The PAA is the voice of, and for, psychology in Alberta. The PAA:
No. Licences are issued by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
The mandate of the college is to serve the interests of the public, and guide the profession of psychology. It is the regulatory and disciplinary body for psychologists. The college is responsible for ensuring standards of practice of psychology and issuing licenses to practice psychology in Alberta.
No. PAA membership is voluntary.
Information regarding the different categories of membership can be found here.
Psychologists, individuals with an interest in psychology, professionals working in the psychology field, and psychology students can join PAA. For details on our membership categories, click here.
Information regarding the membership fees for the current year can be found here.
There are many benefits to joining PAA. Detailed Information regarding membership benefits can be found here.
To become a practice advisor, you need at least 25 years of experience and need to be a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. For more information contact us at paa@paa-ab.ca.
Advisors do not take requests directly and this service is not for routine peer consultation or for supervisors. Advisors may deal with a request from the same member more than once but not more than twice yearly.
The program does not allow psychologists to choose their own advisors and directly connect with them. To access this program, the Professional Guidance Submission Form must be completed. The Professional Guidance Officer and the Director of Professional Affairs will link you to the best suited advisor.
Practice Advisors are exemplar senior psychologists with diverse areas of expertise and have at least 25-years’ experience. Practice Advisors are ratified by the PAA Board, are not under order of discipline with the College of Alberta Psychologists and are protected from liability through the PAA’s professional liability insurance.
The Professional Guidance program does not have a limit on how many inquiries a registered psychologist or PAA member provisional psychologist can submit.
The program does not allow psychologists to directly contact the Director of Professional Affairs without making an appointment.
The Professional Guidance Officer in conjunction with the Director of Professional Affairs will decide if an inquiry requires a Practice Advisor.
Those wanting access to the service will receive a response within 2 business days of their inquiry. If a full consultation is required with the Director of Professional Affairs, one will be confirmed within 5 business days of the request. If a brief consultation is required with the Director of Professional Affairs, one will be confirmed within 2 business day of the request.
Practice Advisors let PAA know within 2 business days if they can respond directly to the request, or if PAA should refer to another practice advisor. If you have not heard from your matched Practice Advisor within this time frame, please contact us so we can follow up.
Contact PAA when you need collegial, confidential advice regarding professional practice issues.
Note:
Yes. Costs associated with consultation are deductible for those in private practice. If you do not have a private practice, check with your employer.
PAA has completed an extensive review of options for the Professional Guidance Program and will be conducting a yearlong pilot review to examine its efficacy.
In order to keep membership costs low and since not all members require access to this program, the Professional Guidance Program will be a pay by appointment service for those meeting with the Director of Professional Affairs.
The goal of this program is to offer unlimited access and remain sustainable for years to come to continue offering this program. Any profits that are made are rolled directly into creating more resources and programs to support our members and to enhance the profession of psychology.
For registered psychologists who are members, a consultation with the Director of Professional Affairs costs $110 for up to 45 minutes.
For registered psychologists who are non-members, the cost is $110 for up to 30 minutes.
Provisionally registered psychologists who are members of the PAA can consult for up to 45 minutes at a cost of $60.
Registered Psychologists who are members/non-members can opt for a brief 15 minute phone consultation with the Director at a cost of $65.
Provisionally registered psychologists who are not members of the PAA do not have access to this program.
First, find the category that best fits your area of concern or inquisition. Please read or access all materials associated with this category before proceeding.
If these materials and/or resources do not assist in answering your inquiry, please complete the Professional Guidance Submission Form.
The Professional Guidance Officer will then triage your request:
