How to Choose the Best Psychologist for You in HalifaxIf you are looking for support in therapy for the first time or trying to find a good psychologist to provide an assessment, I want to provide some information that will hopefully be helpful as you make your selection.
Here are some important factors to consider. Let's get started. |
|
We do have some things in common...
When it comes to selecting a psychologist it can be very difficult to decide who to see. After all, if you look at the websites of other Halifax psychologists you will notice many similarities with the information you find right here on my website:
● We all offer treatment for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.
● We all are required to adhere to the standards, policies, and practice guidelines set by The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
● We all must follow the ethical guidelines of the Canadian Psychological Association.
● We all try to be supportive, patient, understanding, and above all else, helpful.
● We all seem to have photos of smiling people or nature scenes (or even better, smiling people in nature scenes) on our websites :)
So, how does one actually choose the best psychologist in Halifax for his or her particular issue?
Thankfully, you do not need to resort to choosing whichever therapist has the nicest pictures of nature or the happiest looking people on their website.
Yes, there really are differences between psychologists and factors that you need to consider before making your selection.
For example...
● We all offer treatment for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.
● We all are required to adhere to the standards, policies, and practice guidelines set by The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
● We all must follow the ethical guidelines of the Canadian Psychological Association.
● We all try to be supportive, patient, understanding, and above all else, helpful.
● We all seem to have photos of smiling people or nature scenes (or even better, smiling people in nature scenes) on our websites :)
So, how does one actually choose the best psychologist in Halifax for his or her particular issue?
Thankfully, you do not need to resort to choosing whichever therapist has the nicest pictures of nature or the happiest looking people on their website.
Yes, there really are differences between psychologists and factors that you need to consider before making your selection.
For example...
Masters vs. Doctoral Level Psychologists
In Nova Scotia, all psychologists must have completed the necessary graduate training in the practice of psychology. However, at present, the province requires either a Masters (e.g., M.A. / M.Sc.) or a Doctoral (e.g., Ph.D.) degree.
A Masters degree in psychology can typically be completed in two years after an undergraduate degree, while a Ph.D requires five or more years of post graduate training plus an additional one year external internship.
● Information about me:
I have both a M.A. and a Ph.D in clinical psychology.
Fully Registered vs. Candidate Register Psychologists
Even after completing their graduate degrees, psychologists are not immediately eligible to be fully registered in Nova Scotia. When they first begin to practice they are known as "Candidate Registers" and their work is supervised by an established, fully registered psychologist.
They must meet regularly with their supervisor for up to four years, must discuss ongoing cases, must demonstrate competencies and expertise across many domains of practice, must pass a very comprehensive licensing exam, and must eventually complete a final ethics examination.
After this is process is complete, they (finally) become fully registered psychologists.
It's a long process :)
● Information about me:
I am a fully registered clinical psychologist (Registration # R0711) with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
Researchers vs Clinicians
Psychologists are sometimes referred to as "scientist practitioners".
This means that we are actively involved in the study of psychology and human behaviour, and also make use of current research to guide and inform practice with clients.
However, there is much variation between individual psychologists in terms of their involvement with research and therapy.
For example, a psychology professor at a university may only be involved with teaching / research and not offer any therapy or assessment. In contrast, a psychologist in private practice may not be actively conducting formal research.
● Information about me:
I use current research to inform my practice, but I am primarily a clinician. I devote most of my professional time to refining my therapy and assessment skills and developing new treatment methods.
Areas of Expertise
Although just about any practicing psychologist offers therapy for depression and anxiety, we also have individual areas of expertise.
Before choosing a psychologist, try to get information on their speciality areas of practice. Also, be wary of anyone who claims to be able to treat everything!
A responsible and ethical psychologist will inform you if he or she is not capable of offering therapy for your concern and will make appropriate referrals instead.
● Information about me:
I do not provide treatment for every issue...this just isn't possible! I offer assessment and therapy for a wide range of issues, but not everything (click the previous links for more details). I will do my best to find a great referral if I cannot offer the type of service you are seeking.
Treatment Models
Years ago, there were some fairly hard lines drawn between the different types of psychotherapy. Treating the exact same issue would look very different coming from a behavioral therapist, a psychoanalyst, and a humanistic psychologist.
The reality today (which isn't mentioned that often) is that few psychologists practice from a single "pure" therapy model. Therapists may have a primary treatment method, but often draw upon different models. Still, your psychologist should be able to clearly define his or her approach to therapy and likely treatment methods.
● Information about me:
Although my interpersonal style is client-centered, therapy itself is goal-directed, is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is solution-focused, and importance is placed on gaining new insights into one's personality and developing healthier behaviours and relationships.
For a plain English description of my take on therapy and assessment, see the section "What Are the Qualities of a Good Psychologist?" in my bio.
Fees for Psychologists in Nova Scotia
The recommended rate for psychological service in this province is set by the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia. The current rate to see a psychologist in Nova Scotia is $225 per hour.
Information about me:
I charge the recommended rate of $225 per hour for therapy.
Many insurance policies offer coverage for psychologists and I can direct bill most plans. Learn more about fees, insurance, and payments here.
The "Fit" with Different Psychologists
So, now that you have more information on how to select a psychologist in Halifax (or anywhere for that matter), let me tell you the most important factor to consider - the "fit".
Research has shown time and time again that one of the best predictors of successful therapy is the "fit" between the psychologist and the client.
That is, how comfortable do you feel talking to your psychologist, does it feel like the two of you are in an alliance working towards the same goals, and do you genuinely trust and like him or her?
There is no substitute for a good psychologist - client fit.
If it doesn't exist, progress will be much slower or will not happen at all.
Information about me:
This is a tough one isn't it? Other than actually meeting there is no way to truly know if there is a fit. Still, I encourage you to look around HalifaxPsychologist.com, give extra attention to the FAQs, Bio, Assessment, and Therapy Model pages, and of course, contact me if you have any questions at all.
I personally respond to every email or phone call I receive, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have even before booking an appointment.
