Life can be hard, and reaching out for help can already feel like a big step. We believe quality mental health care should be accessible and that barriers should never stand in the way of getting the care you need. Everyone deserves a safe place to be heard, understood, and cared for regardless of their financial circumstances.
Sessions are available at a significantly reduced rate, with the same level of care, professionalism, and clinical oversight you would expect from our full practice.
No Referral Required
Kelowna · Vernon · Anywhere in BC
Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off getting help. If you have been wanting to start counselling but the price has felt like a barrier, this program was built for you.
Our sliding scale and low-fee counselling options provide accessible support with intern counsellors who are completing their clinical training under the guidance and supervision of experienced, accredited clinical supervisors. This allows you to receive thoughtful, meaningful care while ensuring your counsellor has ongoing support and professional oversight.
Choosing a lower-fee counselling option does not mean choosing lower-quality care. Our interns are dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to walking alongside you as you navigate healing, growth, relationships, and life’s challenges.
Working with an intern counsellor can be a meaningful and supportive experience. Our interns are passionate about helping people create change and are actively developing their clinical skills through advanced training, reflection, and supervision.
Accessible care Receive quality counselling at a reduced rate while still benefiting from professional supervision and guidance.
Dedicated attention Intern counsellors bring curiosity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to understanding your unique experiences and goals.
Experienced oversight Your counsellor receives ongoing support from an accredited clinical supervisor, ensuring ethical, competent, and client-centred care.
Experienced oversight Your counsellor receives ongoing support from an accredited clinical supervisor, ensuring ethical, competent, and client-centred care.
Thoughtful, evolving care Intern counsellors bring fresh perspectives, dedication, and a passion for learning. Through ongoing training and supervision, they continue developing their skills while providing meaningful care that supports your growth and well-being.
Sliding scale and low-fee counselling may be a good fit if you
Are seeking affordable mental health support
Want to explore counselling for the first time
Are navigating life transitions, relationships, stress, anxiety, grief, or personal growth
Would benefit from support but cost has been a barrier
Anyone navigating challenges, pain, or uncertainty and seeking collaborative support
Want to begin now rather than wait
Your healing matters, and support should be accessible. Our goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, understood, and supported, regardless of where you are in your journey.
BA Psych · MC Intern
Adoption & Caregiving · Grief & Loss · Life Transitions
Supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families through life transitions, grief, anxiety, and adoption and caregiving journeys with a warm, person-centred approach.
All intern therapists provide counselling under the supervision and guidance of Nicole Fakaua, BA Psych, MC, RCC, ACS (Accredited Clinical Supervisor), with additional clinical support from Sarah Harris, BSc Psych · MC · RCC, who has completed supervision training and is working toward supervisor designation.
Together, as Clinical Directors, Nicole and Sarah are committed to supporting ethical practice, therapist development, and quality client care.
Our reduced session fee is designed to create greater access to counselling by removing financial barriers and making meaningful support more within reach.
We are committed to making counselling as accessible as possible and we recognize that financial circumstances are unique. Any information you choose to share will be treated with confidentiality, compassion, and respect as we consider the most accessible fee option available to you. For more information about sliding scale options, please email us at [email protected].
Our intern therapists offer accessible, lower-cost counselling for individuals seeking support. As interns are not yet independently registered providers, sessions may not qualify for extended health reimbursement.
Yes. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship (not the years of experience) is the strongest predictor of outcomes in counselling. Intern counsellors bring genuine skill, curiosity, and commitment to their work. The difference is that they are completing their training and receive structured support from experienced supervisors throughout.
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us. All counselling sessions are confidential and adhere to professional ethical and privacy standards. As part of their clinical training, intern therapists participate in ongoing clinical supervision with experienced clinicians. This supervision supports ethical practice, clinical growth, and quality client care. Any information shared during supervision is handled with care, respect, and confidentiality, with the goal of supporting your therapist’s growth and providing you with the best possible care.
The number of counselling sessions you need is unique to you and depends on your goals, concerns, and the type of support you are seeking. Some people find meaningful support in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term counselling to explore deeper patterns, healing, and personal growth. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to regularly check in on your progress, needs, and goals. Counselling is a shared process, and the pace of therapy will be guided by what feels most supportive and appropriate for you.
Yes. Online counselling sessions are available throughout British Columbia and, where permitted by applicable provincial regulations, across Canada. Virtual counselling provides flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to connect with your therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
We will do our best to connect you with a therapist as soon as possible. Once you reach out, a member of our team will connect with you within a day or two to learn more about your needs, answer any questions you may have, and help schedule your first session.
Our priority is ensuring you receive the support that best fits your needs. During the initial connection process, we will take time to understand what you are looking for and help determine whether working with an intern therapist is the right fit. Intern therapists provide meaningful counselling support with ongoing clinical supervision; however, there may be times when a different level of experience or specialization would better support your goals. If that is the case, we will help connect you with a member of our team who may be a better fit for your needs. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is an important part of the counselling process, and we are committed to helping you find the support that feels right for you.
Yes. Our intern therapists bring a combination of extensive academic preparation, clinical training, previous work experience, life experience, and personal journeys that contribute to their ability to connect with and support clients. They are developing their therapeutic skills through supervised practice while continuing to grow their clinical knowledge and competencies. This combination of emerging clinical expertise alongside professional supervision allows you to receive thoughtful, ethical care with the support, consideration, and oversight needed to best support your counselling experience.
Yes. We offer in-person counselling sessions at both our Kelowna and Vernon locations. We recognize that some people prefer the connection and presence that comes from meeting with their therapist face-to-face, and we are committed to offering options that best support your needs and preferences.
Yes. Choosing to work with an intern therapist is a personal decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have before you begin counselling
Our intern therapist program is designed to make counselling more accessible. Reduced-fee sessions provide an opportunity for individuals to access meaningful therapeutic support while interns continue developing their clinical skills with supervision and mentorship.
Beginning counselling starts with a conversation. We offer a free 15 minute, online consultation to discuss your needs. There is no pressure or expectation to commit. This is an opportunity to ask questions, explore your options, and determine what type of support feels like the right fit for you.
Stewart Centre South 370-1855 Kirschner Rd Kelowna BC V1Y 4N7
3007 – 28th Ave Vernon BC V1T 1W2
Secure Zoom sessions available to anyone in British Columbia.
