Psychology Services in Edmonton
Support, Understanding and Strategies for Meaningful Change
Mental health can affect how you feel, think, manage stress, cope with pain, connect with others, and participate in everyday life. You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out for support.
At Strathcona Physical Therapy, we provide individualized psychology services in a confidential and supportive environment for concerns including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, ADHD, relationship challenges, and difficult life experiences.
Treatment is tailored to your experiences, needs, and goals, using evidence-informed approaches to help you better understand yourself, develop practical strategies, and work toward meaningful change.
How Can Psychology Help?
Psychology can provide support when your thoughts, emotions, experiences, relationships, pain, or life circumstances begin to affect your well-being and everyday life.
At Strathcona Physical Therapy, psychology services may help with:
Trauma & PTSD
Support for processing traumatic or difficult experiences, reducing trauma-related distress, and developing greater safety, understanding, and confidence in everyday life.
Anxiety & Stress
Support for persistent worry, fear, overwhelm, panic, stress, and patterns of thinking or behaviour that may be interfering with daily life.
Depression & Low Mood
Support for low mood, loss of motivation or interest, negative thinking patterns, and difficulties engaging in relationships, responsibilities, and meaningful activities.
Chronic Pain
Psychological support for the emotional, behavioural, and nervous system factors that can accompany persistent pain, with strategies aimed at improving coping, function, and quality of life.
ADHD & Executive Functioning
Support for challenges related to attention, organization, motivation, emotional regulation, time management, and managing the demands of everyday life.
Difficult Life Experiences & Transitions
Support during periods of change, loss, uncertainty, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, or other experiences that may be affecting your emotional well-being.
Emotional Regulation & Coping
Develop greater awareness of emotions, understand patterns and triggers, and build healthier strategies for responding to difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations.
Personal Growth & Well-Being
Psychology isn't only for times of crisis. Therapy can also provide a space to better understand yourself, explore patterns, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful personal goals.
Meet Our Psychologist
Justin Long, M.C.P.
Registered Psychologist
Clinical Interests: Trauma & PTSD • Chronic Pain • Anxiety & Depression • EMDR • ACT & CBT
Justin is a Registered Psychologist with more than a decade of experience in mental health and counselling. He holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Justin works with adults experiencing trauma and PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns. His approach is individualized and draws from a range of evidence-informed therapeutic methods, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and existential-humanistic approaches.
Justin has a particular clinical interest in the relationship between psychological health and persistent pain. His training in chronic pain management includes Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET). He has also completed advanced training in EMDR and incorporates Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy into his practice when appropriate.
In addition to his clinical work, Justin has experience in post-secondary education, professional speaking, writing, and community initiatives related to mental health, chronic pain, and youth support.
What to Expect at Your First Psychology Appointment
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you are not sure what to expect. Your first psychology appointment is an opportunity to talk about what has been happening, what is important to you, and what you would like support with.
Your psychologist will take time to learn about your concerns, experiences, current circumstances, strengths, and goals. Depending on your needs, your first appointment may explore areas such as:
Current symptoms and concerns
Mental health and emotional well-being
Important life experiences and stressors
Sleep, energy, and daily functioning
Relationships and social support
Work, school, and everyday responsibilities
Pain, injury, or health-related challenges
Previous treatment or strategies you have tried
What you hope to gain from therapy
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or having everything figured out. The conversation is collaborative and guided at a pace that is appropriate for you.
Together, you and your psychologist can identify priorities and discuss a treatment approach based on your individual needs and goals. This may include different therapeutic approaches and strategies as your care progresses.
The goal of the first appointment is to begin developing a clearer understanding of where you are now, where you would like to go, and how therapy may help you move toward meaningful change.
Our Psychology Services
At Strathcona Physical Therapy, psychology services are personalized to your individual needs, experiences, and goals. Care may focus on a specific concern or explore several areas that are affecting your emotional well-being, relationships, health, or everyday life.
Individual Psychology
One-on-one psychological care for adults seeking support with mental health, emotional well-being, difficult experiences, persistent pain, stress, or personal growth. Treatment is tailored to your concerns and goals.
Trauma & PTSD Therapy
Individualized, trauma-informed care for people experiencing the effects of trauma or PTSD. Treatment may incorporate approaches such as EMDR and other evidence-informed therapies based on your needs and readiness.
Chronic Pain Psychology
Psychological treatment for people living with persistent or chronic pain, with a focus on understanding the relationship between pain, emotions, thoughts, behaviour, and the nervous system. Treatment may include specialized approaches such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET).
