MD-Psychotherapy is provided by a licensed medical doctor who has extra training and experience in mental healthcare. Physicians generally enter this field after completing a family medicine residency. In contrast, psychiatrists complete specialty training traditionally focused more on medication management and hospitalized patients.

Both MD-Psychotherapists and Psychiatrists are medical doctors who bill through the healthcare system in Alberta.

MD-Psychotherapists can prescribe medication, but many (including Dr. Hucal) choose to focus solely on psychotherapy. Your primary care physician (or psychiatrist) will be responsible for prescribing and monitoring medications if needed.

In Canada medical practice permits are issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of each province. Dr. Hucal is licensed in Alberta, and therefore can only provide her services as a physician to those residing within the province.

If you live outside of Alberta, please see the link* (on “Home” page) for online coaching and courses being offered by Sandie and the animals of Free Spirit Sanctuary (available worldwide).
*coming soon

Dr. Hucal provides psychotherapy services through scheduled appointments only.

Dr. Hucal is NOT able to provide:
• Services outside of scheduled appointments
• After hours care or consultation
• Urgent mental healthcare or crisis services

If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal:
Call 911 or immediately proceed to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.

Urgent Resources:
Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24/7 Support)
1-877-303-2642

Non-Urgent Help:
Schedule an appointment or
Contact your Family Physician or Primary Care Provider

Dr. Hucal uses a secure electronic medical record (EMR) called the Jane App for online booking, virtual appointments, charting, etc. It ensures your personal health information is protected in strict compliance with Alberta’s Health Information Act.

Therapy is most effective when you take responsibility for your wellbeing and commit to attending regular sessions (typically starting with once per week).

If you must reschedule or cancel an appointment a minimum of 24 hours notice must be given, or a cancellation fee of $180 will apply.

Your sessions are reserved specially for you. Canceling without adequate notice or not showing up, hinders your progress and wastes a valuable block of time that could have benefited someone else.

Note that Dr. Hucal can only bill Alberta Health Care when you’re present for your session.

Since it’s so easy to attend virtual sessions (reminder notices are sent out, no travel is required, and if you’re in a pinch and can’t access the Internet the session can be held over the phone) there is a strict “No Show” policy in place.

NO SHOWS
Barring an emergency that prevents you from connecting by phone for your scheduled time, a NO SHOW fee of $180 will be charged. The fee must be paid before another session can be booked.

Depending on the circumstances, one or more No Shows may be grounds for discontinuing therapy services.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regular appointments ideally occur via a secure video connection. In the event you’re unable to access Internet service your session can be held over the phone.

At this time, Dr. Hucal is only offering virtual sessions, with the exception of trauma therapy for Ukrainian refugees. Virtual sessions with Dr. Hucal are available throughout the province of Alberta.