In B.C., registered psychologists usually have a doctoral degree in psychology

(PhD) and psychiatrists have a degree in medicine. The amount of years spent in

university is about the same. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to

assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders and conditions. One major

difference between the professions is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication

as part of their treatment plan and psychologists specialize in non-medicinal

treatments.

Registered psychologists are registered and licensed with the College of

Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC). The CPBC regulates the profession of

psychology in the public interest, in accordance with the Health Professions Act.

The CPBC oversees standards for competency, ethical practice, promotes excellence, and

takes action when standards are not met. The CPBC also oversees the requirement that registered psychologists must take continuing education courses

every year to ensure that their practice is up-to-date.

Treatments and assessment tools differ in how effective they are. Some work better

than others. Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves using assessments tools and

treatments programs that are known to work. In other words, they are used because a large

amount scientific evidence has shown that they are effective in identifying

problems and reducing symptoms or distress. Using evidenced-based

assessments and treatments whenever possible is a requirement for registered

psychologists in B.C, as outlined in our Code of Conduct. This means that when

there are assessment methods or treatment programs that have been proven to

be effective, psychologists need to use them as a first line method.

You do not need a physician referral. You can contact the office directly if you are

interested in working with Dr. Murray. If you have extended health insurance, your

provider may require that you to get a referral from a physician for psychological

services in order to be reimbursed. Please check with your insurance provider

about this before your first appointment.

Dr. Murray usually has a lengthy wait time before new clients are seen. If you are

placed on her wait list, you will be offered an appointment as soon as possible.

For therapy with adults or parents, video or telephone appointments are available. Many

adults find virtual or telephone appointments convenient and helpful as part of the

treatment process.

Video and telephone appointments can be more challenging with children and youth,

who often have more difficulty focusing and engaging when therapy is done this way.

For this reason, treatment sessions with children and teenagers are usually done in-

person. Dr. Murray can help you decide whether telehealth appointments are suitable

for your child or teenager.

In terms of assessments, ADHD/ADD assessments can be done by video or telephone.

Psycho-educational assessments are done only in-person.

Dr. Murray works in a private outpatient clinic and is not able to provide crisis or

emergency services. If there is an emergency, please go to the nearest emergency

room or call 9-1-1.

Please make every effort to give 48 hours notice if you can’t attend a scheduled

appointment. This will allow us to offer the time slot to clients who are waiting to

be seen. If you miss an appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, we

will not have time to offer the appointment to another client and you will be

charged the full rate for the appointment that was missed.