Professional Counselling and Psychology Clinic Edmonton
About Brintnell Counselling & Psychology
A Safe, Collaborative Counselling Environment
Counselling is most useful when you feel safe, supported, and understood. At Brintnell Counselling & Psychology, we provide a collaborative, non-judgmental space to explore experiences that matter to you.
- Direct Billing available (Alberta Blue Cross, Greenshield, Medavie, and more)
- No Waitlist – Book Within Days
- Virtual Sessions (Across Alberta) & *In-Person Sessions (Edmonton)
Please note that in-person sessions are available until February 16, 2026; we will be temporarily switching to virtual-only as we prepare to open our new Cy Becker clinic (coming June 2026). For questions/concerns related to this change, please contact us here.
Our Approaches
We draw from evidence-informed counselling approaches tailored to each person’s unique circumstances. Our therapists are trained in a variety of modalities to support your exploration and reflection during counselling.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of psychological treatment that has been explored in research for a range of concerns including emotional and behavioural patterns. Research indicates that CBT can significantly enhance functioning and quality of life.
CBT focuses on:
- Identifying and reevaluating distorted thinking
- Understanding behaviours and motivations
- Developing problem-solving skills
- Building self-confidence and resilience
- Facing fears rather than avoiding them
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a structured therapeutic approach designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve their relationships. It blends strategies from CBT with techniques focused on acceptance and mindfulness.
DBT teaches four essential skills:
- Mindfulness: Be fully aware and present in the moment
- Distress Tolerance: Learn to endure and cope with pain
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicate while maintaining respect
- Emotion Regulation: Manage overwhelming emotions
DBT is an evidence-informed counselling approach that focuses on understanding emotional responses, acceptance, and mindful awareness.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EEMDR is a counselling approach sometimes used with experiences related to distressing memories or difficult life experiences.
The EMDR process includes:
- History and treatment planning
- Preparation and resource development
- Assessment of distressing memories
- Desensitization through bilateral stimulation
- Installation of positive beliefs
- Body scan and closure
EMDR does not require clients to talk in detail about their trauma, focusing instead on rapidly processing and resolving disturbing memories.
Somatic Expression
Somatic-informed approaches explore how physical sensations relate to emotional experience and support reflection on body–mind connections.
This modality helps clients:
- Identify where unresolved distress is stored in the body
- Become aware of physiological responses to danger
- Practice techniques to release trauma
- Restore the body’s innate wisdom
- Reconnect to inherent vitality and strength
“Judgment or blaming is not the point. Understanding is.”
— Dr. Gabor Maté
Counselling is both supportive and challenging — a collaborative process where you reflect on obstacles that matter to you.
Direct Billing
We make accessing therapy as simple as possible by offering direct billing with most major insurance providers
What is direct billing?
Direct billing means we submit your insurance claim directly to your provider on your behalf. You’ll only pay any remaining balance or co-payment at the time of your session—no need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Registered Provisional Psychologists
- Alberta Blue Cross
- Medavie Blue Cross
- GreenShield
- Sun Life
Currently available for Aleksandra Gavric, RPsych. Additional direct billing options coming soon as our team expands.
Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC)
- GreenShield*
- Sun Life*
- Telus Health/Telus E-Claims*
Telus Health/E-Claims includes Manulife, Equitable Life, Canada Life, and many others.
*Coverage for Canadian Certified Counsellors depends on your specific plan. Not all plans cover CCCs. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
**We are currently upgrading our direct billing system for new Counsellors. Direct billing may be unavailable during this period; please contact us if you have any questions.
Registered Social Workers (RSW)
- Alberta Blue Cross
- Medavie Blue Cross
- GreenShield
- Sun Life
- Telus Health/Telus E-Claims
- ClaimsXchange
Telus Health/E-Claims includes Manulife, Equitable Life, Canada Life, and many others.
Don't see your provider listed?
We can provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Most extended health plans cover registered mental health professionals.
How to verify your coverage:
- Check your insurance card or policy documents
- Call your insurance provider’s customer service line
- Ask specifically about coverage for the credential type (RSW, CCC, or RPsych)
- Confirm your remaining benefits for the year
Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to answer your questions about therapy at Brintnell Psychology
You can book a therapy session in several convenient ways:
- Call us at (780) 898-2559
- Email info@brintnell-psychology.com
- Book directly through our secure platform JaneApp
You’ll need to create an account and add a credit card before scheduling.
💬 Prefer in-person? Stay tuned for our new Cy Becker clinic in Edmonton – opening June 2026.
Please note that in-person sessions are available until February 16, 2026; we will be temporarily switching to virtual-only as we prepare to open our new Cy Becker clinic (coming June 2026). For questions/concerns related to this change, please contact us here.
Brintnell Counselling & Psychology is located in Edmonton, providing virtual counselling & psychology services across Alberta.
Our new Edmonton-based clinic (located in Cy Becker) is coming June 2026.
Absolutely. We provide telehealth therapy (online video or phone) across Alberta using a secure JaneApp link. When booking an online session, you’ll receive a secure link through our Jane platform 30 minutes before your session starts.
The cost of therapy sessions follows the recommended fee guidelines set by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA).
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Registered or Provisional Psychologist: $235 per session (50-minute session + 10 minutes documentation time)
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Registered Social Worker (RSW): $235 per session
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Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC): Fees vary by clinician based on experience and credentialing
Each therapist’s rate reflects their education, registration board, and scope of practice.
