Do you offer counselling services at a reduced rate?

I very much understand that counselling is expensive. This feels very unfair and unjust. I’ve definitely been there before where I’ve wanted to access therapy but found it was too expensive and I didn’t know where to find support at a more desirable price. I truly wish that counselling services were accessible to everyone or covered by OHIP.

If finances are a concern, please let me know and we will see what we can do. If I am able, I offer counselling services at a reduced rate when needed. If I am unable to provide counselling at an amount that is comfortable, I would not hesitate to help you connect with other community resources who may be of help.

Please see below a list of subsidized services supporting those residing within the Waterloo Region for those who cannot afford standard counselling fees. The good news is that these resources below are either free of charge or based on a sliding scale, which assesses the rate for counselling based on income and number of dependents. No one is turned away due to financial barriers. Please contact the agency/organization most convenient to you to learn more information.

Walk-in counselling services offered in Waterloo Region:

Other excellent services:

  • Front Door Access to Child and Youth Mental Health Services (services for children and their parents, and youth up to 18 years of age): https://www.frontdoormentalhealth.com/quick-access/

  • Kids Help Phone (offers counselling, information, and referrals for young people through: phone, text, or live chat): https://kidshelpphone.ca/, Phone (available 24/7): 1-800-668-6868, Text (available 24/7): 686868

  • Here 24/7 Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services Waterloo-Wellington (services available 24/7): https://here247.ca/

Other options:

Students
If you're a student at one of the universities in Waterloo, or an employee with benefits, you may actually be covered for counselling with an MSW/RSW, Registered Psychotherapist, and/or a psychologist. Check the extended health section of your benefits booklet to make sure.

Recipients of OW and ODSP
If you're a recipient of OW or ODSP, you qualify for 8 free counselling sessions through the Counselling Collaborative Program, which is administered by several not-for-profit counselling agencies in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, such as Shalom and Carizon. There may be a wait list for service. Here is some further information for easy access: click here for more info.

Survivors of Sexual Assault
If you've experienced a sexual assault at any point during your life, you qualify for free counselling through the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo in Kitchener or Cambridge. Sadly, there is often a long wait list.

People Struggling with Addiction
If you struggle with addiction, you qualify for 4-6 free counselling sessions through House of Friendship’s addiction counselling program, with the option of continued free group therapy. To get started, you’ll need to call and complete an intake through Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247. You can also access free support through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which involve groups with meetings every day in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.

First Responders
If you're a first responder in Kitchener, Waterloo, or Cambridge, you're covered by the province for therapy related to PTSD. In order to qualify, you’ll need to be formally diagnosed with PTSD by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, then fill out several forms through WSIB. After all of this, you get unlimited coverage for psychotherapy. Please check out Frontline Forward or the Breakwater Institute for help with diagnosis and access to further support.