Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling & Coaching

Do I need to have a specific issue to go for Counselling?

Not at all. Counselling isn’t only for times of crisis. Many people come simply because they want a safe space for self-reflection, personal growth, or to strengthen their mental health. You don’t need to have a “big” problem to benefit. Sometimes it’s about gaining tools, insight, or support before challenges feel overwhelming.

How many Counselling sessions will I need?

The number of counselling sessions can vary widely based on individual needs, goals, and the nature of the concerns being addressed. Counselling is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the duration of therapy depends on several factors.

Typically there are 3 types of therapy;

1. Short-Term Counselling: Some individuals may benefit from a brief, focused intervention to address a specific issue. Short-term counselling might involve just a few sessions, ranging from a handful to around 8-12 sessions.

2. Long-Term Counselling: For more complex or ongoing concerns, individuals may engage in longer-term therapy. This could involve regular sessions over an extended period, spanning months or even years.

3. Open-Ended Counselling: In certain cases, counselling is open-ended, with no predetermined limit on the number of sessions. This approach allows individuals to explore and work through concerns at their own pace.

What is the frequency of Counselling sessions?

Weekly sessions are a common frequency for counselling, especially in the first month or two of therapy. This regular schedule aids in the exploration of concerns, breakdown of old habits, establishment of new patterns, and holding accountability over change.

As sessions progress, clients often opt for bi-weekly sessions as they begin to rely more on the tools learned.

In some cases, individuals may choose to have counselling sessions on a monthly basis. This might be appropriate for those working on more long-term goals or maintaining progress.

Each session is conducted via video or phone for 50 minutes. Sessions start off with an initial discovery of your concerns and goals. Homework may be provided at the end of sessions and reviewed at the beginning of the next session. Homework is expected to be completed as accurately as possible since your gains and next steps will depend on it. We will then focus on an important topic for the rest of the session. We will end the session with a brief summary of what was discussed.

What’s the difference between Counselling and Life Coaching?

Counselling:

• Views mental health as an illness needing treatment.

• Professionals who have undergone years of clinical training and sought qualifications to treat mental health disorders and other concerns like stress, relationships, parenting etc.

• Focus may be the present moment or look into the past to discover the origin of a concern and additional experiences maintaining that concern.

• Counselling may also take a client-centered approach that allows clients to direct the focus of their sessions which may result in unpacking many additional concerns.

• Depending on the complexity of the presenting concern and unpacked/discovered concerns, sessions with a counselor can last for 6 months or more.

• Counsellors are regulated and require certification with regulating bodies.

Life Coaching:

• Views mental health concerns as disorganization due to a lack of goals and coping tools. 

• Takes an action-oriented holistic approach to provide intervention. That means a coach will look at all areas of your life causing or being impacted by your concern (ex. relationships, career, finances, etc).  

• Focuses on the present moment and future goals rather than delving into the past. 

• Uses a short-term approach that establishes actionable steps and tools to achieve those goals. 

• A coach does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for mental health conditions. 

• A coach guides, inspires and supports you in creating the changes you desire.

• Coaching is unregulated and has no licensing body.

How Much Do Sessions Cost?

We offer a variety of bookable services, and fees may differ depending on whether you’re booking individual counselling, teen or couples therapy, or life coaching.

• Counselling sessions: $170 per 50 minutes (GST-exempt as a regulated health service).

• Life coaching sessions: $98 per 50 minutes + GST

For a complete breakdown of all our services, coverage details, and payment options, please visit our Fees page.

How are my sessions and personal information protected?

Each session will be conducted via telephone or online through a program called JaneApp. This program is HIPAA, PHIPA, and PIPEDA compliant to ensure confidentiality and protection of your private information. Before your first video session, you will receive a link via email to set up an account on JaneApp to access video sessions moving forward. Follow this link to read more about our Privacy Policy for usage of this site and ongoing services: https://www.thementalhealthclinic.ca/privacy-policy

What are your professional designations and associations?

At The Mental Health Clinic, you will see clinicians who hold a variety of professional designations. Each designation reflects advanced training, education, and registration with a professional body that license and regulates clinical practice in Alberta and across Canada.

Our team includes:

• Canadian Certified Counsellors (C.C.C.): regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a national body that recognizes Master’s and Doctoral-level graduates as qualified to provide counselling services across Canada.

• Counselling Therapists (CT): regulated through the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA).

• Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) and Registered Social Workers (RSW): regulated through the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

• Registered Psychologists (R.Psych.) and Registered Provisional Psychologists: regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).

We know this can feel confusing, and you don’t need to understand all the details. The most important step is to check directly with your insurance provider. They can confirm which designations are recognized under your specific plan and what level of coverage you have for counselling services.

Are Counselling or Coaching services covered by insurance?

The titles above are recognized by major insurers like Blue Cross, Equitable Life, Sunlife, Manulife, and Green Shield to name a few. However, coverage is dependent on your specific plan and whether you have counselling services selected. It is always wise to check with your insurer to make sure counselling services are reimbursable for you. If counselling services are not selected or your insurer does not cover certified counsellors, you can opt for a Health Spending Account to cover session fees.

Life coaching is still an unregulated profession across Canada. Therefore, coaching services are often not covered by most insurance plans. You may want to speak to your insurer to find out if such services are covered in your plan or via a Health Spending Account.

Are there any limitations to these services?

Yes. At this time, our services are available to teens (13+) and adults due to the remote nature of our work. For children under 13, we recommend working with specialized child therapists or play therapists who are trained in developmentally appropriate approaches.

These services are also not suitable for individuals looking for a diagnosis, prescription medications or having plans of suicide.

Is there an “ideal” client for Counselling or Coaching?

Yes. The best results come when a client is ready for change. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you should be open to reflection, willing to practise new skills, and committed to showing up for yourself. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Yes. We know life is busy, and not everyone can make a session during traditional office hours. Many of our therapists offer evening and weekend appointments by request and we do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Can I switch therapists if it’s not a good fit?

Yes. The connection you feel with your therapist is one of the most important parts of counselling. If at any point you feel that your therapist isn’t the right fit, you’re welcome to request a change with no judgment and no pressure. Many of our therapists have extensive experience across a wide range of mental health concerns, so we can accommodate a smooth transition and match you with someone who better fits your goals and needs.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to start counselling?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with one of our therapists online or by phone.

Can I use online counselling if I live outside Alberta?

Our therapists are regulated to provide services in Alberta. If you live in another province, availability may depend on your therapist’s designation and licensing body. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll clarify what’s possible based on your location.