In this article, Arbour therapist Beth Cowin outlines various options for Counselling in Victoria B.C.
For people who don’t have workplace benefits or disposable income, counselling can seem unaffordable and out of reach. While there are several low-income and sliding-scale options in Victoria, often these are staffed by volunteer counsellors and are limited in the therapeutic services they can provide. They can have long waitlists and usually cap the number of sessions. At the bottom of this post is a list of these services in Victoria, British Columbia. All of these volunteer-run agencies can provide reliable support, but they may not be able to provide the depth or duration of therapy that you are looking for.
Often when someone seeks counselling, they are looking for help with a specific challenge but also looking for a counsellor who will really connect with them, maybe for months or years. This allows the client to return to someone trusted and familiar who already knows parts of their story as they walk through different seasons of life. Private counselling is one of the few options for this kind of long-term, personal relationship.
While not perfect, there are several ways to access private counselling even when you cannot afford the regular fees. Below are a number of these options offered by all our Arbour therapists:
Sliding scale or subsidized fees: Sliding scale means that the cost of each session is reduced according to your annual or household income. Arbour Counselling has a subsidy program for people who do not have employer benefit coverage.
SAJE BC: Young adults between the ages of 19 and 26 who have spent time in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (foster care, group home, family arrangement, Youth Agreement, etc.) are eligible for paid counselling services with the certified therapist of their choice up to $1500/year. All Arbour therapists are certified to work for the SAJE program.
BC Crime Victim Assistance Program: If you have been the victim of or witness to a crime, or are a family member of someone who has been a victim, you can apply for counselling services with the certified counsellor of your choice.
WIRTH Hats: WIRTH is a non-profit company that sponsors counselling for people who need it through their hat and clothing sales. To apply for a counselling grant, see the link below, or check out their hats to help the cause!
Autism Funding BC: Families of children and youth with autism funding can use their funding to pay for Family Therapy with a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, or Psychologist.
Arbour Counselling also partners with the following organizations to provide counselling for specific needs. If you are seeking counselling and involved with these organizations, please contact Arbour for more information.
BC Emergency Health Services (First Responders, BC Ambulance, and more)
If you are employed in the BCEHS system, you have access to counselling services that the BCEMHS system pays for directly
BC Physician Health Program (Physicians, Residents, Students, and Family Members)
If you are a physician in BC, the Doctors of BC provides a service for members and their families. Requests can be made directly to the BCPHP for specific counsellors, and they will often cover most of the cost of counselling for a specified number of sessions.
If you or a family member is a student through the HCOS, requests for counselling coverage can be made for specific counsellors.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), you are entitled to counselling services for at least the first 12 weeks after the accident through ICBC service providers. Most of Arbour’s therapists are ICBC service providers. Often, additional counselling beyond 12 weeks can be approved. Click the above link to learn how to obtain a claim number if you’ve been involved in an MVA.
Joy Gillett and Joel Durkovic are approved FNHA providers. The Health Benefits Program is available to First Nations people with Indian status who live in BC.
Low or No Fee Counselling in Victoria and BC
Online Options:
In BC, there are a few free educational programs offered in groups online which can be very helpful for those experiencing depression or anxiety. Most programs can be accessed with a referral from a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. If you are interested in the courses, bring the information to your family doctor or a walk-in clinic to ask for a referral.
BCALM BC: The Art of Living Mindfully: An 8-week CBT-based online course aimed at reducing stress and anxiety
CBT Skills Groups: A variety of online courses taught by physicians aimed at reducing anxiety or depression symptoms. Specific groups are aimed at developing skills for Parenting, Managing Anxiety, Living with ADHD, and Insomnia.
BounceBack BC: An online self-paced course available free with no referral needed. Participants can go through videos, information, and exercises at their own pace to learn about managing mild to moderate mental health concerns. With a physician’s referral, participants can access online coaching sessions with a mental health worker.
Low-income counselling options in Victoria, British Columbia:
Citizen’s Counselling Centre
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House
South Island Counselling Centre
Mental Health or Addictions:
If you have or think you might be suffering from a mental illness, below are a list of publicly funded or free non-profit resources on Southern Vancouver Island:
Victoria CARES Clinic: This is the main hub for all mental health and addiction services in Victoria. Call the clinic to schedule an intake appointment, which is free and usually happens within 2 weeks. This is highly recommended for anyone with mental health concerns.
Mental Health Recovery Partners: Offers peer support, educational groups, and resource navigation for people and their family members struggling with mental illness.
Umbrella Society: Offers peer support, counselling, education, and resources for those struggling with addiction.
Island Community Mental Health
Offers daytime programs including peer support, education and recovery programs, employment support, meals, and much more for people who are experiencing or recovering from mental health challenges.
The Social Gathering Place is a group of people who have lived with mental health challenges who host activities and events weekly.
Connections Place is a clubhouse model with free memberships that provides a place to visit and connect with other people who have struggled with mental health or addictions.
Beth Cowin is an Arbour therapist who enjoys working with youth, adults, and couples. Her experiences as a program leader in outdoor education and as a manager in the social services sector has given her the opportunity to interact with people from many walks of life. She is passionate about affirming people in their development of self-esteem and self-identity.
Comments