There are so many options when trying to find a therapist. It is an aphabet soup out there. How can you choose?

In Alberta, Psychologist (RPsych) and Social Worker (RSW) are the only protected titles. Psychologists and Social Workers are regulated health professionals. As psychologists, this means that we are upheld to ethical practice by a malpractice complaints board, meet minimum standards for training and education, and are mandated to continue with professional development across the lifespan, just like doctors, nurses, and dentists.

Many mental health practitioners are not regulated, meaning that there are no minimum standards for education or training to use these titles. The following titles are not regulated:

• counsellor

• therapist

• mental health therapist

• life coach

This means that anyone could create a posting on Psychology Today and start a business using these titles (or others) and not be in breech of any regulations.

There are some fabulous therapists and counsellors out there. Just be sure to ask questions such as:

• how much post-secondary education do you have?

• what modalities do you use?

• do you engage in consultation with experts to support your work?

All of the team members at CRMH are regulated health professionals, either Registered Psycholologists or Registered Provisonal Psychologists (completing final clinical hours under supervision).

Also remember that it is important to have a good therapeutic relationship with your psychologist. This is the most important factor related to outcome in therapy. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel in the therapy room, and if you and your psychologist seem to be on the same page about what you trying to do and how you are getting there.