FAQs
DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH THE LGBTQ+ POPULATION?
Nope! Psychologists at Cascade Health have experience working with many different concerns, populations, cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. For more information about therapists at the practice and work experience and areas of training click HERE.
MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND NO SHOW POLICY
Please be aware this practice has a cancellation and no show policy in place. Your scheduled appointment is a block of time that is held for you. If you believe you won’t be able to make a scheduled appointment, please inform your therapist as soon as possible. Cascade Health requires a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancelling appointments otherwise you will be automatically invoiced for the full session.
WHAT IS WALK AND TALK THERAPY?
Walk and Talk or Outdoor Therapy refers to psychotherapy sessions that take place outside of the therapy office and involve walking or sitting in an outdoor location, such as a nature trail or public greenspace. This type of therapy offers the benefits of physical activity, sunshine, fresh air, and immersion in nature – all of which have been shown to have benefits to overall health and wellbeing. Sessions are conducted in Calgary, AB and cost is dependent on location, ranging from $250 for sessions within Calgary city limits and $275+ a session outside of Calgary limits.
WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE LOCATED?
In person therapy looks different than other agencies, Cascade Health does not have a physical office location. Check out the Outpost page for more information about our unique mobile office in Calgary. If you are looking for a traditional office to meet with your therapist, Cascade Health may not be the best fit for you. Therapy services are available virtually, and in person sessions are offered throughout Calgary. Therapists are located centrally and in South Calgary, and will travel to meet you at a location convenient for you.
WILL INSURANCE COVER MY SESSIONS?
At Cascade Health, you are responsible for payment for services via e-transfer and will need to seek reimbursement from your insurer. Most insurance policies will cover a Registered Psychologist if the policy includes counselling/psychological services under an extended health coverage plan. Review your insurance policy and contact your insurance provider to determine how much coverage you have, what professional designation is covered, and what portion of the fee (if any) you may be responsible for. If you do not have insurance coverage, services may be tax deductible.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BOOK SESSIONS?
Great question! Together we can explore what frequency may be best for your situation. Often, weekly sessions can be helpful if your concerns are acute/severe and impacting your day to day life. Weekly sessions can also be helpful for a short term before reducing the frequency. Sessions every 2-3 weeks can be helpful to address mild/moderate concerns.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
We offer a free 15 minute consultation before you commit to booking a session, and there is no obligation to book a session following the consult. Sessions cost $225 for a 50 minute virtual individual appointment, as per the current recommended rate set out by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA). Please see the PAA website for more information. Payment is made through e-transfer and is due on the session date. Fees paid out of pocket may be eligible for a tax deduction, contact a tax professional for more information.
WHY WALK AND TALK?
Why not? It can be difficult to find time to move our bodies, and we live in an increasingly stationary world. Movement allows our bodies to process our experience in a different way. Research has shown our brains change while in nature, and for the better. We can improve our mood, improve our memory and concentration, have improved sleep, decrease stress among other benefits. The focus of the session is not exercise, but in connecting with our bodies and experience in a deeper and more present way.
WHERE DO WE WALK?
ARE YOU HIRING?
If you are a licensed Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists in Alberta, and are interested in joining the team at Cascade, please reach out to Whit via email. whitney@cascadehealth.ca
Walk and Talk Therapy is offered at many locations throughout Calgary, AB, and what makes this a great option is that we can meet at a preferred and convenient location for you. Favourite places in YYC include Parkdale for a Bow River walk, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Glenmore Reservoir, Sandy Beach, and Nose Hill Park. As of 2022, the City of Calgary has over 1000kms of pathways available to enjoy. You will need to travel to meet your psychologist at one of the parks or nature space locations and sessions are available year round. Snow or shine this form of therapy is offered, so come on out!
DO YOU SUPPORT STUDENT PRACTICUMS?
Cascade Health is currently unable to accommodate any requests for student placements for practicums and/or internships at this time. If you are a licensed Provisional Psychologist please inquire with Whit via email. whitney@cascadehealth.ca
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The therapy process can look different depending on your needs and your schedule. The process can be short and intensive or longer term. Therapy works best when you have a therapist who you feel is a good fit for you and your needs. Also, someone you feel safe with, and respected by. The training, style, and therapeutic approach of psychologists at Cascade Health will be different than other therapists, so feel free to reach out and set up consultation if you have specific questions you would like to discuss.