Frequently Asked Questions
About The Practice
Dr. Gullickson’s practice is focused on the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders in adults. All services are delivered virtually at this time. Clients must be located in Saskatchewan at the time of service delivery. She does not work with pediatric sleep issues.
What services does Prairie Sleep Rehab provide?
1
Why sleep rehabilitation?
2
Sleep is Dr. Gullickson’s professional passion, which is why she wants to focus her practice in this area. Also, sleep is an underserved area in healthcare and she is motivated to fill the gap in existing services.
When is Dr. Gullickson available to provide services?
3
Dr. Gullickson offers sessions in the evenings and on weekends to meet the needs of working clientele.
How do I book an appointment?
4
Use the button in the top right corner of the website header to send an email to Dr. Gullickson indicating you are interested in services. She will provide a free consultation via email or telephone to ensure her services are right for you, then an appointment can be booked.
How long will I have to wait to be seen?
5
There is no guaranteed timeline for service delivery. Dr. Gullickson will do her best to give you as much information as possible about anticipated wait times for services.
Sleep Rehabilitation Questions
How can a psychologist help me with my sleep problem?
1
Sleep disorders exist at the intersection between medicine and psychology. Most people turn to their medical doctor for concerns about their sleep, but there is increasing recognition that psychologists play an essential role in assessing and treating sleep disorders. For some sleep problems, such as insomnia, psychology services are recommended as a first line treatment. Cognitive and behavioural strategies can be helpful in managing all sleep disorders.
Can a psychologist diagnose me with a sleep disorder?
2
There are certain sleep disorders that are more appropriately diagnosed by a medical doctor (e.g., sleep apnea), but Dr. Gullickson is qualified to diagnose certain sleep disorders, such as chronic insomnia disorder. If she is unable to provide a diagnosis, she will direct you toward a professional who can offer further assessment.
Can a psychologist prescribe me medication for
my sleep problem?
3
No. As a psychologist, Dr. Gullickson does not have the ability to write prescriptions or make medication recommendations. She helps people with their sleep problems using cognitive behavioural strategies. If necessary, she may direct you to speak to a medical doctor or another prescriber (e.g., pharmacist) about any medications you are on or would like to be on.
How many sessions will be required to treat my
sleep problem?
4
Estimated treatment timelines will be communicated on a case-by-case basis. In general, fewer sessions are typically required to treat a sleep disorder as compared to other mental disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
General Psychology Questions
What’s the difference between a psychologist
and a psychiatrist?
1
Dr. Gullickson has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her academic program included an applied/clinical element and a research element. Psychiatry is a specialty that can be pursued by individuals with a medical degree and does not necessarily include a research component. Both professions focus on mental health. Other than the training differences, the most notable difference between the two professions is that psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medication for mental health symptoms, whereas psychologists do not. Psychologists provide treatment exclusively in the form of talk therapy.
What is a clinical psychologist?
2
Clinical psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders that cause problematic levels of emotional distress or functional impairment using techniques that are supported by research. Sleep disorders are a particular category of mental disorders.
What is the difference between a psychologist
and other types of mental health professionals
(e.g., counselors, social workers, life coaches, psychotherapists)?
3
The major differences relate to training requirements, scope of practice, how the profession is regulated to protect the public, and the cost of services. Each mental health discipline has its own theoretical basis and level of training (e.g., different degree requirements and training focus). The scope of practice can be different between professions (e.g., some focus more on intervention, while others also have an extensive assessment skillset). Some professions are regulated by law (e.g., sets standards of practice, ethics, and handles disciplinary action), while others are unregulated. The cost of mental health services can vary depending on the qualifications of the provider.
Why should I see a doctoral psychologist?
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Doctoral psychologists like Dr. Gullickson have the highest level of specialized mental health training of any discipline. Their depth of training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and talk therapy treatment is unrivalled, given that the degree involves years of post-graduate clinical training as well as a rigorous research component (i.e., doctoral psychologists are both scientists and practitioners). Moreover, Registered Doctoral Psychologists like Dr. Gullickson are held accountable in their work by the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists, the regulatory body responsible for protecting the public when it comes to psychology services.
What happens to the information I share with a psychologist?
5
Psychologists are legally and ethically obligated to keep information shared in session private and confidential. In general, this means Dr. Gullickson won’t tell anyone else about what is discussed; however, there are a few legal exceptions to this that will be reviewed with you at the beginning of your first appointment
Dr. Gullickson’s Qualifications
How many years of training did Dr. Gullickson complete to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology?
1
She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology over the course of 5 years, which included a year of honours courses and research. She then pursued her graduate degree over an additional 7 years.
Is Dr. Gullickson registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists?
2
Yes. She became a provisional member of the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists in October 2020 and has been a full-practicing member in good standing since December 2021. Her registration number is 1144.
Is Dr. Gullickson registered to practice in jurisdictions other than Saskatchewan?
3
Not currently.
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Does Dr. Gullickson have an Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE)?
Yes. APE is a special designation that is required to communicate a psychological diagnosis in Saskatchewan.
What are Dr. Gullickson’s declared areas of competence?
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She identifies Clinical Psychology and Health/Rehabilitation with adults as her declared areas of competence with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists. She is also competent to engage in teaching and research activities.
Does Dr. Gullickson work with children?
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No. She only provides services to individuals 18 or older.
Financial Questions
How much does it cost to see Dr. Gullickson?
1
Services at Prairie Sleep Rehab cost $250 per hour.
Will insurance cover psychology services?
2
Most private insurance companies offer coverage for psychological services, but the amount varies across plans. Please inquire with your insurer to find out more about your coverage. Dr. Gullickson does not direct bill to insurers, so you will be required to pay for services out of pocket, then apply for reimbursement from your insurer.
How do I pay for a session?
3
E-transfer is Dr. Gullickson’s preferred method of payment. A receipt will be provided for insurance purposes.
Questions About Virtual Services
Why does Prairie Sleep Rehab only offer virtual services?
1
Services provided virtually are convenient, cost effective, and secure. While virtual sessions can take some time to get used to, it is Dr. Gullickson’s experience that she can provide a similar service to her clients virtually as she can in person.
How do I know the virtual service platform we are using is secure?
2
Dr. Gullickson is legally obligated to ensure any videoconferencing platforms utilized are compliant with federal and provincial privacy legislation (e.g., HIPA) in order to protect personal health information.
What if I have technical problems with the videoconferencing platform?
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Dr. Gullickson will help you navigate any technical challenge that arise to ensure you are able to access services.