Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers, before you book. If your question is not here, ask us at your free 15-minute consult.
GETTING STARTED
How do I start?
Book a free 15-minute consult. No commitment, no pressure. It is a conversation to see whether we are the right fit, and if we are not, we will point you toward someone who is.
Do I need to be in crisis to come?
No. Most of our clients are holding everything together impressively well. Functioning and flourishing are different things, and the gap between them is exactly what therapy is for.
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?
No. You do not need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Social Worker in Alberta, and you do not need a diagnosis to start. Some clients arrive with one. Many do not.
Who will I see?
Truepath is women-led. You will work with Chanelle Gagne, MSW, RSW or Kia Bhaidani, MSW, RSW, both Registered Social Workers regulated through the Alberta College of Social Workers.
What happens in the first session?
Mostly listening. We will talk about what brought you here, what you have already tried, and what you want to be different. By the end you will have a sense of where the work is heading. You are never required to tell the whole story on day one.
FEES, BENEFITS AND BILLING
How much does a session cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes at $190 with a Registered Social Worker. Most extended health plans in Alberta cover Registered Social Workers, including many plans that do not cover other designations. We direct bill most major insurers and will confirm your coverage before your first session.
Is therapy covered by my benefits?
Most extended health plans in Alberta cover Registered Social Workers, including many plans that do not cover other therapy designations. We will help you confirm your coverage before your first session.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes. We direct bill most major insurers where your plan allows it. Where a plan does not permit direct billing, you will receive a receipt you can submit yourself.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Your free consult can be cancelled or rescheduled at no cost. For paid sessions we ask for 24 hours' notice. Less than that may be charged the full session fee, and we will always talk to you first if something genuinely unavoidable came up.
SESSIONS AND LOGISTICS
Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
Both. In person at 204B-2120 Kensington Road NW in Calgary's Kensington neighbourhood, and secure online sessions across Alberta.
Is online therapy as effective as in person?
For most of what we work with, yes. Online suits anxiety, burnout, perimenopause, perinatal and identity work well. If we think in-person would serve you better, we will say so.
THE WORK ITSELF
How long does therapy take?
It depends on the goal. Some work resolves in a handful of sessions. Deeper patterns take longer. We review progress openly and we do not stretch things out. When it is time to finish, we will say so.
What approaches do you use?
Trauma-informed and evidence-based, drawing on IFS, emotionally focused work, CBT, narrative and attachment-based approaches, matched to you rather than applied from a template.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, within the limits every regulated therapist in Alberta works under: risk of serious harm to you or someone else, suspected harm to a child or dependent adult, and a court order. We will walk you through this in your first session.
Do you assess or diagnose ADHD or autism?
We do not provide formal assessments. We do work with women who are late-recognized or newly diagnosed, and we can point you toward assessment options if that is what you are after.
IF YOU NEED HELP RIGHT NOW
Call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7. In an emergency, call 911. Truepath is not a crisis service and we do not monitor email or forms for emergencies.
Ready to start? Book a free 15-minute consult.