Q

Do I need a referral to book an appointment with Dr. Jennie or her team?

A

A referral from your family doctor is not required. Many clients contact us directly to book appointments for themselves or their children. Sometimes, referrals come from others involved in your child or teen’s care—such as teachers, speech-language pathologists, or pediatricians. Adults are also welcome to book directly without a referral. We also see young athletes and their families seeking support in the area of sports psychology, which can be accessed without a referral.

Q

Do you offer direct billing for psychological services?

A

Yes, we offer direct billing to many insurance companies. However, we strongly recommend contacting your provider before your first appointment to confirm your coverage details for psychological services. If we cannot direct bill your insurer, we’ll provide a receipt with your psychologist’s license number so you can request reimbursement.

Q

What should I expect at my first appointment?

A

Your first session is a chance to get to know your psychologist and for them to understand your needs. We’ll go over the concerns that brought you in, take a detailed history, and start building a foundation for your care.
For child and teen clients, sessions may involve speaking to the parent, child, or both, depending on the situation. Once we’ve identified the core concerns and ensured the relationship feels like a good fit, your psychologist will outline a personalized treatment plan. If your child is a student-athlete, we may also explore how performance pressure or competitive challenges are impacting their well-being, with strategies grounded in sports psychology.

Q

Will I need to attend therapy sessions with my child or teen?

A

That depends on the child, the family, and the psychologist’s clinical judgment. Some sessions may involve parents, while others may be more effective one-on-one with the child or teen. In general, we ask parents to remain engaged and available, as we often check in about progress at home and discuss how best to support the child’s growth outside of sessions. This is especially helpful when supporting athletes, where performance challenges can show up both on and off the field.

Q

How do I know if my child or teen should see a psychologist?

A

If you’re unsure whether your child or teen needs psychological support, we’re here to help guide you. Feel free to call our front desk—we’ll be happy to talk through your concerns and help you decide if our services are a good fit for your family’s needs. This includes concerns that may arise in the context of school, family life, friendships, or athletic performance.

Q

Do you provide therapy for adults?

A

Yes, we offer therapy for individuals aged 18 and up. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or even high-performance pressure in professional or competitive sports, our psychologists are here to support you.

Q

What’s the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor?

A

The primary differences lie in education, training, and regulation.
Psychologists complete graduate training in psychology and are regulated under Alberta’s Health Professions Act. They are specialists in psychological assessment and treatment but do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication.
Counsellors may come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some hold advanced degrees, but not all are trained in clinical diagnosis or treatment. Counsellors are not regulated under the Health Professions Act.

Q

Do you offer support for issues like anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral concerns?

A

Absolutely. Our psychologists are trained to work with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, social issues, and more.

For youth involved in sports, we also offer tailored strategies to manage performance anxiety, team pressure, and confidence-building.

Q

When should an athlete seek a sports psychologist?

A

​Athletes may benefit from consulting a sports psychologist when they encounter challenges that affect their mental well-being and athletic performance. Common indicators include experiencing performance anxiety, struggling with motivation, recovering from injuries, or facing difficulties in team dynamics. Engaging with a sports psychologist can help athletes develop coping strategies, enhance focus, and build mental resilience, ultimately supporting both their athletic endeavors and overall mental health.​

Do you have a question for Dr. Jennie?

You don’t have to feel alone. Dr. Jennie will be happy to help provide clarity to any questions you may have. Fill out the form below and she will get back to you shortly. Your personal information and question will be kept confidential according to Dr. Jennie's policies and practices.