Psychology After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Psychological support for people experiencing emotional or functional difficulties following a motor vehicle accident, including trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, changes in mood, pain-related distress, and challenges returning to everyday life.
Virtual Psychology
Psychology appointments may also be available virtually, providing convenient access to individualized care from a private and comfortable environment.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You do not need to know which type of therapy or treatment approach you need before booking. Your psychologist can help you understand your concerns and discuss an appropriate approach based on your individual needs and goals.
Trauma & PTSD Therapy
Traumatic experiences can continue to affect you long after the event itself. You may notice changes in sleep, mood, concentration, relationships, sense of safety, physical tension, or how you respond to certain situations, memories, or reminders.
For some people, trauma can also involve intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, feeling constantly on alert, emotional numbness, or strong physical and emotional reactions that make everyday life more difficult.
At Strathcona Physical Therapy, trauma therapy provides a confidential, compassionate, and individualized space to better understand these experiences and work toward recovery at a pace that considers your needs and goals.
Psychological treatment may help you:
Better understand trauma-related thoughts, emotions, and responses
Develop strategies for managing distress and emotional overwhelm
Reduce avoidance that may be limiting everyday life
Work through difficult memories and experiences
Develop a greater sense of safety and emotional regulation
Improve sleep, relationships, and everyday functioning
Reconnect with meaningful activities and goals
An Individualized Approach to Trauma Therapy
Trauma treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your experiences, symptoms, preferences, and treatment goals, Justin may integrate evidence-informed approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
The goal is not to erase what happened, but to help reduce the impact that past experiences may be having on your present life, relationships, well-being, and ability to move forward.
Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Anxiety, depression, and ongoing stress can affect many areas of life, from sleep, energy, concentration, and motivation to relationships, work, physical health, and the activities you normally enjoy.
Sometimes these challenges develop gradually. Other times they may be connected to a difficult experience, major life change, health concern, relationship difficulty, work stress, or a period of feeling overwhelmed.
Psychology can provide a supportive space to better understand what you are experiencing, the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and what may help you move forward.
Therapy may help with:
Persistent worry, fear, or overthinking
Feeling overwhelmed or constantly on edge
Panic or anxiety in particular situations
Low mood, sadness, or loss of interest
Low motivation or difficulty getting started
Stress and burnout
Difficult thoughts or self-criticism
Sleep difficulties related to stress or mood
Relationship or communication challenges
Coping with major changes or difficult periods in life
Finding an Approach That Works for You
There is no single way to approach anxiety, depression, or stress. Treatment is individualized based on your experiences, needs, and goals.
Justin may draw from evidence-informed approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other therapeutic strategies to help you develop greater awareness, build useful coping skills, change unhelpful patterns, and work toward meaningful goals.
You don't have to wait until things become overwhelming to seek support. Psychology can also help you understand yourself better, strengthen existing skills, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
Chronic Pain & Psychology
Living with persistent pain can affect much more than the painful area itself. Over time, pain can influence sleep, mood, stress, relationships, work, physical activity, confidence, and your ability to participate in everyday life.
Psychological treatment for chronic pain does not mean that your pain is imaginary or “all in your head.” Pain is a real experience influenced by many interacting factors, including the body, brain and nervous system, emotions, previous experiences, stress, expectations, and the environment.
Psychology can help you better understand these connections and develop strategies to reduce the impact that persistent pain has on your life.
How Can Psychology Help With Chronic Pain?
Depending on your individual situation, treatment may help you:
Better understand how pain is processed by the brain and nervous system
Reduce fear and anxiety related to pain or movement
Change unhelpful patterns that may reinforce pain-related distress
Manage stress and difficult emotions associated with persistent symptoms
Improve confidence with activity and everyday life
Address the impact of pain on sleep, relationships, work, and mood
Gradually reconnect with meaningful activities and goals
Develop a healthier and less fearful relationship with pain
Specialized Approaches to Persistent Pain
Justin has additional training in psychological approaches specifically developed for persistent pain, including Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET).
These approaches may be appropriate for some people depending on the nature of their symptoms, assessment findings, and individual needs. Treatment is personalized rather than assuming that every person with chronic pain has the same underlying contributors.
When appropriate, psychology can also complement physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services, addressing different factors that may be contributing to a person's overall recovery and quality of life.
The goal is not simply to cope with pain, it is to help you reduce its impact, regain confidence, and participate more fully in the life you want to live.
ADHD & Executive Functioning
ADHD can affect much more than attention. It can influence motivation, organization, time management, emotional regulation, relationships, work, and the ability to start or follow through with everyday tasks.
