FAQ & Booking Info
This page is intended to provide you with essential information and helpful resources to empower you in your mental health care.Soon, you will find links to reliable websites, worksheets, social media pages.
Booking Info
Kelly would love to help you book an appointment. To make sure that we are scheduling the correct amount of time, and type of service, all initial bookings are done through phone (or email, if needed). Please call 587-746-0905 or email admin@mindfitpsych.ca
Where will we meet? Most appointments are at Kelly's main office in Calgary. If you require a virtual appointment, or an in person appointment at one of Kelly's other practice locations, please make this request when booking your appointment.
How do I pay? Kelly is able to direct bill through the majority of insurance companies and third party payers. A credit card is required for all bookings, unless an alternative payment has already been confirmed.
Where will we meet? Most appointments are at Kelly's main office in Calgary. If you require a virtual appointment, or an in person appointment at one of Kelly's other practice locations, please make this request when booking your appointment.
How do I pay? Kelly is able to direct bill through the majority of insurance companies and third party payers. A credit card is required for all bookings, unless an alternative payment has already been confirmed.
Counselling vs Psychotherapy
What are they and Which is right for me?
Anyone who has looked into getting help for their mental health has probably seen the terms counselling and psychotherapy. It might seem like the terms are used interchangeably. Some mental health care providers will offer both psychotherapy and counselling, some are not authorized to provide all psychotherapeutic interventions, and some may choose to offer only one kind of therapy. Here, I will break down some of the similarities and differences between these two approaches to help you decide which is best for you and how to figure out if your clinician offers counselling, psychotherapy or both.
Counselling
Psychotherapy
Counselling provides assistance in coping with personal problems. People seek counselling to help with difficulties in employment, education, marital relationships, social functioning, adjustment and other similar issues. Counsellors can also provide support in crisis situations. Counselling is not currently a regulated profession or intervention in Alberta, but, this is changing. Counselling is often provided by psychologists, social workers, nurses, spiritual leaders, life coaches, occupational therapists, addiction counsellors, peer support workers and other professionals who may or may not be regulated. Counselling does not have to involve a therapeutic modality or an evidence-based approach. Many people have great success and satisfaction from counselling.
Psychotherapy involves any combination of assessment, diagnosis, or treatment of dysfunction or disorder of emotion, thought, or behaviour. Psychotherapy is often called talk-therapy and usually involves a therapeutic modality that is evidence-based. Psychotherapy is not regulated in Alberta, but some Psychosocial Interventions are regulated and restricted to qualified professionals. Restricted Psychosocial Interventions are those intended to treat mental health disorders in which a person's judgment, behavior, or ability to function is significantly impaired. These interventions are supported by scientific evidence to be effective when used appropriately by qualified professionals. All psychologists can perform restricted psychosocial interventions as can some social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists.
Psychology / Psychiatry???
While many people know there’s a difference between psychologists and psychiatrists, the details can be unclear. Both are regulated health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns. They differ in training, approach, and treatment tools.
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, just like dermatologists specialize in skin. They focus on the biological and medical factors that influence mental health. Their primary method of treatment is medication, which can alter brain chemistry and affect thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Some psychiatrists may provide psychotherapy or other medical treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Psychology is the scientific study of cognition, emotion, and behavior. Most psychologists in Alberta have studied psychology for at least 7 years. Psychologists are trained to consider biological, psychological, and social factors when developing treatment plans. They primarily use psychotherapy and behavioral interventions, which are known to influence biology but not as directly as medicine. Psychotherapy, can also be used to promote change by helping individuals develop insight, skills, and new patterns.
To make a diagnosis, psychologists use clinical interviews, standardized psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral information. Psychiatrists also diagnose using interviews and observation, and may incorporate lab tests or imaging to explore possible medical causes.
As I often say, “Pills don’t build skills.” Medication alone may not be effective in treating a mental health condition if a person is in an environment, or engaging in behaviors, that worsen their symptoms. Imagine taking an antibiotic while continuing to eat raw chicken. Similarly, someone might be doing all the “right” things and still struggle, just as rest and hydration alone aren’t enough to cure a dental infection. Both psychotherapy and medication are evidence-based treatments, and in many cases, their effectiveness is comparable.
Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together, and combining psychotherapy with medication is considered the gold standard for many mental health conditions. A helpful comparison is diabetes: some people manage it through lifestyle changes, while others require insulin. Many people benefit from seeing a physician and a dietitian. Similarly, the best mental health outcomes often come from a team-based, integrated approach