Rued-Fraser Psychology Services

FAQ

Do You Offer In‑Person or Virtual Sessions?

I currently provide virtual therapy only. Sessions are held through a secure, encrypted video platform that meets all provincial privacy and confidentiality requirements. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and comfort of accessing therapy from home, work, or anywhere private.

If you’re unsure whether virtual therapy is a good fit, we can talk about it during your free 15‑minute consultation.

What If I’ve Never Been to Therapy Before?

Then this might feel like a big step, and that’s completely understandable. Many people imagine therapy to be more intimidating or mysterious than it actually is. We can talk openly about any worries or expectations you’re carrying either during our consultation or again in our first session.

What Can I Expect in My First Session?

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a shared understanding of what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore:

• Your main concerns and what you’re hoping to change or understand
• Your family background and important relationships
• What has helped — or not helped — in the past
• Your needs, preferences, and how you like to approach therapy
• Early ideas about your treatment plan, which we will shape together

The goal is to create a space where you feel grounded, understood, and supported from the very beginning.

How Long Does Therapy Usually Take?

Therapy looks different for everyone. Some people experience meaningful change in a single “miracle” session, while others prefer weekly sessions for several months or longer. It depends on your goals, the depth of the work you want to do, and how you choose to use therapy.

There is no right or wrong pace — just the one that fits you.

How Often Will We Meet?

Session frequency is flexible and based on your needs, preferences, schedule, and financial considerations. Some people meet:

• Weekly
• Every two weeks
• Every three weeks
• Once per month
• Or on an as‑needed basis

We’ll decide together what feels sustainable and supportive.

Do You Assign Homework Between Sessions?

Often, yes — but always in a way that feels natural rather than burdensome. Homework might look like:

• Reflecting on themes that emerged in session
• Practicing a skill or strategy once before we meet again
• Looking over a worksheet and jotting down a few thoughts

It’s never about pressure or perfection. It’s about supporting your progress in ways that actually work for you.

Do You Work with Children, Teens, or Families?

I work with teens and families, but I do not provide therapy for children under the age of 11. If you’re unsure whether your child or family situation is a good fit, we can discuss it during a consultation.

How Do I Book an Appointment?

All appointments can be booked directly through my online booking page. If you have questions before scheduling, you’re welcome to book a free 15‑minute consultation.  

Do You Offer Evening or Weekend Appointments?

I offer evening appointments on weekdays, but these are contact‑to‑book only to ensure they are available for clients who truly need them. I do not offer weekend appointments at this time.

What Technology Do I Need for Virtual Therapy?

Many people use a smartphone, and that works perfectly well as long as you’re in a private, quiet space where no one else can hear your session.

If we are doing EMDR, I recommend using a laptop or tablet because the larger screen makes the bilateral stimulation easier to follow.

How Is My Information Kept Confidential?

Confidentiality is a core part of psychological practice, and your information is protected with great care. I use Jane, a secure, Canadian‑based electronic health record system that meets all provincial privacy requirements. I also maintain physical records, which are kept in a locked filing cabinet in my office.

No information is ever shared with anyone outside your care unless you provide explicit written consent. You are always in control of what is released and to whom.

There are only a few situations where I am legally and ethically required to break confidentiality, and these are outlined clearly in the informed consent agreement you sign before beginning therapy. These exceptions include situations where there is a significant and immediate safety concern, such as risk of suicide or serious harm.

If you ever have questions about how your information is stored, used, or protected, I’m always happy to talk through it with you.

Why Don’t You Include Client Reviews or Testimonials on your Website?

I don’t include client reviews or testimonials because your privacy and confidentiality come first. Asking clients to publicly review their therapist can create pressure — subtle or otherwise — to share personal information or to support my business. That’s not a position I ever want to put anyone in.

While I cannot control reviews that individuals choose to leave on public platforms (such as Yelp or Google), I will never solicit or encourage clients to post testimonials. Your therapeutic work is private, and it stays that way.

What Are Your Fees?

My fees follow the College of Alberta Psychologists’ recommended fee schedule, which is currently $235 per 50‑minute session. This rate applies to both individual and couples therapy.

Therapy Fees

• $235 per 50‑minute session for individual therapy
• $235 per 50‑minute session for couples therapy
• Longer sessions can be scheduled as needed and are billed using the same hourly rate

Supervision and Consultation Fees

• $200 per hour for individual supervision (for Registered Provisional Psychologists)
• $100 per hour for group supervision (for Registered Provisional Psychologists)
• $200 per hour for professional consultation (for Registered Psychologists)

Assessment Fees

Assessment fees vary depending on the nature, scope, and complexity of the assessment. This typically includes clinical interviews, standardized testing, scoring, interpretation, and a written report. I’m happy to discuss your needs and provide an estimate.

Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

Yes. I can direct bill to:

• Alberta Blue Cross
• Medavie Blue Cross (including RCMP and Veterans Affairs)
• NIHB (Non‑Insured Health Benefits) for clients with Treaty Status

I am also a WCB‑approved provider, and I can bill Workers’ Compensation Board claims directly when they are authorized.

Other Insurance Providers

If your insurance provider is not listed above, you can still submit receipts for reimbursement. Most extended health plans cover services provided by a Registered Psychologist, though the amount and structure of coverage vary by plan.

If you’re unsure what your plan includes, it can be helpful to ask your insurer:

• Do I have coverage for a Registered Psychologist
• How much coverage do I have per year
• Do I need a physician’s referral
• What percentage of each session is reimbursed

I’m happy to help you navigate this if you have questions about your benefits.

What’s the Difference Between Counsellors, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, Life Coaches, Canadian Certified Counsellors, and Registered Psychologists?

Choosing a mental health professional can feel confusing, especially when so many titles sound similar. Each role has different training, regulation, and scope of practice. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions and ensures you receive care that is safe, ethical, and aligned with your needs.

Counsellors

“Counsellor” is a broad, non‑regulated term in Alberta. Anyone can use this title, regardless of training or background. Many counsellors have meaningful education and experience, but there is no governing body overseeing their work, no standardized requirements, and no formal complaint process.

Counsellors can offer emotional support, guidance, and general mental health strategies. Because the title is unregulated, it’s important to ask about training, experience, and approach.

Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC)

Canadian Certified Counsellors are certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). This is a national certification—not a provincial license. CCCs must meet specific educational and ethical standards, and they are accountable to the CCPA’s code of ethics.

Their certification includes:

• Graduate‑level training in counselling
• A national credentialing process
• A professional code of ethics
• A complaint process through the CCPA

This designation offers more oversight than the general term “counsellor,” though it is still distinct from provincially regulated mental health professions.

Social Workers

Social workers in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). They may hold a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in social work. Many provide counselling, advocacy, case management, and community‑based support.

Their regulatory body ensures:

• Defined educational standards
• Ethical guidelines
• A formal complaint process
• Public protection through oversight

Social workers often help individuals navigate systems, access resources, and address social and emotional challenges.

Psychotherapists

In Alberta, “psychotherapist” is not a protected or regulated title. It is used by individuals who provide talk therapy but are not registered psychologists. Training varies widely—some have graduate degrees, while others may not.

Because the title is unregulated, it’s important to ask about:

• Education
• Professional affiliations
• Experience
• Approach to therapy

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Their scope includes:

• Diagnosing mental health disorders
• Prescribing medication
• Providing medical treatment
• Offering psychotherapy (though many focus primarily on medication management)

A referral from a family physician is usually required, and services are covered by Alberta Health Care.

Life Coaches

Life coaching is not a regulated profession. Life coaches may offer motivation, accountability, and goal‑setting support, but they are not trained or licensed to provide mental health treatment. They cannot diagnose, assess, or treat psychological disorders, and there is no regulatory body overseeing their work.

Life coaching can be helpful for personal development, but it is not a substitute for mental health care.

Registered Psychologists

Registered Psychologists in Alberta are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). This is a protected professional designation with rigorous requirements and a clearly defined scope of practice.

Education and Training

Registered Psychologists must complete:

• A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology
• Extensive supervised clinical hours
• National and provincial examinations
• Ongoing professional development

Scope of Practice

Registered Psychologists are trained and authorized to provide:

• Specialized, evidence‑based therapy
• Psychological assessment
• Diagnosis of mental health disorders
• Treatment planning
• Consultation and collaboration with other professionals

Public Protection

CAP’s mandate is to protect the public, not the psychologist. This means:

• Clear ethical standards
• Accountability for competent practice
• A transparent complaint process
• Oversight designed to safeguard clients

Clients have the right to contact CAP at any time if they have questions or concerns about the services they receive. While I hope that is never needed, your safety, autonomy, and empowerment always come first.

A Note from Me

I am a Registered Psychologist practicing in Alberta, and my work is fully governed by the College of Alberta Psychologists. Transparency, accountability, and client protection are central to ethical care. You deserve to know exactly who regulates your provider and how to access support if you ever have questions or concerns.

If you’re considering starting therapy or simply want to explore whether we’re a good fit, you’re welcome to book a free 15‑minute consultation with me.

For More Information About Regulation and Client Protection

For anyone who would like more information about the regulation of psychologists in Alberta—or who may need to raise a concern—I encourage you to visit the College of Alberta Psychologists. Their role is to protect the public and ensure that all psychologists meet the highest standards of ethical and competent practice.