FAQs

Psychologists assess and diagnose mental health conditions using various techniques, including interviews and standardized tests. They provide therapy and counseling to help individuals cope with challenges, improve well-being, and develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors.

A mental health therapist is a trained professional who provides counseling and therapy to individuals facing emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. They help clients explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards mental wellness and personal growth.

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist or mental health therapist at Manor Clinic.

You can request to see a psychologist directly without a formal referral. Alternatively, health professionals, such as family doctors or psychiatrists, can refer you to a psychologist for assessment and treatment.

Private counselling is not covered by Alberta Health Care, but most extended health care plans, such as Blue Cross, Sunlife, and Great West, typically offer coverage. These plans often include services provided by a Registered Psychologist or Registered Social Worker, and coverage may be listed under terms like “counselling,” “psychology,” or “psychotherapy.”

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, and can prescribe medication. In contrast, a psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree in psychology and focuses on providing therapy and counseling to help individuals understand and manage their emotional and psychological challenges.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications, offer therapy, and recommend treatments like TMS or Ketamine therapy. Psychiatrists often work with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive care plans for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.

Yes, a referral is required from a healthcare professional such as a general practitioner, family physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or any other physician.

No, psychiatrist visits are covered by your Alberta Health Card if you are an Alberta resident, except for uninsured services such as completing insurance or third-party documents.

Manor Clinic psychiatrists typically offer a one-time consultation, providing detailed recommendations to your family physician for ongoing care. Due to high caseloads, we are unable to provide continuous psychiatry services, but our psychiatrists are available for phone consultations with your physician if needed. For individuals receiving support from other professionals at Manor Clinic, such as mental health therapists, we take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Our therapists regularly consult with our psychiatrists to ensure comprehensive care.

Unfortunately, visits with private psychologists and mental health therapists are not covered under Alberta Health Care. However, most extended health benefit plans and Employee Assistance Programs will cover some or all of the fees. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for details on your coverage.

Yes, individuals who cannot attend appointments in person can receive counselling or psychiatry services online from the comfort of their home. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. If you don’t have access to the internet or a computer, no problem—our clinicians can also offer consultations over the phone.

Manor Clinic clinicians provide care for children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.

At Manor Clinic, we strive to complete assessments, such as autism or ADHD evaluations, within six weeks of your initial contact. Wait times may vary based on demand, but we make every effort to accommodate patients as quickly as possible.

At Manor Clinic, same-week appointments are often available. We offer flexible scheduling, including some weekday evenings and Saturdays, to accommodate your needs.

Due to the urgency of referrals for treatment-resistant depression, we aim to schedule intake assessments with a psychiatrist within 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment typically begins within a week following the assessment. While wait times can vary depending on demand, we prioritize accommodating patients as quickly as possible.

Due to the high demand and popularity of our clinic, wait times for a psychiatric consultation with a Manor Clinic psychiatrist can sometimes be up to 6 months. However, as our psychiatrists often case conference with our in-house psychologists and mental health therapists, a brief psychiatric consultation may be arranged sooner at their request, depending on the nature and urgency of the need.

Cancellations or appointment changes must be requested at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. Unexcused no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be billed at 50% of the session’s total cost. Additionally, if you are more than 30 minutes late for a session, it will be considered a missed appointment.

Due to the lengthy nature of psychological assessments, which require several hours with a psychologist, we require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or appointment changes. Unexcused no-shows or cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be billed at 50% of the assessment cost, as these sessions involve significant preparation and time commitment.

Manor Clinic requires at least 48 business hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling of psychiatry appointments, which must be done directly with a staff member, not via voicemail or email. Failure to attend appointments will result in termination of care. Late cancellations may lead to termination or rescheduling, with wait times for new appointments possibly extending several months. For late arrivals, the next available appointment will be offered if possible.