In Alberta the government hasn't been entirely clear about whether psychology is an essential service. Fortunately, the limits they place on meeting apply to clinics in buildings that are open to the public. As Sussman Psychological is located in a private space, apparently the government's dicta don't apply...at least, so far. However, the situation brings to mind an issue that has long been on my mind. It is this: If there is a philosophical direct opposite of a psychologist, it'd be a lawyer. So many lawyers in politics. To say the least, I am resistant to the notion that politicians have the capacity to evaluate whether or not psychological services are necessary. But, that's just me; and anyway, I have more important things to say.
Therapy conducted in virtual space works. I say this from what I have learned using it over the past 5-10 years. This is the first time a pandemic has created the need to meet in virtual space; usually the issue is geographic. I am licensed in Georgia and Registered in Alberta to practice psychology. I have met in virtual space with people in other provinces and states. My preference overall is for face to face meetings, however, that isn't always possible and virtual space is a powerful and useful alternative. Every client I have met with in virtual space has indicated that it does work just fine.
So, the basic considerations regarding whether we risk face to face contact remain the same as always: If either of us has been out of the the country, a 14 day quarantine is absolutely necessary and we cannot do face to face work while in quarantine. If either of us has the sense it would be best not to meet face to face, then we do well to act in accord with that felt sense. And of course if either of us has been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of a cold or flu or COVID-19 and/or if we ourselves have such symptoms, we must not meet face to face and we have to be honest with one another about this.
People are gregarious. We need one another. Isolation is a stressor and a destabilizing force. During this time I have actually made contact with and initiated a therapeutic process with new clients who expressed satisfaction with the way virtual space works.
Whatever you do, avoid concluding that you cannot reach out to a therapist now. Apt psychologists will generally be able to meet at a distance just as surely as they can meet face to face where conditions support doing so.
I for one would love to receive your call. 780.424.5592.