Calgary Psychologist FAQ — Common Questions Answered

Evolve Psychology was founded with a clear commitment to offering psychological services at the highest level of training and expertise available. Dr. Kincade holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with specialized training in Clinical Neuropsychology and neuroscience, earned through one of the most rigorous and selective graduate training programs in North America. She has been a fully registered psychologist in Alberta since 2004 and brings over two decades of experience across therapy and assessment.

In a landscape where the education and training of psychological service providers can vary enormously, Evolve offers something rare: a depth of clinical expertise grounded in exceptional academic training, hospital-based experience, and a genuine commitment to individualized, evidence-based care.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed additional training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are primarily focused on the diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions, and may or may not offer therapy. A psychologist holds a graduate degree in psychology and is trained to provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, but does not prescribe medication. In many cases, psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively — for example, where a client may benefit from both therapy and medication management.

In Alberta, the title "psychologist" is protected by law and regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists. To use this title, a practitioner must meet specific educational and training requirements and pass licensing examinations. The titles "counsellor" and "therapist," however, are not regulated in Alberta — meaning anyone can use them regardless of their level of education or training. While many counsellors and therapists are skilled and well-intentioned practitioners, the range of backgrounds and qualifications can vary widely. When choosing a mental health professional, it is worth understanding their specific credentials and training.

No. You do not need a referral from a physician to see a psychologist in private practice in Alberta. You are welcome to contact Evolve Psychology directly to book an appointment at a time that works for you.

A provisional psychologist has completed a graduate degree in psychology but is still accumulating the supervised hours required for full registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists. During this period, they practice under the supervision of a fully registered psychologist and are working toward completing their licensing examinations. A fully registered psychologist has met all educational, supervised practice, and examination requirements and is licensed to practice independently without supervision.

Dr. Kincade has been a fully registered psychologist in Alberta since 2004 — meaning she has over two decades of independent practice experience. When you work with Dr. Kincade, you are working with one of the most experienced fully registered psychologists in Calgary.

Both clinical and counselling psychology programs train practitioners to provide therapy and psychological services, but they differ in significant ways. Clinical psychology programs typically place greater emphasis on the assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders, research methodology, and the treatment of more complex or severe presentations. They are generally more competitive to enter and involve more intensive scientific and clinical training. Counselling psychology programs tend to focus more on adjustment, wellness, and personal development, and are often broader in scope.

Dr. Kincade completed her Ph.D. in a Clinical Psychology program at Washington University in St. Louis — one of the most highly ranked and selective programs in North America, fully accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The American Psychological Association (APA) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) are the two primary professional bodies that accredit psychology training programs and internships in North America. Accreditation means that a program has been independently reviewed and meets the highest standards for curriculum, clinical training, supervision, and ethical practice. Not all psychology programs or internships are accredited — and the difference in training quality can be substantial.

Dr. Kincade's pre-doctoral internship at the Alberta Children's Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre was accredited by both the APA and CPA — a distinction held by very few internship sites in Canada. This dual accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard of supervised psychological training.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, persistent difficulties in your relationships or daily functioning, or simply feel stuck and unsure how to move forward, therapy may be a valuable next step. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from psychological support — many people find therapy helpful for managing stress, navigating life transitions, building self-awareness, or working through patterns that keep them from living the life they want. If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, reaching out for an initial conversation is always a reasonable place to start.

The first appointment is an opportunity for Dr. Kincade to learn about you — your background, your current concerns, and what you are hoping to get out of therapy. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether Evolve is the right fit for you. By the end of the first session, Dr. Kincade will typically share some initial impressions and discuss what a treatment plan might look like going forward. There is no pressure to commit to anything at this stage — the first session is simply about getting started.

The length of therapy depends entirely on the individual and their goals. Some people come for a focused number of sessions to address a specific concern, while others engage in longer-term work to explore deeper patterns or longstanding difficulties. Dr. Kincade will work collaboratively with you to establish goals early in treatment and will regularly check in on your progress. The pace and duration of therapy is always tailored to your particular needs and circumstances.

Yes. Virtual sessions are available for clients who prefer to meet online or who are unable to attend in person. Virtual sessions are conducted via a secure, confidential platform and are covered by most extended health benefit plans in the same way as in-person sessions. Please contact us to discuss which format is the best fit for your needs.

No. Fees for psychological services in private practice are not covered by Alberta Health Care. However, many extended health benefit plans — including those offered through employers — cover psychological services in whole or in part. Dr. Kincade is a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and all invoices include her registration number, making it straightforward to submit claims to your insurance provider.

Many extended health benefit plans cover psychological services provided by a registered psychologist. The amount of coverage varies depending on your specific plan — some cover a set dollar amount per year, others cover a certain number of sessions. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage before your first appointment. We are happy to provide you with whatever documentation your insurer requires to process your claim.

Yes. Fees paid to a registered psychologist for psychological services are eligible as a medical expense deduction on your Canadian income tax return. We recommend keeping your receipts and consulting with your accountant or tax preparer for guidance specific to your situation.

We require a minimum of two full business days notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than two business days notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. We understand that unexpected circumstances arise — if you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate you.

A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines how a person thinks, learns, and processes information. It is designed to identify cognitive strengths and challenges, and to clarify whether a learning disability, ADHD, giftedness, or other factors may be affecting academic performance or daily functioning. Assessments are appropriate for individuals who are experiencing unexpected difficulties with learning, attention, or achievement, or who want a clearer understanding of how their mind works.

A comprehensive assessment at Evolve typically involves four steps: an initial interview, two assessment sessions of approximately two hours each, and a feedback session to review the results. In total, you can expect to spend approximately six hours on-site across these appointments. From the initial interview to the completion of the written report, the full process typically takes around two weeks. Dr. Kincade will discuss the timeline with you at the outset so you know exactly what to expect.

Once the assessment is complete, Dr. Kincade will prepare a comprehensive written report summarizing the findings, diagnostic impressions where applicable, and individualized recommendations. You will then meet with Dr. Kincade for a feedback session to review the results together, ask questions, and discuss next steps. A copy of the written report is provided for you to share with your school, employer, physician, or other members of your support team as needed.

Yes. A comprehensive assessment report from a registered psychologist is typically required to access formal accommodations in academic or workplace settings — such as extended time on exams, modified workloads, or other supports. The recommendations included in Dr. Kincade's assessment reports are thorough, clearly written, and designed to be directly useful to the institutions and professionals supporting you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely known and well-researched approaches in psychology. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns and building practical coping strategies. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a more recent development that has accumulated close to 25 years of strong research support. Rather than focusing primarily on changing thoughts, ACT helps people develop a different relationship with their thoughts and feelings — learning to accept what is outside their control while committing to actions that align with their values. Both approaches are evidence-based and effective, and Dr. Kincade integrates them based on what is most appropriate for each individual client.

You don't need to know — that is Dr. Kincade's job. During your initial sessions, she will take the time to understand your concerns, your history, and your goals, and will recommend an approach tailored to your specific needs. Therapy at Evolve is never one-size-fits-all; the approach is always individualized and may evolve as your work together progresses.