Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical Health Psychology Services in the WRHA

Q: What is a psychologist?

A: A psychologist is a health professional who assesses how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to promote health and well-being by helping people understand and change their thoughts and behavior.

Q: What training and qualifications does a psychologist have?

A: Psychologists within the Clinical Health Psychology Program are Medical Staff in the WRHA. They hold doctoral (Ph. D or Psy.D.) degrees and are registered for practice by the Psychological Association of Manitoba.

Psychology residents and doctoral students may also provide services under the supervision of a registered psychologist. The training program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.

Q: Do I have to pay to see a psychologist?

A: Most psychology services at hospital facilities (inpatient and outpatient) are provincially funded through Manitoba Health. In a few outpatient treatment programs, a small fee is charged for printed materials and workbooks. Psychologist services in the community are available privately on a fee-for-service basis by registered psychologists. Costs can typically be partially reimbursed through extended health benefits.

Q: How do I access psychological services in the hospital system?

A: Usually a referral from a health care provider such as the family physician is required to access psychology services within the hospitals. Some problems need to be medically diagnosed by a physician in order to receive appropriate treatment. At times there are recommendations that are made by the psychologist that require a physician to follow through.

Q: My physician said he/she was going to make a referral for me to see a
psychologist and I want to know if this has been done yet.

A: You can check with your physician, or you can call the general office or specific site and we’ll check to see if we have received the referral.

Q: How will I know that I have been referred?

A: Typically, you will receive a letter from us and a copy will be sent to the referring physician acknowledging the referral.

Q: Are things I talk about with a psychologist confidential?

A: Your health information is private and all psychologists are trained to maintain that privacy. The limits to confidentiality are 1) that health care providers and records may be subpoenaed by a court of law, and 2) health care providers, by law, must report any concern regarding a child in need of protection or a serious concern that an individual is intending to harm her/himself or someone else.

Q: How long will I have to wait to see a psychologist?

A: There are approximately 30 psychologists working in WRHA facilities and there is a considerable demand for services. Wait periods vary. You will typically be informed of the wait period after the referral is received.

Psychological Testing

Q: How long will I have to stay in hospital for testing?

A: You will not typically admitted to hospital for psychological testing, but will be seen as an outpatient. Testing time varies from 1-6 hours of testing. You will be notified when the appointment is arranged.

Q: How long will I have to wait to see a psychologist for a neuropsychological assessment?

A: Priorities are given to patients already in hospital or referrals of an urgent nature. Testing is conducted on a one-to-one basis and the wait could be up to several months.

Q: Do I have to study for this type of test?

A: No special preparation is required.

Q: Do I have to give blood?

A: No.

Q: Do I have to exercise?

A: No.

Q: If I'm there for the full day, is lunch provided?

A: No. Time will be provided for rest and meal breaks when testing has been scheduled for the full day.

Q: Am I allowed to take my medication before my appointment?

A: Yes, continue taking all regularly prescribed medication as usual.

Q: Why do I have to bring eyeglasses?

A: Some tests involve a lot of reading or close-up work. If you normally wear glasses for any activities, they are needed for the testing.

Q: Can my partner stay in the room with me during testing?

A: No, unless there’s an existing medical condition requiring nursing care.