Low Cost Counselling in Calgary
We believe that cost should not be the reason someone goes without mental health support. At Solasta, we periodically offer free and low cost counselling through our supervised counselling interns — graduate students completing their practicum placement as part of a Master’s level counselling program.
Intern availability changes throughout the year. If you are looking for affordable support, we encourage you to reach out directly and ask whether a spot is currently available. We will always be honest with you about what we can offer.
How It Works
Solasta’s counselling interns are graduate students enrolled in accredited Master of Counselling programs. They bring genuine care, current training in evidence-based approaches, and a level of attentiveness that many clients find distinctive — partly because interns are often deeply invested in every session.
Every session is provided under the direct clinical supervision of a registered psychologist at Solasta. This means your intern reviews their work with an experienced supervisor regularly, and the standard of care you receive is actively monitored throughout your time with us.
Sessions are available in person at our NW Calgary office and online across Alberta.
Therapists Providing Low Cost Counselling
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Availability — Please Check In With Us
Low cost and free counselling spots at Solasta depend on how many interns we have placed at any given time. We typically have one or two interns with us at once, and their caseloads fill quickly.
If you’re interested, the best thing to do is contact us directly
By phone or email — and ask whether we currently have availability. We’ll let you know straightforwardly what we can offer, and if we don’t have an intern spot available right now, we’ll do our best to point you toward other options that might help.
We’d rather you ask and find out than assume there’s nothing available.
Who Our Interns Are
Melina Rodriguez
Melina is a practicum student in the Master of Counselling program at City University. She brings a warm, collaborative approach and a genuine interest in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Melina offers free sessions for adults and is available both in person and online.
Jacquie Herdman — Joining September 2026
Jacquie will be joining the Solasta team as a counselling intern in September 2026. More details about her background and availability will be added closer to her start date. If you’d like to be added to a waitlist for her caseload, please contact us and we’ll keep you informed.
Other Ways to Access Affordable Counselling at Solasta
If intern spots aren’t currently available, there are other options worth knowing about:
Sliding scale fees — some of our Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, and Canadian Certified Counsellors can offer a reduced rate to clients who can demonstrate financial need. Ask us about this when you get in touch.
Lower-rate clinicians — our Canadian Certified Counsellors charge between $160–$200 per session, which is meaningfully lower than registered psychologist rates while still offering professional, supervised care.
Less frequent sessions — some clients find that moving from weekly to fortnightly sessions makes therapy financially sustainable over a longer period. Your therapist can discuss what schedule makes sense given your goals.
Visit our fees page for a full breakdown of rates by clinician type.
What Does Low Counselling Entail?
At Solasta, we tailor sessions to address challenges like anxiety, relationships, and stress, empowering you with tools to create meaningful change.
The counselling journey begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Together, we create a personalized treatment plan designed to make the most of low cost counselling in Calgary while focusing on your unique needs and priorities.
Address Common Mental Health Concerns Such as Anxiety, Stress, or Depression
Gain clarity and develop effective strategies to manage and reduce symptoms, helping you achieve emotional balance and improved well-being.
Explore and Resolve Interpersonal Conflicts or Relationship Issues
Strengthen your communication skills, build healthier relationships, and work through challenges affecting your connections with others.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Life Transitions
Learn practical tools to manage stress, adapt to change, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.
Enhance Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Discover new perspectives about yourself, build on your strengths, and take steps toward your goals in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and can take place in person at our Calgary office or virtually for clients across Alberta. Our low cost counselling option ensures therapy remains accessible while fitting seamlessly into your life.
What Sessions Are Like
Intern sessions are 50 minutes and follow the same structure as any counselling session at Solasta — a collaborative conversation focused on your goals, your experience, and what kind of support will be most useful for you.
Interns draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, solution-focused approaches, and mindfulness-based strategies. The specific approach will depend on your intern’s training and what best fits your needs.
Sessions are fully confidential. As with all counselling, confidentiality has the same limits that apply in any professional therapeutic relationship — your intern will explain these in your first session.
Why Choose Solasta for Low Cost Counselling in Calgary?
At Solasta, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, compassionate care. Here’s why our clients trust us:
Supervised by Psychologists
Our counselling interns are supervised by experienced psychologists.
Person-Focused Care
We prioritize your goals and preferences, creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.
Flexible Options
With in-person and virtual counselling available, we make it easy to access support wherever you are in Alberta.
Other Free and Low Cost Resources in Calgary
We want to be honest: Solasta is a private practice, and our intern spots are limited. If you need ongoing support that we aren’t currently able to provide at a cost that works for you, here are some other resources in Calgary that offer free or low cost mental health support:
- Calgary Counselling Centre — sliding scale fees based on income, no referral needed
- Wood’s Homes — free mental health services for children, youth, and families
- CUPS Calgary — free mental health services for people experiencing poverty or homelessness
- Alberta Health Services — Addiction and Mental Health — publicly funded mental health services, call 1-877-303-2642
- Crisis Support — Calgary Distress Centre: (403) 266-4357 available 24/7
We are happy to help you think through which option might be the best fit if you’re unsure — just give us a call.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
Is counselling with an intern really free?
Yes — our counselling interns offer sessions at no charge. This is part of their practicum training, and there is no cost to you. The only thing we ask is that you commit to attending regularly, as consistent attendance is important both for your progress and for the intern’s training.
Is intern counselling as good as seeing a registered psychologist?
It’s different, not lesser. Interns bring recent training, genuine investment, and strong motivation. They work under close supervision from experienced registered psychologists, which means your sessions are actively reviewed and supported. Many clients find the experience very positive — the level of care and attentiveness is often remarkable. That said, if you are dealing with a complex clinical presentation — severe trauma, active psychosis, eating disorders, or acute crisis — we would discuss whether an intern placement is the right fit before proceeding.
How do I know if a spot is currently available?
Contact us directly by phone or email. Availability changes throughout the year as interns complete their placements and new ones join. We’ll give you an honest answer about what’s currently possible.
Can I see an intern online?
Yes — our interns offer online sessions across Alberta as well as in person at our NW Calgary office.
What if I start with an intern and they finish their placement?
Intern placements are typically for an academic semester or year. If your intern’s placement ends while you are still in therapy, we will discuss your options — including transitioning to another clinician at Solasta or receiving a referral if needed. We won’t leave you without a plan.
Do intern sessions show up differently on insurance claims?
Intern sessions are provided at no cost, so there is nothing to submit to insurance. If you later transition to a paid clinician at Solasta, those sessions would be billed normally and may be eligible for extended health coverage depending on the clinician’s credential and your plan.