Many adults with ADHD know what they need to do but struggle to do it consistently. Tasks may feel difficult to start, priorities can become overwhelming, routines may be hard to maintain, and periods of intense focus can alternate with difficulty sustaining attention.
Psychology can help you better understand how ADHD affects your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationships, and everyday functioning, while developing strategies that work with your individual strengths and challenges.
How Can Psychology Help With ADHD?
Therapy may support areas such as:
Understanding your individual ADHD patterns and challenges
Emotional regulation and managing frustration
Motivation and difficulty initiating tasks
Procrastination and avoidance
Organization, planning, and time management
Managing overwhelm and competing priorities
Self-esteem and negative self-talk
Stress, anxiety, or depression that may occur alongside ADHD
Communication and relationship challenges
Developing more sustainable strategies for work and everyday life
Understanding the Whole Person
ADHD does not look the same for everyone. Treatment is individualized and considers not only attention and executive functioning, but also your experiences, environment, relationships, emotional well-being, strengths, and goals.
Justin may draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-informed psychological strategies based on your individual needs.
The goal is not simply to become more productive. It is to help you better understand how you function, reduce the difficulties ADHD may be creating in your life, and develop strategies that are realistic and sustainable for you.
Therapeutic Approaches
There is no single approach to therapy that works for everyone. Your treatment is individualized based on your experiences, concerns, preferences, and goals, and different therapeutic approaches may be used or combined as your care progresses.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy commonly used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. It uses structured recall of difficult experiences together with bilateral stimulation to help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT explores the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It can help you recognize unhelpful patterns, develop new ways of responding, and build practical strategies for managing a variety of mental health concerns.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on developing greater psychological flexibility, learning to respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action toward the values and goals that are important to you.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS explores different internal patterns or “parts” that can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Therapy can help develop greater awareness, understanding, and compassion toward these internal experiences.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
PRT is a psychological approach for some forms of persistent pain. It focuses on changing how the brain interprets certain pain signals and reducing fear and threat associated with pain.
Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy (EAET)
EAET is an evidence-based psychological approach used with some people experiencing chronic pain and other persistent physical symptoms. It focuses on emotional awareness, processing difficult experiences, and changing patterns that may contribute to ongoing distress.
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy
When appropriate, animal-assisted psychotherapy may be incorporated into treatment to support therapeutic engagement, emotional regulation, connection, and the overall therapy process.
Finding the Right Approach for You
You do not need to know which type of therapy you need before booking. Justin will work with you to understand your concerns and discuss which therapeutic approach, or combination of approaches, may be appropriate for your individual needs and goals.
Psychology After a Motor Vehicle Accident
A motor vehicle accident can affect more than your physical health. In the days, weeks, or months afterward, some people experience changes in mood, sleep, confidence, concentration, stress levels, or how they feel while driving and travelling in a vehicle.
Pain, concussion symptoms, changes in work or family responsibilities, financial concerns, and uncertainty about recovery can also place additional stress on your emotional well-being.
Psychological support after a motor vehicle accident may help with:
Anxiety or fear related to driving or being a passenger
Trauma-related symptoms or PTSD
Increased stress, worry, or feeling constantly on alert
Changes in mood, motivation, or emotional well-being
Sleep difficulties
Pain-related distress and fear
Difficulty adjusting to changes in activity, work, or everyday life
Loss of confidence or independence
Coping with a prolonged or complicated recovery
Supporting Your Recovery as a Whole
Treatment is individualized based on how the accident has affected you. Depending on your concerns and goals, Justin may draw from approaches such as EMDR, CBT, ACT, trauma-focused strategies, and specialized approaches for persistent pain.
When appropriate, psychology can also complement your physiotherapy, concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, TMJ physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other healthcare services at Strathcona Physical Therapy.
Our goal is to help address the psychological and emotional aspects of recovery so you can regain confidence, improve your well-being, and move toward the activities and routines that are important to you.
Virtual Psychology
Psychological support doesn’t always require an in-person visit. Virtual psychology appointments provide a convenient and private way to connect with your psychologist from the comfort of your own space.
Virtual therapy may be appropriate for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD, and other mental health challenges, depending on your individual needs and circumstances.
Psychology That Fits Into Your Life
Virtual appointments can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule, difficulty travelling to the clinic, live outside the immediate Edmonton area, or simply feel more comfortable attending therapy from home.
Just like in-person care, virtual psychology is individualized, confidential, and collaborative. Your psychologist will work with you to understand your concerns, establish meaningful goals, and determine therapeutic approaches appropriate for your needs.
