To find a therapist in Calgary, decide what kind of help you want, then search registered clinicians through a local clinic, your benefits provider or the Psychologists' Association of Alberta directory. Book a short call with one or two before you commit, and check whether your insurance covers them. If cost is a barrier, Calgary also has free and reduced-fee options.
A few quick decisions narrow the search a lot:
You do not need to know the name of a therapy approach. Describing what is going on is enough for a clinic to point you in the right direction.
Anyone calling themselves a psychologist in Alberta must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists, which keeps a public register. For counsellors and social workers, ask about their designation, such as Canadian Certified Counsellor or Registered Social Worker.
Then check your coverage. Two questions to your insurer settle most of it: what is my annual maximum for psychological services, and which designations does my plan cover? Some plans pay for registered psychologists only, while others include provisional psychologists, social workers and counsellors.
Private therapy is not covered by Alberta Health Care, but there are other routes:
Calgary is a big city, and a 40-minute drive each way turns a 50-minute session into half a day. Online sessions solve that for many people, and for common concerns such as anxiety and depression, research finds video therapy works about as well as meeting in person. In-person sessions still suit some people better, for example children, couples who find it easier to talk in a neutral room, or anyone without a private space at home. Many people mix the two.
Private clinics can often offer a first appointment within days or a couple of weeks, depending on the clinician and the times you need. Evening and Saturday slots fill fastest, so flexibility helps.
If you are thinking about suicide or worried about your safety, call or text 988 at any time, or call 911. The Distress Centre in Calgary runs a 24-hour crisis line at 403-266-4357, and the Alberta Mental Health Helpline is 1-877-303-2642.
Our Calgary clinic is at 8989 Macleod Trail SW, Suite 408, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, with online sessions when getting to the office is hard. Call 1-888-622-8350 and we will match you with a clinician whose training fits, or book online. No referral is needed. We also have clinics in Red Deer and Cold Lake.
We direct bill many insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Greenshield and Desjardins, so you pay only what your plan does not cover. See how direct billing works.
Related reading: How to choose the right therapist, How much therapy costs in Calgary and Is therapy free in Alberta?
