elder abuse, if a client is at a high risk for suicide, or if someone else is in serious physical danger, all psychologists in Canada are required by law to take action to prevent this harm from happening…even if it means breaking confidentiality.
There are a few rare exceptions to this rule that you should be aware of. For example, if a psychologist has reason to suspect child or elder abuse, if a client is at a high risk for suicide, or if someone else is in serious physical danger, all psychologists in Canada are required by law to take action to prevent this harm from happening…even if it means breaking confidentiality.
What are the Differences Between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, and a Therapist?
There are many different professions in the mental health field and understandably, people are sometimes confused by the different designations. Here are the main differences:
Psychologists
Beyond his or her undergraduate degree, a psychologist also has a graduate degree in psychology (typically a doctorate degree such as a PhD). He or she has extensive training and experience providing counselling for mental health issue, diagnosis, and assessment. In the past, individuals with Masters degrees could register as psychologists in Nova Scotia, but we have since moved towards “doctorate only” (e.g., PhD) registration. Psychologists may primarily be clinicians (as is true at Bedford Psychologists), primarily researchers / professors, or may do a bit of both.
Psychiatrists
Beyond an undergraduate degree, a psychiatrist also has a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Like a family doctor, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication for mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety), usually work in hospitals, and are often involved in diagnosing and managing medication for more serious mental health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists may occasionally provide therapy.
Therapists
A “therapist” is, well, anyone can call him or herself a therapist. This is not a regulated title. No education, training, supervision, experience, or registration is necessary before assigning oneself the title. When choosing a mental health professional, please make sure to look for appropriate credentials, education, experience, and registrations.
Psychologists
Beyond his or her undergraduate degree, a psychologist also has a graduate degree in psychology (typically a doctorate degree such as a PhD). He or she has extensive training and experience providing counselling for mental health issue, diagnosis, and assessment. In the past, individuals with Masters degrees could register as psychologists in Nova Scotia, but we have since moved towards “doctorate only” (e.g., PhD) registration. Psychologists may primarily be clinicians (as is true at Bedford Psychologists), primarily researchers / professors, or may do a bit of both.
Psychiatrists
Beyond an undergraduate degree, a psychiatrist also has a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Like a family doctor, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication for mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety), usually work in hospitals, and are often involved in diagnosing and managing medication for more serious mental health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists may occasionally provide therapy.
Therapists
A “therapist” is, well, anyone can call him or herself a therapist. This is not a regulated title. No education, training, supervision, experience, or registration is necessary before assigning oneself the title. When choosing a mental health professional, please make sure to look for appropriate credentials, education, experience, and registrations.
How Long Will I Need to Attend Therapy?
There is no set number of sessions at the onset of therapy as this will depend on the issues you wish to address. However, we generally work from a solution-focused, short-term model in which length of contact is measured in weeks or months, not years.
Can Psychologists Prescribe Medication?
No. A psychologist does not prescribe medication and any decisions regarding pharmaceutical treatments must be made in consultation with your physician.
Is it Possible to Schedule a Weekend or Evening Appointment?
Yes. Please see Appointments for more information.
I Don’t Know What to Expect…What is Seeing a Psychologist Really Like?
Great question! Most new clients don’t know what to expect in therapy. At Bedford Psychologists, we don’t think that you should have to first book an appointment to get a sense of what we are like or to have your questions answered. Therefore, we have written a detailed description of our style and approach to therapy in How We Are Different, we will answer any questions you may have (even before you book an appointment), and we offer a free 30-minute, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering a Learning Disorder or ADHD assessment. Please note that you must specifically request the free 30 minute minute consultation if you are interested in this - otherwise we can just proceed with the formal assessment.
More Questions?
If you have questions that are not answered here or elsewhere on our website, please contact us, or use the confidential form below. Thanks!
Bedford Psychologists is partnered with Green Leaf Psychological Services in Halifax. Please use the form below to inquire about our services or to book an appointment at our Halifax location.
