Free & Affordable Counselling Resources
*Please note that this post was written October 2025, and it’s possible that some resources may have changed since this time. I am not affiliated with, nor do I endorse, any of the resources listed in this blog post unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Cost as a Barrier to Therapy
Being able to see a therapist in private practice is a luxury. It allows you to find the right fit - a counsellor you connect with, who specializes in what you’re wanting to focus on, and whose schedule works for you. And you’ll hear me time and time again talking about the importance of the therapeutic relationship given that it’s one of the biggest predictors of success in therapy [1].
Unfortunately, many Canadians are not in a financial position where seeing a therapist in private practice is a viable option. 35% of Canadians have experienced a mental health concern in 2023 [2] but nearly 1/3 of Canadians find the cost of therapy to be a significant barrier to accessing counselling or other mental health services [3,4]. If you’re already struggling to afford your rent, groceries, and the other basic necessities, it makes sense that mental health support would feel out of reach. For folks in this position, I’ve tried to put together an extensive list of resources within the Lower Mainland to support you.
So, What Are my Options for Therapy and Mental Health Support?
If you or your partner have extended health benefits, seeing a counsellor in private practice may be an option. See if your plan has coverage for a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC). They might cover a portion of or all of your therapy bill, up to a certain amount.
Contact non-profits in your area and inquire about counselling. These services are typically free, but because they are free, they may have wait lists and a maximum number of sessions you can access (normally between 8 - 10 sessions). You can find a list of organizations within the Vancouver area, along with a list of provincial and national resources towards the end of this post.
Look into therapy with a counselling intern who is completing their master’s degree and is supervised by a RCC or CCC. Working with an intern can be a lot more affordable because counselling interns are not paid for their practicum. I’ve come across rates as low as $25 per session, and as high as $65 per session within the Vancouver area. Sometimes these sites might also be able to provide “sliding scale services”, meaning they offer a reduced rate based on your ability to pay. Most counselling interns offer a free 15-20 minute consultation, so you can also get an idea if they feel like a good fit for your needs. I’ve listed these resources below as well.
Contact your local health authority to enquire about counselling and/or other available mental health resources. In Vancouver, this is Vancouver Coastal Health. They can help folks get connected to appropriate mental health and substance use services. https://www.vch.ca/en/service/how-access-mental-health-and-substance-use-services#overview
If you’re a student at a university or college, contact your school about counselling services. University and colleges frequently have counsellors on staff specifically for their students at no charge.
If you’re already seeing a therapist in private practice but your financial position has changed, you can ask your current therapist about your options. It can be worthwhile to explain your situation to see if your therapist is willing to reduce or waive your fee for a period of time. It’s important to remember that your therapist also likely has financial constraints or might have firm boundaries about their fees, so while you can ask, getting a reduced or waived fee is not the norm.
Call your local crisis line. While this last option is not therapy, it can be helpful for short term emotional support and to direct you to other resources specific to your needs. I’ve included a list of crisis lines, including lines offered in other languages, towards the end of this blog post.
Resources for Free/Affordable Therapy
Lower Mainland
Non-Profit Organizations & Health Authority Programs
Family Services of the North Shore (North Vancouver)
For children, youth, adults, seniors, and couples
Family Services of Greater Vancouver (Vancouver, Richmond, and New Westminster)
For women (cis and trans), people of all marginalized genders (including Two-Spirit, non-binary, agender, and gender diverse people), children, youth, and families who are survivors of trauma, sexual abuse, and family violence.
Canadian Mental Health Association (North Vancouver , Vancouver )
For adults and families
Foundry (Abbotsford, Langley, North Shore, Richmond, Ridge Meadows, Vancouver-Granville)
For youths ages 12 - 24 years old
Atria Women's Resource Society (Vancouver)
For women and transwomen who have experienced abuse (sexual, physical, emotional) at any age
Battered Women’s Support Services (Vancouver)
For women who have experienced violence in an intimate relationship
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Vancouver)
For male and male identifying victims of sexual abuse.
Burnaby Family Life Institute (Burnaby)
For children and youth who have witnessed violence, and for women (19+) who live in Burnaby and have a history of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and/or witnessed domestic violence in their life time.
Indigenous Counselling Program: Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (Vancouver)
For Indigenous survivors of sexualized violence, self-identified families of the MMIWG2S+, survivors of residential school and/or intergenerational trauma, and childhood sexual abuse
Metro Vancouver Indigenous Service Societies Services (Vancouver)
Callanish Society (Vancouver)
For adults and youth affected by cancer at any stage, and for their family members, or for family members grieving the loss of a loved one from cancer.
