Psychologists

[CMPunk]

I'm not sure if we have a psychologist in the mix here at CP, so if not I'd like to get some recommendations for people to talk to. Who has helped you get through life's many twists and turns?

[Dion]

http://www.lynnlambert.ca/

[peter12]

Calgary Counselling Centre is a good option if you don't know quite what you are looking for.

[T@T]

I have an old schoolmate friend who's a psychologist (Montreal) and he has always said most clients just need an old childhood buddy they can talk too, claims most problems are spousal and as you age it's harder to talk such problems with the "newer" friends in your life.

[Titan]

If you have an MD they can make a referral. Some offices even have one in their offices that rotate in and you can make appointments with.

Does your work have an employee help program? They can also refer you.

[Dynamic]

Phycologists were something I never even thought about until I had a life changing and very traumatic event happen to me. But they are really invaluable when it comes to dealing with life issues. And even when Im over deal with stuff I got going on now I will make a phycologist part of my life even when it is smooth sailing.

But ya I'm lucky because my benefits at work cover phycologists 100%, I have seen a few and they seem to range in the 180-200 an hour range. As for finding the right one, Google is your friend. Some specialize and many are more general in their scope.

[Hack&Lube]

When do you need a psychiatrist (medical PhD) vs a psychologist (arts degree)?

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by Dynamic

Phycologists were something I never even thought about until I had a life changing and very traumatic event happen to me. But they are really invaluable when it comes to dealing with life issues. And even when Im over deal with stuff I got going on now I will make a phycologist part of my life even when it is smooth sailing.

But ya I'm lucky because my benefits at work cover phycologists 100%, I have seen a few and they seem to range in the 180-200 an hour range. As for finding the right one, Google is your friend. Some specialize and many are more general in their scope.

And that's part of the issue, my company covers very little, so if I'm going to see someone, I want to know that I'm not wasting my time with some quack.

I have no idea how to judge the skill of a psychologist other then the area of expertise I need, so I just wanted to hear of people CP members had good experiences with.

[burn_this_city]

http://www.dralladin.ca/

This guy is one of the best in the city. Clinical psychologist for 30 years in Calgary, really good guy, very intelligent.

[rayne008]

EASTSIDE FAMILY CENTRE - NO FEE, IMMEDIATE WALK-IN COUNSELLING

Walk-in Counselling

This service provides a 50-minute session with a qualified mental health professional.

No-fee, first served walk-in counselling.
Assistance with: Mental health concerns, life stressors, family stress, relationship issues
Referrals to other community resources

Northgate Mall
255 495 36 St. NE
Calgary, AB T2A 6K3

Phone: 403-299-9696

[Frequitude]

I would recommend speaking to your family doctor. They can help identify the right one based on need/area of expertise and then give you a referral.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

If you are employed, try and see if your benefit plan or employer has a counseling program.

You'll get a free referral to a professional, all confidential of course. You do only get a limited number of sessions for free but it can save you some coin.

[bigtmac19]

It is pretty rare that an employer does not offer an EAP program these days. I would check just in case you were not aware of it.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

When do you need a psychiatrist (medical PhD) vs a psychologist (arts degree)?

Psychologists actually have their Masters before being able to take an exam/register to practice. Having an undergraduate psychology degree means nothing. Other than more education.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

When do you need a psychiatrist (medical PhD) vs a psychologist (arts degree)?

Psychiatry is optimal for extreme cases where vocal interaction has no effect on someone (e.g. catatonic depression).

Psychologists are like physiotherapists that teach you how to help yourself. Psychiatry is like a firefighting unit brought in for emergencies to pry a door open. Both are PhDs. I have the arts psych degree and I can't help CMPunk at all, he should see a few doctors and decide which is the most understanding and suitable for him.

If someone's reaching out for help like this it's probably very serious. Does anyone on this board have a good therapist? CmPunk probably needs one soon and I don't know any in Calgary. I'd suggest psychologist over psychiatrist if you can as chemical intervention is generally seen as a last resort for a psychologists referral. Avoid pills if you can but maybe you can't.

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Psychiatry is optimal for extreme cases where vocal interaction has no effect on someone (e.g. catatonic depression).

Psychologists are like physiotherapists that teach you how to help yourself. Psychiatry is like a firefighting unit brought in for emergencies to pry a door open. Both are PhDs. I have the arts psych degree and I can't help CMPunk at all, he should see a few doctors and decide which is the most understanding and suitable for him.

If someone's reaching out for help like this it's probably very serious. Does anyone on this board have a good therapist? CmPunk probably needs one soon and I don't know any in Calgary. I'd suggest psychologist over psychiatrist if you can as chemical intervention is generally seen as a last resort for a psychologists referral. Avoid pills if you can but maybe you can't.

I appreciate the concern, it's not serious as in I need to talk to someone now or I'll do something drastic, It's serious as in if I don't change some of my behaviors, I'm going to lose people close to me. I have to stop just accepting this is how I am and make some positive changes in my life.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by AcGold

I have the arts psych degree and I can't help CMPunk at all, he should see a few doctors and decide which is the most understanding and suitable for him.

I thought you were looking for work in Geology according to the layoffs thread?

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

I appreciate the concern, it's not serious as in I need to talk to someone now or I'll do something drastic, It's serious as in if I don't change some of my behaviors, I'm going to lose people close to me. I have to stop just accepting this is how I am and make some positive changes in my life.

I saw a psychiatrist when I was a teenager for some issues. Unfortunately, everybody from back then is probably retired. There should be some counselling or help services if you are still in school or working professionally. I know there are counselling services that I see posted as part our company benefits programs.

Depending on what the issue is, it may not be a psychologist but some kind of counselling or addiction treatment, etc. but people should be able to guide you in the right direction.

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I saw a psychiatrist when I was a teenager for some issues. Unfortunately, everybody from back then is probably retired. There should be some counselling or help services if you are still in school or working professionally. I know there are counselling services that I see posted as part our company benefits programs.

Depending on what the issue is, it may not be a psychologist but some kind of counselling or addiction treatment, etc. but people should be able to guide you in the right direction.

I'm checking to see if we have an EAP, hopefully they'll direct me to the right place.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by peter12

Calgary Counselling Centre is a good option if you don't know quite what you are looking for.

To sort of expand on this, this might be a decent option if you don't have insurance and aren't in a high income bracket.

Family doctor referrals, seeing if there's anybody specific your EAP recommends would also be alternatives to asking for suggestions of private mental health specialists.