Beyond Just Talking: Five Benefits of Seeing a Psychologist
By William E. Hanson, PhD, RPsych
Clinical psychology is 130 years old. It is devoted to assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological and behavioural problems, disorders, and complaints. From its inception in scientific laboratories to roles in hospitals, schools, and communities, the field has evolved significantly. It now integrates careful assessment, evidence-based intervention, and deep respect and appreciation for the complex interplay of biological, emotional, relational, and cultural forces that shape human lives. At its heart lies therapy, often described as the sine qua non of clinical psychology.
Fifty-five years ago, Dr. Jerome Frank defined therapy as an emotionally charged relationship with a culturally salient healer. The most common concerns seen in clinical practice—anxiety, depression, demoralization, substance misuse, sleep disturbance, neurocognitive decline, and relationship distress—are rarely simple or single-caused. They require psychologists who are not only highly trained experts, but also warm, empathic, culturally attuned, and trustworthy health professionals. Like other health professionals, psychologists must be held to the highest ethical standards. Alberta’s psychologists adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists, ensuring public protection and quality of care. The profession demands ongoing education, thousands of hours of supervised and evaluated practice, and accountability for how we treat clients.
Five Key Benefits of Seeing a Psychologist
Every Albertan can benefit from seeing a psychologist, not only those in crisis or with severe illness. Just as you visit a dentist for oral health or a family doctor for annual check-ups, a psychological check-up optimizes mental health and well-being. As part of Psychology Month 2026, and in keeping with the Canadian Psychological Association’s (CPA) “This is Psychology” campaign, I highlight five key benefits of seeing a psychologist.
Expert Assessment & Diagnosis
Psychologists are trained to provide thorough comprehensive assessments and evaluations of emotional and mental health. They identify underlying issues that may be missed by other professionals and ensure accurate diagnoses, whether it be learning disabilities, PTSD, or severe anxiety. This is crucial to charting the right treatment plan, much like an X-rays diagnose fractures. Psychologists are first points of contact and go-to mental health professionals. With psychologists’ expert assessment, you get clarity on what’s really going on and how best to address it, whether it’s a specific disorder or life stress that’s overwhelming.
Effective, Evidence-Based Treatment
Psychologists provide treatments that work; specifically, treatments that research shows to be effective. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal therapy significantly improve sleep problems, low mood, high anxiety, and anger issues. These treatments have lasting benefits and teach skills to manage symptoms if they reoccur. Symptom reduction is, by the way, the single best, empirically based benefit of seeing a psychologist. By seeing a psychologist, you access lifelong tools and techniques proven to help you feel and function better.
Overall Health Improvement
Working with a psychologist boosts overall health, not just mental health. You learn stress reduction and healthy coping strategies that can, for example, lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Psychologists also help people manage chronic pain, adhere to medical treatments (like taking medications regularly or sticking to a diet/exercise plan), and deal with grief and loss. The outcome is fewer physical ailments and family doctor visits. When our mind is in a good place, we’re more likely to take care of our body – it’s all connected.
Enhanced Resilience & Relationships
Therapy isn’t only about treating illness; it’s also about personal growth. Seeing a psychologist builds resilience and the ability to bounce back from challenges. You develop insights into emotions and behaviors, gaining self-awareness and confidence. This confidence spills over to better communication and relationships with others, better marriages, and better parenting. Many people find therapy helps resolve intrapsychic conflicts, set healthy boundaries, and improve support networks. In short, psychologists guide you to a more content life with more fulfilling relationships and coping skills that last a lifetime.
Preventive Care & Reduced Crisis Risk
One of the most underrated benefits of seeing a psychologist is prevention. You don’t need to wait until you’re breaking down or hitting rock bottom to seek help. Regular mental health check-ups catch issues early on and prevent them from escalating. This early detection not only spares individuals and families from pain but also reduces the need for more intensive (and expensive) interventions later. Early treatment for mild anxiety, for example, can help prevent a spiral into major depression or stop a substance use habit before it becomes debilitating or possibly life-threatening. By being proactive about mental health, you stay healthier and more productive. On a societal level, widespread access to psychological services means fewer emergency visits for mental health crises and less strain on hospitals and peace officers. It’s an investment in upstream health that pays dividends.
Investing in psychological care is not just the right thing to do for individuals, it’s the right thing to do for Alberta’s economy and healthcare system. The return on investment (ROI) in mental health is remarkable. The World Health Organization reports a $4 return for every $1 invested in mental health care. This 400% return comes from reduced healthcare utilization, increased productivity (people missing fewer workdays), and less reliance on social services.
As noted above, every Albertan stands to gain from seeing a psychologist.
Whether you’re dealing with postpartum anxiety, coping with financial stress, feeling isolated, or simply facing the ups and downs of life, seeing a psychologist helps. It’s time to erase the stigma (and myth) that therapy is only for “severe” cases. Just as we all benefit from preventive medicine, we all benefit from preventive mental healthcare. By normalizing routine mental health check-ups, Alberta can become a leader in holistic health and healthy communities.
For more information, and to find a psychologist, please visit https://findhelp.paa-ab.ca/.