Professional fees for psychologists can vary depending on the type of service provided. Fees are based on the fee guidelines established by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA). Although the PAA made the decision to raise the rates to $235 per counselling hour (50 minutes) as of January 2025, I have decided to maintain the rate of $220 for one more year, due to issues with the economy and affordability for my clients. The rate of $220 will apply to new clients; ongoing, continuous clients always continue at their old rate, unless there is a break in services of two months or longer.
As I do not have a machine to take credit card or debit, fees can be paid using cash, cheque, or e-transfer, which is due at the end of each counselling session.
Although psychological services are not covered by Alberta Health, many Extended Health Care Plans and employee benefits will cover some or all of the cost of counselling. When payment is made at the end of each session, a receipt will be issued that can be submitted to your insurance company or Extended Health Care provider for reimbursement. At this time, I am set up to do direct billing for Blue Cross and ASEBP.
Please note that a counselling "hour" is typically 50 minutes long, which was established so that the psychologist has time to write file notes and conduct other necessary services.