Registered Psychology vs Registered Provisional Psychologist - What's the difference?

What are Registered Provisional Psychologists in Alberta and are they just as effective at helping me?

Visiting a psychologist is a significant but essential step in dealing with mental health problems. But with options like registered psychologists and registered provisional psychologists, it can be a bit confusing to determine which professional will best suit our needs. Do the two provide similar counsel, or is one superior to the other? In this Refresh Counselling article, we'll aim to answer the question that many Albertans have been asking: Are registered provisional psychologists as effective as registered psychologists in assisting clients with their problems?

Understandably, you might be hesitant to seek counsel from a registered provisional psychologist (RPP), given that they are still newer in their field. However, it's essential to note that RPPs have completed all the academic education and rigorous training necessary to earn their title. Like their more experienced counterparts, registered psychologists, RPPs are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to provide both diagnosis and treatment for a wide-range of mental health conditions.

Certified by the College of Alberta Psychologists, RPPs are experienced in providing therapy to clients with mild to moderate psychological problems. While they might have less experience than registered psychologists, they are knowledgeable about today's most effective psychological interventions and therapeutic modalities. It's important to note that RPPs are not a "lesser" kind of professional in terms of their qualifications or competency.  In fact, several of the Registered Provisional Psychologists also have several years of experience supporting people in professional settings outside of strictly psychology - school counsellors, crisis intervention, addicionts treatment centres, etc.

Another thing to keep in mind is that RPPs are licensed to practice psychology under the supervision of a registered psychologist. As such, they receive regular and ongoing support from Senior Psychologists who act as mentors and supervisors during the therapist-client interaction. This support and supervision permit RPPs to review their case work with someone more knowledgeable, consider appropriate interventions and techniques and monitor the therapy's progress effectively.

One possible advantage of going for an RPP is financial. RPPs may be able to offer more people with accessible mental health treatment as they often charge lower fees than registered psychologists for therapy sessions. This is an incredible option to receive support from well trained professionals who are able to walk with you through life's ups and downs.

RPPs have excellent client outcomes with both short-term and long-term therapies and can provide various evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Studies have found that clients who see RPPs achieve similar outcomes to more experienced therapists.

Additionally - many insurance companies cover the services for RPPs just as readily as a Fully Registered Psychology (Please always check with your insurance provide to verify your coverage).

If you're unsure of whether to get counsel or therapy from an RPP or a registered psychologist, rest assured that both can help you. Registered provisional psychologists have the required training and licensure to diagnose and treat mild to moderate mental health issues effectively. Moreover, given their lower rates, it may be worth considering an RPP if finances are a concern. Finally, remember that having a good match with your therapist is the primary factor in therapy success. The goal is to find someone who can meet your therapeutic requirements – be it a registered provisional psychologist or a registered psychologist.

link:  https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/536c2635-ef92-4893-bff2-7f118ce94cbd/resource/3ae49eb1-eedf-447e-b055-d2e9147da621/download/registered-psychologist-fact-sheet-november-2018.pdf