Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services

What Is a Registered Provisional Psychologist?

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A registered provisional psychologist has completed a graduate degree in psychology and is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists, but is still completing the supervised practice and exams required for full registration. They provide therapy and can conduct assessments, with a registered psychologist supervising their work. For clients, that usually means well-trained care, an extra layer of oversight and sometimes a lower fee.

What "provisional" means

Becoming a psychologist in Alberta is a staged process. After their degree, candidates register with the College as provisional psychologists and begin a period of supervised practice. During that time they must pass the licensing exams the College requires. Once they meet every requirement, they move to full registration as a registered psychologist.

Provisional status is not a student placement. Provisional psychologists are regulated professionals, bound by the same code of ethics and standards of practice as every other psychologist in Alberta and accountable to the same College.

What supervision looks like

A registered psychologist meets regularly with the provisional psychologist to review their work, discuss clients and plan treatment. You should be told that your psychologist is provisional and who supervises them. The supervisor is bound by the same confidentiality rules, and supervision exists to protect the quality of your care.

Is it lesser care?

Not in the way people fear. Provisional psychologists have just completed years of graduate training, so their knowledge of current research is fresh. Their cases are reviewed with an experienced psychologist, which can mean two professionals thinking about your situation instead of one. And because they are building a caseload, they often have more availability.

What matters most, as with any therapist, is whether their experience fits your concern and whether you feel comfortable working with them.

Why the fee is sometimes lower

Many clinics set a lower fee for provisional psychologists, reflecting where they are in their career. That can make them a sensible option if you are paying out of pocket or your insurance maximum is modest. Ask about fees when you book.

How is this different from an intern?

An intern or practicum student is still completing their degree and sees clients as part of their training, under close supervision from the program and a clinical supervisor. A provisional psychologist has finished the degree and is registered with the College. Both can offer good care, but they are at different stages, and the difference often shows up in what insurance will pay for. Sessions with students and interns are generally not covered.

Supporting Wellness runs reduced-rate counselling with interns in Red Deer and with a newly graduated therapist in Calgary. Those sessions are priced lower and are not eligible for insurance, which is exactly why they exist: they help people without benefits get started.

Questions worth asking

  • Who supervises you, and how often do you meet?
  • What kinds of concerns do you most often work with?
  • Will my insurer accept receipts from you?

Does insurance cover a provisional psychologist?

Often, but check. Many plans treat sessions with a provisional psychologist as psychological services, the same as with a registered psychologist. Some plan wording covers only a "registered psychologist", and some insurers want the supervising psychologist named on the receipt. Ask your insurer two questions: are provisional psychologists eligible under my plan, and does the receipt need to show anything in particular?

Provisional psychologists at Supporting Wellness

We have registered provisional psychologists in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake, each supervised by a registered psychologist. The team pages list each clinician's areas of focus, and all of them offer a free 15-minute connection call.

We direct bill many insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife and Greenshield. When you call 1-888-622-8350, tell us your insurer and we will check whether your plan covers a provisional psychologist before you book, so there are no surprises. See direct billing and insurance.

Book online
Call 1-888-622-8350
Direct billing and insurance

Related reading: Psychologist, therapist or counsellor: the difference, How much therapy costs in Calgary and Does Blue Cross cover therapy?

Our Matching Process

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Why Choose Supporting Wellness

Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services
Safe & Welcoming Environment
Our office is comfortable and inviting for clients of all ages with a modern, open, and friendly atmosphere. We do our best to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable when you come for your appointment, whether with a family member or on your own.
Family Oriented Practice
We cater to families with multiple concerns. We are knowledgeable about marriage and family counselling, couples therapy, and child therapy. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment that is safe, comfortable and inviting to families.
We Listen & Work Collaboratively
We use a collaborative approach in our therapy and counselling sessions. We listen intently, respond with care, offer helpful feedback, and often recommend activities or reading materials to support progress between sessions.
Specialized Care
Our team includes specialized psychologists and therapists with advanced training. You can trust that the professional supporting you has the experience and expertise needed to provide high-quality care.
No Referral Necessary
We do not require a referral from your family physician; seeking care from one of our trained practitioners is the first step to better mental and emotional health, and we want you to have easy access to the care you need.
Free Connection Calls
All of our therapists offer free 15-minute connection calls to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and feel confident in your next steps, so you can move forward knowing you’re supported from the very beginning.