AFFORDABLE THERAPY CALGARY
Therapy Rates and Insurance Coverage
Are you looking for affordable therapy in Calgary? Compassionate Central provides trauma-informed, evidence-based psychotherapy for adults, teenagers, and youth. Our standard therapy rate is $150 for a 60-minute session, with affordable counselling options available through a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for post-secondary students and low-income clients through our sliding-scale therapy program that uses CBT, DBT, and IFS.
To make care more accessible, our counselling services are eligible for reimbursement through most major Canadian insurance and extended health benefits plans, and we can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage for individual therapy and how it applies to your sessions. Our sliding scale applies to both reduced-fee depression therapy in Calgary and flexible-fee anxiety support, so money doesn’t have to be the reason you delay getting help.
Therapy on a Budget
We believe mental health support should be within reach for everyone. To help reduce financial barriers, we offer a small number of budget-friendly counselling options in Calgary, including flexible-rate sessions for post-secondary students and individuals who need more accessible therapy pricing.
SLIDING SCALE THERAPY CALGARY
Looking for more information about Compassionate Central? Check out our Affordable Counselling Calgary Services Home Page.
AFFORDABLE THERAPY NETWORK
How Do I Check If I Have Insurance Coverage?
Unsure whether your health insurance plan will reimburse Calgary low cost counselling sessions with a qualified Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Counselling Therapist (ACTA)? You can quickly confirm your mental health coverage by taking the following steps:
Check your employee benefits package, student plan, or personal health insurance documents.
Look for sections like:
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"Psychological Services"
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"Mental Health Support"
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"Extended Health Benefits"
You're looking for any mention of:
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"Counsellor"
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"Psychotherapist"
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"Clinical Counsellor"
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"Registered Counselling Therapist"
Please note: Please be aware that sliding scale counselling Calgary sessions offered by a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Counselling Therapist (CT) may be eligible for partial reimbursement under certain benefit plans. Compassionate Central does not offer direct billing; instead, you will receive a detailed receipt that you can use for claim submission through your insurance provider. Because every policy is different, clients are responsible for reviewing their mental health benefits and confirming their eligibility before beginning services. Compassionate Central cannot guarantee approval and is not liable for claims declined by third-party insurance companies.
THERAPY COVERED BY INSURANCE
Covered by Most Major Canadian Insurance Providers*
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*Other companies that cover a sliding scale therapist may include, but are not limited to: Adjudicare
Alberta Blue Cross, Alberta School Employee, Arts & Entertainment Plan, Beneva | SSQ, BPA, Canada Life | Great-West Life, Chambers Plan, CINUP, Coughlin, Cowan, Equitable Life of Canada, ESC, First Canadian Health, Johnston Group, Maximum Benefit, Medavie Blue Cross, RWAM , The People Corporation, Victor Insurance
SLIDING SCALE THERAPIST CALGARY Q&A
Questions or Concerns About
Counselling Fees and Insurance
Is counselling covered by insurance in Canada?
Many health benefit packages in Canada include mental health service allowances, which may reimburse sessions with recognized counselling professionals. Coverage depends on your provider’s approved practitioner list, claim submission policy, and annual benefit maximum. Some plans will reimburse therapy delivered by a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Counselling Therapist (CT), while others require different designations. Because each policy has unique reimbursement criteria, we encourage clients to contact their insurance provider to confirm eligible services, coverage limits, and any out-of-network restrictions before beginning therapy.
How much does counselling cost in Canada?
The price of counselling varies across provinces and depends on a practitioner’s professional background, clinical focus, and therapeutic approach. Many clinicians follow recommended fee guidelines set by their associations, and fees can differ depending on whether the provider offers specialized care or general mental health support. In private practice, clients typically pay a session-based fee, which reflects the practitioner’s professional training, preparation time, and ethical obligations. At Compassionate Central, we believe clients deserve transparent counselling fees so they can make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
What does a psychotherapist charge per hour?
Psychotherapists often determine their rates based on their credentials, clinical competencies, and the complexity of the issues they support. Fees may reflect specialized training in trauma therapy, family systems, or other evidence-informed modalities. Hourly pricing also accounts for administrative duties such as documentation, case review, and confidential record-keeping. While hourly psychotherapy rates vary, many practitioners in private practice maintain a standardized session fee consistent with regional professional recommendations.
Is there therapy for people who can’t afford it?
You may have wondered, is therapy free? Yes—many organizations offer low-barrier counselling resources, financially assisted therapy programs, and community mental health services for individuals who cannot afford full session fees. Non-profit agencies, charitable mental health organizations, and student training clinics often provide care at significantly reduced rates. Compassionate Central offers a limited number of income-sensitive counselling appointments, helping ensure people facing financial hardship still have access to compassionate, effective support.
Where can students get discounted therapy sessions?
Students can access cheap therapy support through campus health centres, student assistance programs, university-based psychology clinics, or community organizations offering youth-focused services. Some private practices—including ours—reserve student-rate counselling appointments for post-secondary learners managing academic, emotional, or financial pressures. Many student benefit plans also include mental health session allocations, which can help offset out-of-pocket expenses.
Why is therapy so expensive in Canada?
It's completely normal to be asking yourself "how to get cheap therapy?", but therapy costs reflect the significant expenses associated with delivering responsible, ethical mental health care. Practitioners invest in extensive education, specialized certification, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development. Fees also support the operational needs of a regulated practice, including secure digital systems, clinical documentation, confidentiality standards, and office space. While the cost can feel high, it represents the commitment to providing competent, safe, and high-quality therapeutic care.
What if I don’t have money and I need therapy?
If cost is a barrier, there are still meaningful ways to access support. Many communities offer a low income psychologist, no-cost counselling hotlines, government-funded mental health programs, and peer-led support services. Individuals can also seek subsidized therapy options, including services offered by non-profit agencies, student therapists, and community clinics. At Compassionate Central, we offer a small number of hardship-rate appointments to help individuals receive care during financially challenging periods. Exploring local mental health organizations can also help you find accessible, early-intervention support when you need it most.
How much does therapy cost in Calgary?
Therapy fees in Calgary can vary based on a clinician’s training, professional designation, and the type of support they provide. Most private practitioners follow recommended provincial fee guidelines, which often reflect the time, skill, and ethical responsibilities involved in offering safe, confidential care. While many therapists charge a standard rate for each appointment, pricing differences can arise depending on the therapeutic approach, session length, and the level of specialization a practitioner offers. At Compassionate Central, we believe in being clear and upfront about our pricing so you can make informed decisions about your wellbeing. Our rates are designed to reflect the quality and integrity of the care we provide, while also offering accessible options for individuals who may need more flexible financial arrangements. No matter where you choose to begin, understanding the cost of therapy is an important part of navigating mental health support in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
5940 Macleod Trail SW Suite 500, Calgary, AB T2H 2G4
Located at
Macleod Place II
Come find me on the 5th floor!
Just minutes from Chinook Centre, and directly off Macleod Trail, it’s easy to reach whether you’re coming from downtown, the inner city, or the southern suburbs.
Free 1 hr parking is available on-site, and the building is also well-served by public transit, including nearby LRT stations and major bus routes.