Although these professional names are used interchangeably, a Psychologist is a regulated professional name under the Health Professions Act of Albert. All Psychologists must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Belonging to CAP allows the public to search the Members Directory to locate a registered member and provides information and resources to address concerns about the conduct of a Psychologist. Psychologists must abide by a strict ethical code and maintain on-going professional competency in the field of Psychology. Health insurance plans may cover Psychological services. If they do, often insurance companies will only approve the insurance claim when services are sought by a Psychologist.

Professionals who are not registered with CAP can go by the professional name Counsellor, Therapist, Life Coach, Healer, Guide, etc. If these professionals are eligible, they can belong to other professional bodies such as Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association; Canadian Professional Counsellors Association; Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapist of Canada, etc.

Currently, the Alberta Government does not require professionals who are not regulated by CAP to belong to a professional body. It is important for people to ask professionals about their credentials and any professional bodies they belong to. If a professional does not belong to a professional body, then clients do not have any recourse when they have concerns about the professional. Be an informed consumer!

We invite you to come and meet the team of Psychologists at Comfy Couch Psychology!

By: Jessica McDonald, BA. Psych, MC, R. Psych