Chilliwack Community Services (Chilliwack)
For families, youths, children and youths who have experienced sexual abuse
Chimo Community Services (Richmond)
For children, youth, women, and gender diverse adults who are seeking counselling about abuse, sexual assault, grief, and gender-based violence
Dixon Transition Society (Burnaby)
For women (19+) who live in Burnaby and have experienced violence in their relationships, sexual assault, or childhood abuse.
Gordon Neighbourhood House (Vancouver)
Free counselling to community members for grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and transitions.
Inspire Health (Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna)
Free short-term, cancer-focused counselling support for those with a cancer diagnosis or their loved ones.
Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) - Counselling Program (Vancouver)
For indigenous youth ages 13 to 24
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (Vancouver)
For Indigenous peoples 14 years and older.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House (Vancouver)
No eligibility criteria listed.
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (Vancouver)
Teens, adults, seniors.
Looking Glass Foundation (Vancouver)
For BC residents (19+) struggling with an eating disorder
MOSAIC - Men in Change Program (Vancouver, Surrey)
For men who are immigrants, refugees, or visible minorities who have used or are at risk of using violence in relationships. Vancouver program requires clients to have children under the age of 19.
MOSAIC - Stopping the Violence Program (Vancouver)
For self-identified women experiencing or at risk of abuse or violence in an intimate relationship.
MOSAIC - Vietnamese Family Support Program (Vancouver)
For individuals and families who are a part of the Vietnamese community. Services offered in Vietnamese and English.
Moving Forward Family Services (British Columbia and Lower Mainland)
Free short term and affordable long term counselling for folks living in BC.
North Shore Crisis Services Society (North Vancouver)
For children and youth who have witnessed or experienced violence
PEACE Trauma Counselling - Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Trauma counselling for children (age 3-18) affected by family violence
Qmunity Counselling (Vancouver)
For low income folks who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
SAFER - Vancouver Coastal Health (Vancouver)
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.
SAIP - Family Services of Greater Vancouver (Vancouver, Richmond)
For children and youth (up to age 19) who have experienced sexual abuse and their supportive family members.
SARA for Women (Abbotsford, Mission)
For any woman who has experienced violence, abuse, and/or trauma in her life.
Simon Fraser University Psychology Centre (Burnaby, Surrey)
No eligibility criteria listed.
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (Vancouver)
Several counselling options. Services offered for women who are currently experiencing or have experienced violence in their relationships. Also provides counselling for members of the South Asian community (newly arrived and long-term permanent residents) in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English,
Saa'ust Centre (Vancouver)
For families and survivors affected by the national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
SUCCESS - Individual and Family Counselling (Vancouver, Coquitlam)
For individual, couples and families. Counselling offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi and English.
Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (Burnaby)
For women experiencing any form of abuse or violence, provided in numerous languages. Individual counselling, group counselling, advocacy, crisis intervention and referrals.
Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (Vancouver)
For refugees Living in British Columbia who have endured torture, trauma and political violence. Services in English, Spanish, Farsi ( & interpretation available in 23 other languages)
Vancouver Black Therapy and Advocacy Foundation (Vancouver)
Priority for Black, disabled and LGBTQIA+ folks.
Wounded Warriors Canada (Vancouver)
For veterans and first responders.
Broadway Youth Resource Centre (Vancouver)
For youths 13-24 years old
Chilliwack Youth Health Centre (Chilliwack)
For youths 12 - 16 years old.
Boys and Girls Clubs - Substance Use Counselling Services (Vancouver)
Free counselling for youth ages 13 - 24 who concerned about their substance use or a loved one’s substance use. Family members or service providers concerned about a youth’s substance use can also access counselling.
Pacific Post Partum Support Society (Lower Mainland)
Phone/text support for anyone who is pregnant or parenting a child under the age of 3, or is supporting someone who is.
Dan’s Legacy - Therapeutic Counselling Program (Lower Mainland)
For youth and young adults ages 15 - 25 who have experienced abuse or are affected by substance use.
DiscoverY (White Rock)
For youth and young adults ages 15 - 25.
Intern/Practicum Counsellors
British Columbia
Non-Profit Organizations & Other Assistance Programs
For youths ages 12 - 24.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (British Columbia)
For survivors of Indian Residential Schools, their families, and communities
Metis Counselling Connection Program (British Columbia)
For Metis citizens in financial need.
Elizabeth Fry Society (British Columbia)
For women and self-identifying women.
Gambling Support BC (British Columbia)
Multilingual counselling for any British Columbian struggling with their own or their family member’s gambling.
Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre (British Columbia)
For trans and gender-diverse residents of BC regardless of status.
Family Information Line (Canada)
For Canadian Armed Forces members, families, and Veterans.
inform’Elles - Ending the Violence Against Women Program (British Columbia)
French-language only, free 1:1 counselling (in-person, phone or email) for women.
Parkinson Society British Columbia (British Columbia)
For individuals living with parkinson's or their caregivers/families
Residential Historical Abuse Program
Free counselling for those who were sexually abused while under the care of the province (foster care, group homes, etc.)
Metro Vancouver Indigenous Counselling (British Columbia)
For Indigenous peoples.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services (British Columbia & Canada)
For survivors, family members and those affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Native Courtworkers and Counseling Association of BC (British Columbia)
For Indigenous Peoples
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (British Columbia)
For women, trans people, non-binary people, gender diverse people, and two spirited peoples.
Well Being Program for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind (British Columbia)
Free counselling and mental health support services for deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people and their families across BC. Accessible for all communication needs and modalities.
Crime Victims Assistance Program (British Columbia)
For victims of crime, immediate family members and witnesses.
Crisis Lines - Short Term Emotional Support
Lower Mainland
Crisis Center: 1-866-661-3311
24/7 support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or requiring emotional support.
Battered Women’s Support Services: 1-855-687-1868 (Vancouver)
24/7 support for women who are dealing with violence and/or the effects of abuse.
British Columbia
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
24/7 support for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or for individuals concerned about another as it pertains to suicide.
310-MENTAL HEALTH (310-6789, no area code needed)
24/7 emotional support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or mental health crisis.
BC Bereavement Helpline: 1-877-779-2223
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
BC Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
24/7 support for seniors or anyone concerned about an older adult.
Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267
Available Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm for information and referral to community resources, health system information.
Crime Victim’s Assistance Program
24/7 information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support
French Support Line: 1-855-242-3310
24/7 emotional support for French speakers.
Languages: French
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre: 1-877-392-7583
24/7 support for women, trans people, non-binary people, and two spirited peoples who have experienced sexual violence.
SUCCESS Help Line
Emotional support and referrals to community resources for individuals who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Farsi, Ukrainian
Mandarin Line: 1-888-721-0596 ext.1 (daily 10:00am - 10:00pm)
Cantonese Line: 1-888-721-0596 ext.2 (daily from 10:00am - 10:00pm)
Korean Line: 1-888-721-0596 ext.3 (Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm)
Farsi-Dari Line: 1-888-721-0596 ext.4 (Monday – Friday 10:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm)
Ukrainian Line: 1-888-721-0596 ext.5, Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Women’s Support Line: 604-987-3374
24/7 support for women
Canada
9-8-8
24/7 support for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or for individuals concerned about another as it pertains to suicide.
Languages: English, French, translation services upon request
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
24/7 support for children and youth up to the age of 19.
Alzheimer's Society First Link Dementia Helpline
English Line: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 8:00pm)
Cantonese and Mandarin Line: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu Line: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Bullying Canada Lifeline: 1- 877-352-4497
24/7 support for youth experiencing bullying
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
24/7 confidential and multilingual service to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre: 1-866-663-4220
For individuals struggling with eating disorders, or individuals concerned about another pertaining to eating disorders.
Available Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm, Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
24/7 support for individuals who identify as trans.
Languages: English, Spanish
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
24/7 support for LGBTQ2S+ young people experiencing suicide ideation.
Veterans Affairs Canada Crisis Line: 1-800-268-7708
24/7 support for veterans.
Youth Against Violence Line: 1-800-680-4264
24/7 support for youth in danger or being threatened, or those concerned about a youth.
References
[1] Ardito, R. B., & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of psychotherapy: historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 270. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00270/full
[2] Canadian Mental Health Association. (2023). New data reveals that 87% of people living in Canada want universal mental health care. https://bc.cmha.ca/news/new-data-reveals-that-87-of-people-living-in-canada-want-universal-mental-health-care/
[3] Benefits Canada. (2023). Survey finds a third of Canadian workers finding cost a barrier to accessing mental-health support. https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-wellness/a-third-of-canadian-workers-finding-cost-a-barrier-to-accessing-mental-health-support-survey/
[4] Ipsos. (2021). Six in ten Canadians (60%) currently experiencing mental health issues, but more than half (54%) haven’t sought treatment. https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/six-in-ten-canadians-currently-experiencing-mental-health-issues-but-more-than-half-havent-sought-treatment
*I do my best to ensure my posts are accurate and to cite reputable sources, however if you notice something that needs a correction please reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca.