Both in-person and virtual psychology appointments are available through Strathcona Physical Therapy.
Insurance, Direct Billing & MVA Coverage
Psychology services may be covered through extended health benefits, motor vehicle accident insurance, or other funding sources, depending on your individual plan and circumstances.
Extended Health Benefits
Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychologist. Coverage amounts, annual limits, referral requirements, and other conditions vary between plans.
We recommend checking your individual benefits to understand your psychology coverage before beginning treatment.
Direct billing may be available for eligible insurance plans. Our administrative team can help you understand the billing options available through our clinic.
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
Psychological treatment may also be covered as part of your rehabilitation following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) when clinically appropriate and authorized through your claim.
Psychology may support concerns related to trauma or PTSD, driving anxiety, changes in mood, sleep difficulties, persistent pain, stress, and other psychological effects associated with an accident and recovery.
Coverage, treatment authorization, and documentation requirements depend on your individual claim and insurance provider. Our team can assist with communication and required documentation when appropriate.
Questions About Your Coverage?
If you are unsure whether psychology services are covered by your insurance or MVA claim, contact our clinic before your appointment. Our administrative team will be happy to help you understand the next steps.
Why Choose Strathcona Physical Therapy for Psychology?
Choosing a psychologist is personal. Feeling comfortable, understood, and involved in your care can be an important part of the therapeutic process.
At Strathcona Physical Therapy, psychology services are built around individualized care, evidence-informed treatment, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Experienced, Individualized Care
Justin brings more than a decade of experience in mental health and counselling. Treatment is tailored to your experiences, concerns, preferences, and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Specialized Training
Care can draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) when appropriate.
Expertise in Trauma & Persistent Pain
Justin has particular clinical interests and additional training in trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain, allowing psychological care to address concerns that can sometimes overlap with injury and rehabilitation.
A Collaborative Approach
Therapy is something we work through together. You are encouraged to ask questions, discuss what is or is not working for you, and participate actively in decisions about your care.
Psychology Within a Multidisciplinary Clinic
When appropriate and with your involvement, psychology can complement services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, massage therapy, and dietitian services, supporting different aspects of your health and recovery.
In-Person & Virtual Appointments
Psychology appointments are available in person in Edmonton and virtually, providing flexibility in how you access care.
Our goal is to provide a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported while working toward meaningful changes in your health and everyday life.
Psychology FAQs
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
In many cases, you can book an appointment with a Registered Psychologist without a physician’s referral. However, some insurance plans or funding sources may require a referral for coverage or reimbursement. We recommend checking the requirements of your individual plan.
What happens during my first psychology appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss what has been happening, what is important to you, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Your psychologist will learn about your concerns, experiences, strengths, and goals and work with you to determine an appropriate approach to treatment.
How do I know which type of therapy I need?
You do not need to know before you book. Justin is trained in several therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, PRT, and EAET. He will work with you to determine which approach, or combination of approaches, may be appropriate for your individual concerns and goals.
Can psychology help with trauma or PTSD?
Yes. Psychological treatment can help people experiencing trauma-related symptoms or PTSD. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include approaches such as EMDR, CBT, ACT, and other trauma-informed strategies.
Can psychology help with chronic pain?
Yes. Psychological treatment can address the emotional, behavioural, and nervous system factors that may accompany persistent pain. Justin has additional training in chronic pain approaches including Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET).
Can psychology help after a motor vehicle accident?
Yes. Psychology may help with concerns following a motor vehicle accident such as trauma-related symptoms, driving anxiety, changes in mood, sleep difficulties, stress, persistent pain, and difficulty adjusting to changes in everyday life.
Can psychology help with ADHD?
Psychology can support adults with ADHD in areas such as emotional regulation, motivation, procrastination, self-esteem, stress, executive functioning, relationships, and developing strategies for everyday challenges.
Is psychology covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychologist, but coverage amounts and requirements vary. Psychology may also be covered through an approved motor vehicle accident claim or other funding source. Please check your individual plan or contact our clinic if you need assistance.
Do you offer virtual psychology appointments?
Yes. Both in-person and virtual psychology appointments are available. Whether virtual therapy is appropriate may depend on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.
How many psychology sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length and frequency of therapy depend on your concerns, goals, treatment approach, progress, and individual circumstances. Justin can discuss this with you as your treatment plan develops.
Is psychology confidential?
Psychological services are confidential and your privacy is taken seriously. There are specific legal and professional circumstances in which a psychologist may be required to disclose information. Your psychologist will discuss confidentiality and its limits with you as part of the informed consent process.