Frequently asked questions
Get answers to your questions about counselling, fees, group programs, insurance, and more.
Are counselling sessions conducted on location in the CCC office?
The choice is yours! Counselling is available online or in-person.
Does counselling really work? How do you know the lasting effects of counselling?
We have been providing counselling for the community since 1962. Through the use of the Outcome Questionnaire that our clients fill out at each visit, you and your counsellor can see how you’re progressing and make adjustments if needed. We’ve been using this practice since 2004 and it has been a game changer. It has helped us continuously provide our clients with breakthrough results, 35 per cent higher than the national benchmark.
How does the counselling process work?
We do things a little bit differently at Calgary Counselling Centre. Here’s what to expect:
First, you’ll register for counselling, either online or over the phone (833.827.4229). We’ll ask you some questions to learn more about you, your reasons for coming to counselling and your goals.
Shortly after you call or complete the online registration form, we’ll contact you to set up an appointment with one of our counsellors. Appointments are available on weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays.
Before every session, you’ll fill out a questionnaire to evaluate your level of distress over the past week (it will always be the same questions every time- think of it as your “emotional vital signs”) This helps you and your counsellor assess how you’re progressing with counselling and if any adjustments are needed to ensure you get the best results.
Sessions are 50 minutes long and unless you are receiving counselling with another member of your family, they will be one-on-one with your counsellor.
Why do I have to answer the same questions every time I come for a counselling session?
Just like your doctor takes your blood pressure every time you visit her, we use a tool called an Outcome Questionnaire or OQ for short. This questionnaire helps us gauge how you’re feeling and monitor changes to your distress levels from one counselling session to another. Based on your OQ responses, you and your counsellor will be able to see on a graph how you are progressing from session-to-session. These graphs help determine if any changes or adjustments need to be made to ensure you get the best results.
What makes CCC different?
There are many things make us different from other counselling services:
No wait list
We know that quick access to counselling is important so, for over 15 years, we haven’t had a waitlist. After you call or fill out the online registration form, we’ll contact you shortly to set up an appointment with one of our counsellors. We are open weekdays, evenings and Saturdays to offer more flexibility and options to our clients.
No financial barriers
We believe everyone should be able to access counselling. To ensure that, our fees are based on a sliding scale according to your income and ability to pay. That means you pay only what you can afford. No one is turned away.
Personalized, one-on-one attention
Having a good fit with your counsellor is important. We do our best to assign you a counsellor we think is right for you, but If for any reason you don’t click with your counsellor, you can always request a different one.
Highest client results
For over 15 years, Calgary Counselling Centre has been a pioneer, along with international leading counselling experts and researchers, in implementing a process called Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT). Through the use of our Outcome Questionnaire and Feedback Informed Treatment Calgary Counselling Centre consistently achieves the highest client results, 35 percent higher than the national benchmark. These tools allows both counsellors and clients (you will see the graph that comes with the questionnaire and are welcome to take it home with you) to monitor how each client is progressing from session-to-session and make adjustments as needed to ensure the client experiences the best results possible.
On the cutting edge of counselling best practices
Our client’s wellbeing is the reason we exist, and we believe in order to provide our clients with the best outcomes possible we must be on top of the best counselling practices from across the globe. We are continuously researching, learning, training and perfecting our work. It requires focus, deliberate practice and careful monitoring and measuring of our outcomes. If you can’t measure, you can’t improve it. We want to ensure we’re always improving so our clients can experience the best possible results.
What if I don’t like my counsellor? Can I switch counsellors?
We try our best to match you with a counsellor that will be a good fit from the start, but if you feel that you and your counsellor don’t quite click, you can absolutely request to see someone else. If you’re not comfortable having this conversation with your counsellor, phone our call centre at 833.827.4229 and they will help you with the transfer process.
I’ve been assigned a student counsellor. Is the service I receive going to be different than if I saw a more experienced counsellor?
Calgary Counselling Centre is the largest counselling training centre in Western Canada. All of our counsellors, including students, already have experience in counselling and each of our students receives extensive training and is closely supervised by experienced counsellors. Our research shows that clients who work with students, achieve equal, and often slightly better results than more experienced counsellors. You will be in good hands with one of our students.
Why do I need to meet with a counsellor before registering for a group program?
Before starting a group counselling program, you’ll need to meet with a counsellor one-on-one to evaluate if a group program is right for you and will meet your needs. Our client experience and research tell us that in some cases, our clients do best if they have about four to six individual counselling sessions prior to joining a group program. Your counsellor will discuss this with you as part of your counselling.
Why do I need to give my personal information when I register for counselling?
Learning more about you, your reasons and goals for coming to counselling, and any preferences you may have help us better match you with a counsellor that best fits you. The relationship you have with your counsellor is very important for a good counselling experience, so the information we gather help us make the best match between you and your counsellor.
How much will I have to pay for counselling?
At Calgary Counselling Centre, we make sure there are no financial barriers to access the counselling you need. Fees for counselling are discussed with your counsellor and are determined based on income and ability to pay. No one is turned away.
I was quoted a fee that I can’t afford. What should I do?
The quote for fees given at the time you register either over the phone or online, is based on your income or the income of your household depending on your living situation. If you are unable to pay the quoted amount you can discuss this with your counsellor and determine a fee that is manageable for you.
How can you ensure no wait list? What if you get an overflow of demand?
We haven’t had a wait list in over 15 years. We’re very experienced and able to adapt to higher demands ensuring our clients get the help they need, when they need it.
How long will I need counselling?
This will vary from person to person, but many of our clients experience positive, long-lasting change within 8–10 sessions. We will continue to work with you as long as you need and are continuing to benefit from counselling.
I think my partner/friend/family member needs counselling. Can I register for them?
If you think that a loved one needs help, have a conversation with them and express your concerns. If they are comfortable, you can help them register for counselling or you can register for counselling on their behalf via phone (833.827.4229) or online.
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
To change an upcoming appointment, just call or email your counsellor. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a no-show fee.
You have the option to receive appointment reminders via text message, which are sent 48 hours in advance. Let your counsellor know that you would like to receive these reminders.
How long do appointments last?
The session with your counsellor is 50 minutes, but make sure you arrive 10–15 minutes before every counselling session to fill out the questionnaire which must be completed prior to each session.
What methods of payment do you take?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Amex, and Mastercard.
Can I use my health insurance?
Counselling services are often covered by insurance, but each insurance plan is unique. Make sure you check with your insurance provider to confirm the amount and requirements of your counselling coverage.
We can direct bill some Blue Cross plans; please discuss this with your counsellor.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there is elevator access to our office on the 10th floor.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are many parking options close by. There is a pay lot to the south of the building and street parking available on Centre St. We are also a 9-minute walk from the Victoria Park/Stampede train station. Here is a map with all the options:
