Low-Cost Counselling Options
Reduced-Cost Counselling Options
Vancouver, BC & Canada • June 2023
A resource list for lower-cost, sliding-scale, and free counselling services in Metro Vancouver. This list is updated on a quarterly basis to ensure all information is up-to-date. Wait times vary and some waitlists may be closed. Contact individual resources to inquire.
Listings are categorized. However, they are not exclusive and are not intended to be limiting in terms of service provided or population served. Please see individual websites for full scope.
Please share this list with anyone who could use it. This was created in hopes that all who want or need counselling/support services can access and benefit.
Rhodes Counselling Centre
604-708-4416
counsellingcentre@rhodescollege.ca
A multidisciplinary centre offering services from student counsellors from Rhodes Wellness College.
Online sessions for anyone in Canada. Free to $25/session.
Stewart & Associates
(Intern Counsellors)
604-687-7171
admin@stewart-assoc.com
Stewart & Associates strives to provide the most affordable, professional and culturally sensitive counselling services to Lower Mainland residents and visitors. Fees range from $30-$180 per session.
Family Services of the North Shore
604-988-5281 ext. 226
Professional counselling for North Shore residents. Sliding Scale: $20-$125/hr. Youth support also available.
University of British Columbia, Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre - UBC
604-822-1364
psctc.reception@ubc.ca
Free for adults and children 10+. Counselling provided by counselling psychology graduate students, supervised by a psychologist. Clinic runs from September to April. In-person with limited online sessions.
Simon Fraser University: Burnaby Clinical Psychology Centre
778-782-4720
Counselling for adults, children and youth provided by supervised graduate students. Limited assessments available per year (psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic and neuropsychological).
Counselling services on a sliding scale, based on gross family income.
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House - Counselling and Art Therapy Programs
236-862-2903 (Ask for Lynette)
lynettev@lmnhs.bc.ca
Counselling provided by counselling interns, by appointment only. Building is accessible.
Vancouver Art Therapy Institute Student Clinic
info@vati.bc.ca (Self-refer)
Art therapy by students supervised by registered art therapists who are also clinical counsellors. $10 materials fee for in-person sessions or free virtual sessions. Serves adults and adolescents.
Liberate Counselling Collective
hello@liberatecounsellingcollective.com
Offers affordable counselling with an intersectional feminist, narrative, and somatic approach.
Pay-what-you-can pricing scale for $80-160 + tax per session.
Wellness Together Canada
(Phone Counselling)
1-866-585-0445
Register with this service and speak with a professional counsellor 24/7. Counsellors rotate. Free.
Text support also available by texting WELLNESS to 741741.
Adler Centre - Counselling Clinic
604-742-1818
info@adlercentre.ca
Subsidized individual and couples counselling. Counselling provided by supervised counselling psychology graduate students at the Adler Centre.
Individual → $65 for master’s counselling intern; $115 with registered counsellor.
Relationships & Family → $90 for master’s counselling intern; $130 with registered counsellor.
UBC Psychology Clinic
604-822-3005
clinic@psych.ubc.ca
Counselling services provided by doctoral student interns, supervised by registered psychologists, serving youth and adults. $10-$40 per hour. Clinic also offers neuropsychology assessments for adults and psychoeducational assessments for children. Service availability fluctuates.
Canadian Mental Health Association: North and West Vancouver Branch Brief Counselling Service
604-987-6959
Up to 8 sessions of individual counselling for North Shore residents without open ICBC, WCB or other insurance carrier claims. Therapy provided by intern ($35) or registered clinical counsellor ($60). In-person, virtual or walking therapy available.
Vancouver Women’s Health Collective - Wellness Counselling
604-736-5262
Counselling and art therapy available on select days. Check to see if the waitlist is open.
Hollyburn Family Services Society: Intern Counselling
604-968-8211
info@hollyburn.ca
Reduced-rate (short-term) counselling provided by supervised, counselling or social work master’s students.
Crossroads Hospice Society
info@CrossroadsHospice.org
Crossroads Hospice Society is a volunteer based, non-profit organization serving the Tri-Cities, Anmore and Belcarra. They provide compassionate care to people (adults & youth/young adults) with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and support individuals along their grief journeys.
Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC
604-873-5013
info@livingthroughloss.ca
Professional grief counselling related to life change or loss. Group therapy also available. Small fund available for limited, subsidized counselling. Call to inquire.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Student Internship Counselling Program
604-874-2938 ext. 4141
traumaservices@fsgv.ca
Counselling provided by supervised counselling interns, September to April only. No fee. Offices in Vancouver, Richmond and New West.
Crime Victim Assistance Program
604-660-3888
The Crime Victim Assistance Program assists victims, immediate family members and some witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime.
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
604-682-6482
A non-profit society established in 1997 to provide therapeutic services for male-identifying persons who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives. Registered Clinical Counsellor fee: $100 for individual counselling (sliding scale available). Group counselling: $40 per week - commitment to attend all sessions required. Reduced cost counselling provided by master’s level practicum students at $50/hr. Victim services workers on staff to help apply for funding for those who qualify.
