1. Why do the services at Level Up Wellness Group cost so much?

We’re sorry, but our services are not covered by Alberta Health & Wellness (the Alberta government). Instead, we use a fee-for-service approach to bill for our services. Our billing rates are determined based on factors such as the provider’s qualifications, experience, and expertise.

2. Who and what does my insurance cover?

We apologize, but it’s important to know that what services are covered can vary depending on your workplace and insurance company. For some people, their insurance may cover a part of the costs for services like registered massage therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, specific social workers, Canadian counselors, and psychologists.

We recommend reaching out to your insurance company to find out which providers or how much coverage you have available. It’s a good way to understand what support you can get. We are unable to call your insurance company on your behalf, as this is private information that is regulated by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).

3. Will my insurance cover assessments?

While every plan is different, most insurance companies do not cover assessments. Please speak to your insurance company about this. We also CANNOT break down assessments as a therapy/counselling session as this is insurance fraud.

4. Are services considered a medical expense?

As of November 2023, anyone regulated under the Health Professions Act can submit receipts as healthcare-related expenses. Please speak to your accountant for more information.

5. What is a pediatric occupational therapist?

A pediatric occupational therapist in Alberta is a highly trained and caring professional who specializes in helping children overcome challenges related to their physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory development. These dedicated therapists work closely with children and their families to improve their ability to participate in daily activities and achieve their fullest potential.

In Alberta, occupational therapists play a crucial role in assessing and addressing various issues that children may face, such as difficulties with fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, attention (ADHD), and social interaction (autism, developmental delays). They use a combination of therapeutic techniques, exercises, and strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs to promote independence, confidence, and overall well-being.

These professionals are not only skilled in their field but also compassionate and understanding, providing support and guidance to parents in navigating the challenges that may arise during their child’s development. They work collaboratively with families, educators, and other healthcare providers to create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters a child’s growth and success.

In essence, a pediatric occupational therapist in Alberta is a valuable ally for parents, helping children thrive and reach their full potential while offering essential guidance and support along the way.

6. Why is your occupational therapist listed as a mental health therapist?

In Alberta, a mental health therapist is a professional who specializes in providing psychosocial interventions and therapy to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Occupational therapists with specialized training can provide support in this area.

7. What is a Registered Social Worker?

In Alberta, Canada, a Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a professional who is licensed and registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Registered Social Workers are trained and qualified to provide a wide range of social work services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Here’s an overview of what a Registered Social Worker in Alberta does:

1.     Assessment and Intervention: RSWs assess the social, emotional, psychological, and environmental factors that can impact an individual’s well-being. Based on their assessments, they develop and implement intervention plans to address various social issues and challenges.

2.     Counselling and Therapy: They provide counselling and therapy services to individuals and groups to help them cope with and overcome personal and interpersonal challenges. This may include addressing mental health concerns, relationship issues, addiction, grief, and more.

3.     To become a Registered Social Worker in Alberta, individuals typically need to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work from an accredited program, followed by successful completion of the registration process with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). This includes meeting educational requirements, supervised practice, and passing the required exams.

4.     Registered Social Workers in Alberta play a crucial role in supporting individuals and communities in need, promoting social justice, and advocating for social change to improve the quality of life for all residents of the province.

At Level Up Wellness Group, our social workers all have a master’s degree and have specialized training in psychosocial interventions. We are also very lucky to have social workers who

8. Do you offer online counselling?

Yes, we provide online counselling services for individuals aged 12 and older. However, online counselling is not available for younger clients due to the challenges of keeping them engaged in virtual sessions.

If you are a client from a rural area, please get in touch with us. We are eager to explore ways to support individuals who may face difficulties with commuting to our location.

9. Do you offer sliding fee scales, pro bono, or low-cost counselling?

While we do not offer pro bono services or sliding fee scales, we have implemented an internship program to support individuals with limited financial resources. This program is overseen by experienced therapists, and we are committed to providing accessible mental health care.

10. What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists provide counselling and talk therapy, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medication.

Psychologist:

• Psychologists are experts in understanding how the mind works and how it affects behavior.
• They provide counseling and talk therapy to help with emotional and mental health challenges.
• Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
• You can see a psychologist for help with things like stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Some psychologists (clinical) diagnosis mental health conditions.

Psychiatrist:

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health.
• They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medication.
• Psychiatrists often work with more severe or complex mental health issues.
• You might see a psychiatrist if you need medication to manage a condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

11. How do I find a therapist that is right for me?

Start by clarifying your goals, understanding therapy types, considering specialization, checking credentials, seeking recommendations, and interviewing potential therapists. Trust your instincts during the process.

Q: What types of therapy are there?

A: Common types include CBT, psychoanalysis, mindfulness-based therapy, and humanistic therapy. Each has a different focus and approach.

Q: How can I assess a therapist’s specialization?

A: Look for therapists experienced in your specific concern, like depression, relationships, trauma, or child therapy.

Connect with our client relations team. They know the areas that all of our providers work in and their personality types. Don’t forget, you can ask about our 20-minute free virtual meet and greet to see if you can connect with your first choice of provider. If it isn’t a good fit, we can suggest someone else in the wellness center.

12. Who is your medical team and what do they do?

Our Level Up medical team in Alberta includes caring professionals like a nurse practitioner and a clinical pharmacist who are here to help you on your healthcare journey.

A nurse practitioner is like a healthcare superhero. They specialize in areas like addictions and mental health, and they can do many things to keep you healthy. They can diagnose health problems, give you advice on how to stay well, and even prescribe medications when needed. For example, if you’re struggling with mental health issues, a nurse practitioner can talk to you about your feelings, provide counselling, and help you find the right treatment plan.

On the other hand, our clinical pharmacist is like a medication expert. They take a close look at your medication history to make sure it’s safe and effective. They work closely with our nurse practitioner to ensure that the medications you take are the best ones for you based on your health history and needs. For instance, if you have allergies or are taking multiple medications, they’ll make sure there are no harmful interactions between them.

Together, our nurse practitioner and clinical pharmacist are like a dynamic duo, working as a team to provide you with the best care possible. They collaborate to make sure you receive the right medications and treatments, tailored to your unique health situation. Your well-being is our top priority, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

13. What is the difference between couples and family counselling?

Couples Counseling:

• Focus: Couples counseling, also known as marriage counseling or couples therapy, is primarily focused on the relationship between two people, typically partners or spouses. It aims to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship.
• Participants: In couples counselling, only the two individuals in the romantic partnership attend sessions together. The therapist works with the couple to address issues specific to their relationship dynamics.

Family Counseling:

• Focus: Family counselling, on the other hand, has a broader focus. It addresses issues within a family unit, which can include parents, children, siblings, or even extended family members. The goal is to improve family relationships, resolve conflicts, and enhance family functioning.
• Participants: Family counselling involves multiple members of a family attending therapy sessions together. The therapist works with the entire family system to understand and address family dynamics and interpersonal issues.
  
  In summary, couples counselling focuses on improving the relationship between two individuals in a romantic partnership, while family counselling addresses issues within a family unit involving multiple family members. Both types of counselling aim to promote healthier relationships and better communication, but the scope and participants differ based on the specific needs of the clients.