We believe in transparency and will confirm your session fee when you book your appointment.
Coverage for counselling depends on your individual benefits plan and provider. Most extended health plans cover services offered by Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, or Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), but the amount and conditions can vary significantly.
Before booking, it’s always best to confirm the following details with your insurance provider:
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What percentage of therapy fees does your plan cover?
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Does your plan cover a Registered Psychologist, Registered Provisional Psychologist, Registered Social Worker, or Canadian Certified Counsellor?
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What is your maximum annual coverage amount?
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Do you have a per-session cap or an annual limit?
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Does your plan allow direct billing, or do you need to submit receipts for reimbursement?
If your plan doesn’t cover the full cost of sessions, you may choose to pay the remaining balance out of pocket. Many clients use this option to continue their care beyond their insurance limit to maintain consistency in their progress and well-being.
Note: Insurance benefits do not cover missed appointments, late cancellations, or administrative fees. These are the responsibility of the client.
Different types of therapists have varying educational backgrounds, professional registrations, and insurance coverage levels, which influence session rates.
For example:
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Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and typically hold a Master’s degree or higher.
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Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and often specialize in social, community, and trauma-informed care.
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Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) are certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and meet national competency standards.
Each professional brings unique training and experience to therapy — allowing you to choose the clinician who best fits your needs, goals, and comfort level.
Yes. All sessions are fully confidential and protected under the Health Information Act of Alberta.
Information is only shared with your consent or in cases where disclosure is required by law (e.g., safety concerns).
This confidentiality ensures that you can speak openly and honestly in a safe, supportive environment. If you have any questions about confidentiality, feel free to ask your therapist at any time.
We require 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Sessions cancelled late or missed may be billed the full session fee unless due to emergency circumstances.
This policy is in place to ensure we are valuing the time of our therapists as well as accommodate for waitlisted clients to be contacted with enough notice. Insurance can not be billed for no shows.
Our booking platform sends out email and/or text reminders 48 hours before the session. You can change these reminders through your client portal. However, they are there to remind you of your appointment dates and times.
If you have an in-person session booked, you can switch to an online or telephone session to ensure that you do not incur late charges.
Please ensure that sufficient notice is given if you are unable to make it to your session.
Additionally, if you are running late for an appointment, please contact our office (leave a voicemail or send an email) so we can inform the therapist.
Your first session focuses on getting to know you — your goals, concerns, and background.
We’ll discuss therapy options, clarify expectations, and create a collaborative plan for progress.
Counselling duration varies depending on individual goals and circumstances. Some people notice changes sooner than others.
Your therapist will review progress regularly and adjust treatment as needed.
Yes. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist.
If it’s not the right match, we’ll help you find another clinician within our team or refer you externally if needed.
A standard therapy session at Brintnell Psychology is 50 minutes of in-session time, followed by 10 minutes reserved for your therapist’s documentation and note-taking.
This structure allows your therapist to stay fully focused and prepared for your care.
If you’d like to book a longer session, we also offer 75-minute appointments.
Please mention it to your therapist, or contact our admin team by email or phone to arrange an extended session.
In Alberta, several regulated and certified professionals provide counselling and psychological services. Each has unique training, credentials, and governing bodies that ensure professional standards and ethical practice:
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Registered Psychologist (R.Psych):
Holds a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology and is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. -
Registered Provisional Psychologist:
A master’s-level clinician registered with CAP who is completing a period of supervised practice before full registration. Provisional psychologists provide therapy independently under the supervision of a senior psychologist. -
Registered Social Worker (RSW):
Holds a degree in social work and is registered through the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Many social workers provide counselling and therapy with a focus on community systems, life transitions, and emotional well-being. -
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC):
A mental health professional certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). CCCs hold a master’s degree in counselling or a related field and meet national competency and ethical standards. Many insurance plans in Alberta recognize Canadian Certified Counsellors for reimbursement.
At Brintnell Counselling & Psychology, our therapists come from a range of these professional backgrounds. Every clinician on our team is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centred care.
Not sure which therapist is the best fit for you?
Our intake team can help match you with a clinician whose background, approach, and availability align with your needs — and with the coverage offered by your benefits plan.
Have another question for us?
A Safe Space for Growth
Feel heard, supported & understood. Direct billing, no waitlist, online & in-person sessions.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety & Stress
Supporting experiences of chronic worry, stress, and emotional overwhelm.
Trauma & PTSD
Helping you process and integrate the impact of distressing or traumatic events.
Relationships & Boundaries
Exploring relational patterns, communication challenges, and boundary-setting.
Self-Worth & Identity
Understanding self-criticism, identity shifts, and questions of belonging.
Perinatal & Postpartum Counselling
Supporting pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, and pregnancy loss.
Life Transitions & Burnout
Processing change related to career shifts, relocation, parenthood, burnout, or major life milestones.
First Responders & Military
Providing trauma-informed support for operational stress injuries and service-related experiences.
Not sure where to begin?
We’ll guide you to the right support.
Not sure where to begin?
We’ll guide you to the right support.
Meet Our Admin
Meet Jelena – Client Support Coordinator
Jelena helps make scheduling, billing, and questions feel clear and manageable. She takes care of the details so you can focus fully on what matters most.
Meet Our Admin
Meet Jelena – Client Support Coordinator
Jelena helps make scheduling, billing, and questions feel clear and manageable. She takes care of the details so you can focus on what matters most.