A Registered Psychologist has a masters or doctoral level training in a Psychology program. Following graduation they have also completed a professional qualifiying exam, an ethics exam and a full year of supervised internship 1600 hours. They are the only professionals to use the title “Psychologist”. They provide clinical assessment, they may diagnose, and provide psychological interventions with patients. Registered Psychologists ARE eligbile for insurance coverage and services are tax deductible as a medical expense. 

Registered Provisional Psychologists have completed their masters or doctoral program in psychology, and have had their coursework reviewed and approved by the College of Alberta Psychologists. They are in the midst of the arduous process of becoming a Registered Psychologist and continue to be under the supervision until all the requirements are complete. Registered Provisional Psychologists are covered by many Insurance Plans and services are tax deductible as a medical expense.

A Registered Clinical Social Worker has complete a Masters in Social Work and has shown to the Albeerta College of Social Workers that they have taken coursework relevant to counselling. They go through a similar process as Registered Psychologists to ensure a standard of knowledge.  They are also covered by most insurance plans that support counselling and services are tax deductible as a medical expense.

These counsellors have competed a masters program and are completing the process to become a Registered Provisional Psychologist, Registered Clinical Social Worker,  or they belong to another body such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.  Not all insurance companies will reimburse services with these credentials – but some do.  

Masters level practicum students are in their final stages of their masters program. They are supervised closely by a registered psychologist. They offer reduced rate fees as they are still learning to implement their knowledge of counselling interventions.