Frequently Asked Questions
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At Prairieview Psychology, our Calgary psychologists and therapists support teens, adults, couples, and families facing through a wide range of mental health and life challenges, including:
Anxiety and ongoing stress
Depression and low mood
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Addiction and substance-related concerns
Relationship and family challenges
Grief and loss
Chronic illness and long-term health challenges
Psychological assessments
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No, you don’t need a diagnosis, referral, or anything formal to begin therapy. A lot of people reach out because they’ve been carrying too much on their own, feeling emotionally exhausted, or simply unlike themselves.
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Yes, we offer free 15 minute consultation calls! This gives you a chance to ask questions, learn more about our approach, and get a sense of whether Prairieview Psychology feels like the right fit for you. It also helps us understand what kind of support you’re looking for before your first session.
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You can book therapy sessions by phone or email, and our Team will help you find therapist and appointment time that fits your needs. We also offer recurring appointments if you prefer consistency.
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Your initial session is really just a conversation - getting to know you. We’ll have a short assessment and talk through about what’s been going on, what brought you in, and what support you’re hoping for. There’s no pressure to share everything at once - you go at a pace that feels comfortable.
Many people feel nervous before their first session. That’s completely normal.
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A psychological assessment is focused on understanding and answering specific questions about your mental health or substance use. It’s usually requested by an employer, legal professional, or organization and results in a formal report.
Therapy is different. It’s an ongoing space where you talk through what you’re going through, explore emotions, and work on coping and healing over time.
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That’s actually more common than people realize.
Sometimes one partner feels ready before the other, or one person may feel nervous, skeptical, or unsure about therapy altogether. Starting therapy individually can still be incredibly helpful in understanding relationship patterns, communication struggles, boundaries, and how the relationship is affecting you emotionally.
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Most therapy sessions are between 45 minutes - 90 minutes long. Longer sessions, such as 90 minute appointments, may be recommended for couples counselling, family therapy, or more in-depth needs. We’ll always discuss session length together so it feels appropriate for you.
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Yes. Therapy sessions are confidential, and creating a safe space where you feel safe to speak openly is extremely important to us.
There are a few legal and ethical exceptions related to safety that our psychologists and therapists will explain clearly during your first session, so you always know what to expect.
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That’s okay, and honestly, an important part of the process sometimes.
Therapy is deeply personal, and not every therapist-client connection feels right immediately. You are never “stuck.” If something doesn’t feel like the right fit, we encourage open conversations about it and can help guide you toward another therapist within our team who may feel like a better fit for your comfort level, goals, and personality.
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Therapy looks different for everyone. Some people come in for short-term support around a specific situation, while others stay longer to work through deeper patterns, relationships, or ongoing mental health concerns.
There’s no “correct” timeline. We check in with you throughout the process to make sure therapy continues feeling supportive and helpful for where you’re at and remains aligned with your goals.
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The choice is yours! We offer both:
In-person counselling and therapy in Calgary
Virtual therapy and counselling sessions across Alberta
Many people choose a mix of both depending on what feels easier and depending on their schedule and comfort level.
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We do not direct bill at this time, but you will be provided with a receipt for services which you can submit for reimbursement.
We encourage you to confirm with your insurance provider that services are covered under your plan before scheduling your first appointment.
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For many people, yes. Virtual therapy can still feel deeply personal, connected, and supportive. In fact, some clients actually find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment where they already feel more comfortable.
The most important part of therapy is often the relationship and trust you build with your therapist; not whether you’re sitting in the same room.
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A lot of people use these terms interchangeably, and that’s completely okay.
In general, counselling and therapy both involve working through emotional, mental health, relationship, or life challenges with a trained professional. A psychologist is a regulated mental health professional with advanced education and training in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic treatment.
At the end of the day, what matters most is finding someone you feel safe talking to; someone who helps you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.
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Yes - we offer direct billing with several insurance providers, including Sun Life Canada, Alberta Blue Cross, Medavie, and TELUS Health. If you’re unsure whether your plan is included, just reach out and we’ll gladly check your coverage for you before your first session.
If direct billing isn’t available for your plan, we’ll provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We always recommend reviewing your benefits in advance so you understand your mental health coverage and eligibility.
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Individual Therapy (45 minutes - 50 minutes):
With Kelsi Mader, R.SW: $220 per session
With Joel Mader, R.Psych: $240 per session
Couples and Family Therapy (90 minutes):
$330 per session
If you have questions about fees, please reach out to our Team.
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At this time, we accept direct billing with select insurance providers, as well as Interac e-Transfer for session payments.
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We kindly ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to the full session fee, as that time has been reserved specifically for you.
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Medication can be helpful for many people, but it doesn’t always address everything you’re carrying emotionally or mentally. Therapy can work alongside medication, or on its own, to help you understand patterns, build coping tools, and feel more supported in your day-to-day life beyond symptoms alone.
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Prairieview Psychology is not a crisis or emergency service.
If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 911 or go to your nearest urgent care centres or emergency hospitals. You can also contact:
Distress Centre Calgary: 403-266-4357
Suicide Crisis Help Line: 988
Recovery Alberta: 1-877-303-2642
