Frequently Asked Questions

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A registered psychologist in Manitoba is a person with a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in psychology and the additional specialization in the clinical area of psychology who has been deemed qualified for independent practice by the provincial regulatory organization. This typically requires:

• 3-4 years of university study to obtain a B.A./ B.A. Hons degree in Psychology
• 2-3 years of university study to obtain a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology
• 4+ years of study and research to obtain the Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology
• 1 year-long internship in Clinical Psychology
• 1 additional year of supervised practice

In total, more than 10 years of study are required to complete this process. In Manitoba, practicing registered psychologists must be registered with the Psychological Association of Manitoba (PAM).

Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists provide valuable mental health support, but their roles and areas of expertise differ significantly. A clinical psychologist is a licensed professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders through non-medical therapeutic techniques, such as psychotherapy. They are experts in various therapeutic modalities, and can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological testing, and create tailored treatment plans. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.  

A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health disorders and can prescribe medication to treat conditions. While psychiatrists may also provide psychotherapy, their primary focus is on the biological and physiological aspects of mental health, often using medications to manage symptoms. Psychiatrists are not typically trained to conduct extensive psychological assessments, or provide long-term psychotherapy. 

In Manitoba, you typically do not need a referral to see a clinical psychologist unless required by your insurance plan or specific health benefit coverage. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it’s advisable to check with your provider before scheduling an appointment.

The Province of Manitoba Health Care system does not cover fees for psychological services. Many people have extended health care benefits through their employer or an insurance plan they have purchased. Please check into the coverage you have for clinical psychology services. 

Recommendations for fees to be charged by private practice psychologists are established by the Manitoba Psychological Society (MPS) and reviewed on an annual basis. 

Recommended fees for psychological treatment for 2025 have increased slightly:

- $230 per 50-minute hour for individual therapy for psychologists

- $230 per 50-minute hour for couples therapy for psychologists

- $130 per person per 80-minute session for group therapy

For additional information, please visit: https://mps.ca/psychologist-fees/

Fees are due at the time the services are provided unless other arrangements are made in advance. You will be given a receipt which you may send to your insurance plan for reimbursement. Ursa Psychology accepts Cash, Debit, Visa, Master Card, AMEX, and e-transfer.

Benefits of Therapy:

• learning more about yourself and the factors influencing your mental health
• feeling less distressed and experiencing a reduction in symptoms
• enhanced functioning in your day-to-day life
• improved coping skills and confidence that you can take on new challenges

Risks of Therapy:

• learning new skills and strategies to cope with problems may result in temporary increases in symptoms (e.g., anxiety may increase as you begin to deal with situations you have been avoiding)
• other aspects of your life (e.g., other relationships) may change as you develop new skills and strategies. For example, others in your life may have some difficulty adjusting to the “new” you

You will be asked to complete some paperwork online prior to your first appointment, including documents outlining consent and confidentiality, services and policies, and a brief background information form. The first session will start with a brief review of these documents and a discussion of therapeutic boundaries. Dr. Kovachik will speak to what you can expect in treatment. It will be helpful to identify why you have chosen to seek treatment at this time, and to provide some details about therapy goals. Please ask about any concerns or reservations you might have about participating in treatment, or questions you might have about Dr. Kovachik's clinical experience or approaches to therapy. A foremost goal of the first session is building rapport and getting comfortable.

A typical session of psychological treatment is a 50-minute hour. Please arrive on time for your session. If you are running late, please reach out to let your psychologist know. 

In some instances, more structured pre-treatment assessment sessions are necessary. These sessions are typically 80 minutes. Please confirm with your psychologist about how long you can expect your initial session to be. 

The duration of therapy varies depending on the client’s goals and the nature of the issue being addressed. Some clients may experience significant improvement in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Your clinical psychologist will work with you to set realistic goals and determine an appropriate course of treatment.