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (formerly WAVAW)
604-255-6344
Free counselling for family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. Family members includes extended families, community families and self-identified family members. Drop-in counselling coming soon. Call to enquire.
Victim Link BC
1-800-563-0808 (available 24/7)
VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca
Funded counselling for victims of crime, immediate family members and witnesses. Contact for eligibility.
Battered Women’s Support Services
1-855-687-1868
Counselling and support services (short-term services and long-term services available) for any woman who has been abused in an intimate relationship as well as women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault and residential school survivors.
Atira Community Services Society - Stopping The Violence Counselling
604-331-1407 ext. 106 or 107
stv@atira.bc.ca
Free individual and group counselling for women and trans women who have experienced relationship abuse, sexual assault, or physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Heath Initiative for Men (HIM)
604-488-1001 ext. 235
counselling@checkhimout.ca
Brief professional counselling (8 sessions) is available to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men either by donation equivalent to hourly wage. Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, Abbotsford.
Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
604-442-4352
Counselling currently limited to hormone, surgery readiness and ADHD assessments for trans and gender-diverse people.
Qmunity - Counselling Program
604-684-5307 ext.106
kole.lawrence@qmunity.ca
Counselling for members of the LGBTQ+ communities provided by trained counsellors with competency training in LGBTQ2SAI+ and gender-diverse related issues and are equipped to create a productive, non-judgemental relationship. Reduced cost, free for some folks dependent on circumstances. 10-session limit.
Mosaic - I Belong Program
236-991-0107
ibelong@mosaicbc.org
Support groups for LGBTQIA+ refugees and immigrants.
First Nations Health Authority
1-855-550-5454
Mental Health Provider List
Provides coverage to access mental health providers, including counsellors, social workers, and psychologists. FNHB covers three mental health programs: Short-Term Crisis Intervention, Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - Health Support Services.
Vancouver Black Therapy and Advocacy Foundation
Counselling inquiries to jasmine@vancouverblacktherapyfoundation.com
Non-profit organization linking Black community members with accredited Black local counsellors in Metro Vancouver. Priority for Black, disabled and LGBTQIA+ folks. New client intake varies throughout the year.
Metro Vancouver Indigenous Counselling
604-256-5850
Free professional counselling for Indigenous individuals across BC, registered with the First Nations Health Authority.
Indigenous Counselling Program: Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
604-255-6344
Free 1:1 counselling for Indigenous including trans and cis women, as well as trans, non-binary, and Two Spirit people, incorporating Aboriginal healing approaches and traditions based on the Medicine Wheel.
Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) - Counselling Program
604-254-7732
nativeyouthwellness@unya.bc.ca
Free individual and group clinical counselling for Indigenous youth, ages 13-24. Counsellors provide is non-judgemental, and can help you with handling stress, making decisions, and dealing with issues related to drugs, alcohol, relationships, family, friends, gender identity, sexuality, or with anything else that you're struggling with.
Drop-In Counselling Program - The Foundry
1-833-308-6379
online@foundrybc.ca
Single-session virtual counselling for youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers. Counselling by voice, video or chat.
SAIP - Family Services of Greater Vancouver
604-731-4951
Professional counselling for children and youth (up to age 19) who have experienced sexual abuse and their supportive family members.
Kids Help Phone - 24/7 - In English or French
1-800-668-6868
https://kidshelpphone.ca/ (to start live chat) or access online resources text CONNECT to 686868 for crisis text support - https://kidshelpphone.ca/text/ Phone, text or live chat. Anonymous and confidential. No need to give your name. See webpage for current languages.
Dan’s Legacy - Therapeutic Counselling Program
604-532-2100
help@danslegacy.com
Counselling for youth ages 15-25 who have experienced abuse or are affected by substance use.
Family counselling also available. Bursaries available for those unable to afford therapy.
PEACE Trauma Counselling - Family Services of Greater Vancouver
604-731-4951
Trauma counselling and therapy for children (age 3-18) affected by family violence. Master’s counsellors and supervised interns. Free.
DiscoverY
604-538-2522
discoverY@sources.bc.ca
Free short-term counselling for youth and young adults ages 15-25. 8 session max.
SUCCESS - Individual and Family Counselling
Check website for appropriate contact.
Individual and couples counselling offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi and English with a focus on helping new immigrants of Chinese and other ethnic origins. Play and art therapy also available. Fees charged on a sliding scale based on income.
MOSAIC - Vietnamese Family Support Program
604-254-9626
One-on-one or family support and counselling for a variety of life issues. Services available in Vietnamese and English.
inform’Elles - Ending the Violence Against Women Program
604-563-8213
Conseil en Français. French-language only, 1:1 counselling (in-person, phone or email) for women. Free.
MOSAIC - Violence Prevention and Support
604-254-9626
info@mosaicbc.org
Free, confidential counselling support and multicultural outreach services for women who have experienced, or are at risk of, abuse, threats, or violence in an intimate relationship, sexual assault or childhood abuse. 1:1 counselling and group support. Services available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. Additional anti-violence groups/programs available.
Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society Multicultural Outreach/Stopping the Violence Program
604-436-1025
Individual counselling, group counselling, advocacy, crisis intervention and referrals for women experiencing any form of abuse or violence, provided in numerous languages.
Substance Use Services, Vancouver Coastal Health
Call Access Central at 1 (866) 658-1221 or use the link and scroll down to find a clinic in your area.
Vancouver residents only: Substance use assessment, counselling and treatment planning for individuals, couples and families. Group counselling also available. Free.
PnP & Me - Health Initiative for Men
604-488-1001
HIMpeer@checkhimout.ca
Free 12-week group counselling for gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people who use drugs during sex (PnP). Harm reduction-based; abstinence is not required. Call or email HIMpeer@checkhimout.ca to book an intake appointment.
BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program
1-888-795-6111 (available 24/7)
Free professional, multilingual counselling for any British Columbian struggling with their own or their family member’s gambling. Counsellors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a counselling-related discipline.
Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC
604-985-5355
Drug and Alcohol Outpatient Services - 520 Richards St. Vancouver
Walk in or call to set up an appointment. One-to-one adult, youth, family and group counselling for Indigenous people, part of an intensive outpatient treatment program.
Vancouver General Hospital - Mental Health Outpatient Services
604-675-3710
* Type service name into search bar when using link.
Group therapy for depression, anxiety, concurrent disorders. Psychiatry consultations. Self or physician referrals.
CBT Skills Groups Society
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) educational groups for BC residents ages 17.5 and up, seeking to improve their mental health symptoms. Online classroom format; groups facilitated by trained physicians. $65 refundable no-show deposit and otherwise no cost for patients with a valid BC Care Card. Referral to the program via a physician or nurse practitioner only.
Bounce Back Program - Canadian Mental Health Association
1-866-639-0522
bounceback@cmha.bc.ca
Telephone coaching for adults and youth (15+) with mild-moderate depression with or without accompanying anxiety. Check for current language availability. Family doctor’s referral required to access the coaching program. Free.
Bridge The Gap Program - Looking Glass Foundation
604-314-0548
bridgethegap@lookingglassbc.com
Counselling for BC residents experiencing a clinical or self-diagnosed eating disorder. Counsellors are supervised master’s-level students. $35/hr. Limited bursaries available.
SAFER - Vancouver Coastal Health
604-310-6789
Time-limited counselling for Vancouver residents age 18+ with suicidal thoughts or a history of suicide attempts. Bereavement groups for loved ones. Support and information for members of the public concerned about a loved one with suicidal thoughts.
Kelty’s Key Online Therapy - Vancouver Coastal Health
Free, self-directed cognitive-behavioural online therapy.
Mood Disorders Association of BC - Counselling and Wellness Centre
604-873-0103
info@mdabc.net
Individual therapy with certified counsellor ($95-$105 an hour) or intern ($50 hour). Group therapy also available.
Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC
778-907-2071
Free online and in-person peer support groups. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DPT) 24-week Multiskills Group offered on a rotating basis ($30 per session).
Callanish Society
604-732-0633
info@callanish.org
Counselling for adults and youth affected by cancer at any stage, and for their family members. Counselling also available for family members grieving the loss of a loved one from cancer. Sliding scale rate ranging from $50 to $150 / session.
Inspire Health
604-734-7125
Short-term, cancer-focused counselling support for those with a cancer diagnosis or their loved ones. Counselling provided by master’s level therapists. Free. No referral required.
IBD Centre of BC - Mental Health Services
604-416-4444
info@ibdcentrebc.ca
Mental health assessments with possible referral to the counselling program for patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease. Referral to this program is via a family doctor/physician only. Free for patients with a BC Care Card.
We always suggest first and foremost, talking to your insurance provider about the inclusions and details of your individual plan. You may want to ask what services you are covered for, what service providers are covered, how many sessions are included, and what counselling designation they must hold. Adventuring Loss works with clients who have extended health benefits. Please ask your counsellor during your 15-minute consult.
Amelia Bradaric and Corinna Killeen are covered by Alberta Blue Cross, ComPsych, Equitable Life of Canada, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross, and SunLife.
Patricia Gonzalez and Ben Blackman are covered by Blue Cross, Great-West Life, Green Shield Canada, GroupHealth, Homewood Health, LifeWorks | Morneau Shepell, Manulife, Optima, Pacific Blue Cross, and SunLife.
If you see your insurance listed, please ask your counsellor to verify your coverage when you arrange your first visit.
Using This List
If you know of any professional, low-cost counselling or support services that have not been included, please contact Adventuring Loss at hello@adventuringloss.com for addition to this list.
Please note that all resources may have limited access and/or waitlists. Waitlists may also be closed. We suggest adding yourself to several waitlists for the potential of lowering wait times.
This resource list does not indicate endorsement or affiliation of any above resources listed with Adventuring Loss.