FAQs

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

We do not require a physician’s referral to schedule an appointment. However, some extended health-benefit providers do require a physician’s referral before providing reimbursement of fees. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is the case for you.

What should I expect at the first appointment?

The initial session is usually dedicated to assessment and treatment planning. This generally involves information gathering through a detailed clinical interview, followed by an overview of a proposed treatment plan, tailored to your needs. Sometimes clients are asked to complete psychological questionnaires or tests to assist us in understanding the presenting problem and measuring progress in therapy.

What are your fees?

The rate for Psychology services is $200.00 per hour. This rate is set in accordance with the recommendation of the Psychological Association of Saskatchewan. Many clients have extended health-benefits through employee plans which may provide full or partial coverage for services. For completion of reports/letters, there may be a charge for $50.00.  Please contact us at 306 584 3876 or for more information.

For your convenience, cash, personal checks, Debit, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Are services confidential?

All information at Prairie Psychology Services, including communications and records relating to the provision of psychological therapy, are confidential and may not be disclosed without your written consent. Psychologists are required to break confidentiality under exceptional circumstances, which will be reviewed with you during your first visit.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients are requested to inform Prairie Psychology Services staff 24 hours in advance for appointment changes or cancellations. Appointments not cancelled with 24 hours notice will be charged a late cancellation fee. Fees are charged for missed treatment sessions where such notice is not provided and payment must be arranged before a new appointment can be scheduled. Cancellation fees may be waived under certain exceptional circumstances.

Do you prescribe medications?

As Registered Psychologists we do not prescribe medications. If we may feel that a client may benefit from medications, we can help in the referral process and with communication with the appropriate medical professional.

How long does therapy last?

This depends on a number of factors. Some clients are seeking help for specific issues or problems, and in such cases, goals could be reached in a matter of 4 to 8 sessions or fewer. There is an emphasis on learning and practicing new skills, both in session and in day-to-day life.

In other cases, goals are set that require longer-term treatment. In these cases, there may be more pervasive or long-lasting patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving, which require the development of greater understanding and insight over time. Efforts are made to set tangible goals, such that progress can be measured in an ongoing fashion.

An emphasis is placed on goal setting from the outset of therapy, and clients will be advised as to a reasonable course of treatment depending on their presenting problems.

What is a Registered Psychologist?

A Psychologist is a professional trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues. Psychologists are regulated by the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists.  As regulated health professionals, Psychologists are required by law to provide services in a competent and professional manner.

In order to be registered as a Psychologist in Saskatchewan, the individual must meet rigorous professional entry requirements (including completion of a Doctoral or Masters degree in psychology as well as many hours of supervised practice), and pass a number of professional examinations. Psychologists are required to follow ethical principles and standards of professional practice. They must also participate in continuing education activities to continually improve and update their knowledge and skills.

Is consent required for my child to see a Registered Psychologist?

In accordance with Saskatchewan law, individuals who are 18 years of age and older are allowed to consent for mental health treatment without obtaining permission from parents or legal guardians. Parental consent is required for children under the age of 16. For shared custody, consent from both parents is required to proceed with services. For sole custody, consent from the sole custodial partent is required and may provide legal custody agreement to verify.

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment is usually recommended when a child is not doing well in school. Parents may hear from teachers that their child is having difficulty paying attention, is restless, does not complete schoolwork, has difficulties with organization and taking initiative, is not meeting their full-potential, or is performing below grade level in reading, writing, or math. At home, children may be irritable or uncooperative, may refuse to do their homework, may complain of not liking school, and may appear sad and/or anxious. A psychoeducational assessment is conducted to help explain the causes of these difficulties.

A psychoeducational assessment begins with a parent interview. This is then followed by a number of psychometric testing sessions. Tests include a thorough assessment of intelligence (using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV), various tests of academic achievement, measures of memory ability and attentional processes, and assessment of behavioural and emotional functioning.

The results of the assessment and recommendations for intervention are presented in a detailed written report, and are shared with parents (and even the child themselves) in a feedback session. Phone consultation may also occur with the child’s school.