Free Counselling Consultations in British Columbia

Looking to start therapy? Find your next therapist by exploring our directory of counsellors in BC offering free consultations. Take a look at their profiles and watch video clips to get a feel for their therapy style and approach, and schedule a free consultation to see if they’re the right fit for you. The only commitment is to yourself.

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068

Jessica Rose
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in AB, BC, MB, SK, ON
Jessica Rose
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$125/session
Relationship to self and others, Interpersonal dynamics, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Confidence, Dating challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Identity and Self-Exploration, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Self-esteem, Women's Health, Negative thinking and ruminating, Self-Criticism
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Zoe Plant
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, MB, NL, NT, NU, SK, YT
Zoe Plant
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$155/session
Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment wounds, Anger, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dating challenges, Depression, Domestic violence, Emotional regulation, Effective communication, Identity and Self-Exploration, Intergenerational trauma, Mindfulness, Parts Work, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Self harm, Trauma
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Stephanie Parish
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Offers in-person (Oshawa, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON, AB, BC
Stephanie Parish
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/her
Offers free consultation
$160/session
Neurodivergent, Burnout, PTSD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, College or University Coaching, Confidence, Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Divorce, Domestic violence, Dreams, Emotional Numbness, Existential questions, Family Conflict, Financial Stress, Giftedness Issues, Identity and Self-Exploration, OCD, Perfectionism
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Keri Grainger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in AB, BC, MB, ON, SK
Keri Grainger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Attachment wounds, Burnout, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Anger, Anger Management, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Building Self-Care Routines, Career Stress, Caregiver burnout, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Depression coping skills, Disability, Early childhood, Emotional Numbness, Faith, Goal Setting, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Imposter syndrome, Life transitions, Low mood
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Qualia Reed
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, AB, MB, NL, ON, YT, NU, NT, SK
Qualia Reed
Registered Clinical Counsellor
They/He
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Burnout, LGBTQ2IA+, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Career Stress, Career guidance, Caregiver burnout, Chronic and acute illness, Coming out and identity, Couples Therapy, Grief Processing, Life transitions, Men's issues, PTSD, Sexuality and gender issues, Stress, Work-Life Balance, Depression, Divorce, Existential questions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, Relationships
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Michelle Ryken
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, ON
Michelle Ryken
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers free consultation
$155/session
Attachment, Emotional regulation, Identity and Self-Exploration, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Career Stress, Confidence, Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Depression, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Interpersonal dynamics, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Negative body image, Parts Work, Perfectionism, Relationship anxiety, Self Confidence
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Mary Stasiuk
Registered Social Worker
- Offers in-person (Nanaimo, BC)
- Virtual sessions in BC, ON
Mary Stasiuk
Registered Social Worker
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Addiction, ADHD, Aging, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Brain injury, Burnout, Career guidance, Chronic Illness, Codependency, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Disability, Divorce, Emotional Eating, Family Conflict, Intergenerational trauma, Learning disabilities, Neurodiversity, Peri-menopause & Menopause Support, Workplace stress, Trauma
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Sanofer Ansari
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in BC, AB, MB, NU, SK, YT, ON, NL, NT
Sanofer Ansari
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers free consultation
$160/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Self-esteem, Anger Management, Attachment trauma, Bipolar Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Cancer Support, Career guidance, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Climate Anxiety, Codependency, Confidence, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Grief Processing, Personality & Mood Disorders, OCD
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Polina Sabanova
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Polina Sabanova
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$200/session
Anxiety, Depression, Self Confidence, Attachment, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Confidence, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Divorce, Dreams, Empowerment, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Relationships, Spirituality, Work-Life Balance
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Laura Grohovac
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, AB, YT, SK, MB
Laura Grohovac
Canadian Certified Counsellor
she/her
Offers free consultation
$155/session
ADHD, Substance Use, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Addiction, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Career guidance, Chronic and acute illness, Codependency, Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Goal Setting, Habits, Harm Reduction, Highly Sensitive Person, Identity and Self-Exploration, Interpersonal dynamics, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Motivation, Nature-Based Spirituality, Wellness Counselling, Trauma, Neurodiversity, Nervous system regulation
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Hao Yen Lim
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Hao Yen Lim
Canadian Certified Counsellor
He/Him
Offers free consultation
$160/session
Trauma, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), BIPOC, Body Dysmorphia, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Caregivers, Childhood trauma, Children/Teens, Christian counselling, Cultural Challenges, Domestic violence, Eating disorders, Fears and phobia, Existential questions, Intergenerational trauma, Intimacy concerns, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Panic attacks, Vulnerability
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Genesis Flores
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in AB, SK, MB, NL, NT, YT, NU, BC
Genesis Flores
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/her
Offers free consultation
$180/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Childhood trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Befriending the Nervous System, Betrayal Trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Codependency, Coping Skills, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Domestic violence, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Identity and Self-Exploration, Intergenerational trauma, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, Oppressive family dynamics, Parenting, People pleasing, PTSD
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Frequently asked therapy questions

Does every therapist offer free consultations?

It is common practice for therapists/counsellors to provide free consultations, though some therapists may not extend this offer if they're not currently taking on new clients, or they might require a fee for the first consult.

You can book a free initial consultation with nearly all therapists listed in our directory. It can be very helpful to use the time to meet a potential therapist, learn about their approach, and get a feel for overall compatibility.

How long does a free consultation last? Is it online or over the phone?

Free consultations usually take 15 minutes and will use the same platform as you would for full sessions (i.e. online sessions = online consultation).

What should I expect during a free consultation with a counsellor?

A free consultation acts as an introductory meeting rather than a complete therapy session. You’ll discuss your motivations for seeking therapy, alongside understanding the therapist's methods. It also includes practical details such as scheduling, fees, and confidentiality policies.

What kind of information should I be ready to share with the therapist during our consultation?

Be prepared to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Sharing any relevant personal history or current challenges can help the therapist understand your needs.

Can I schedule free consultations with multiple therapists to compare, or is that frowned upon?

Meeting with a few different therapists/counsellors to see who feels right for you is totally okay and can be beneficial, especially if you’re brand new to therapy. Think of it as research to find the best therapist to support you on your mental health journey.

What are the next steps if I feel comfortable with the counsellor and want to start regular sessions?

The therapist will likely leave it up to you to book a full-length session after your consultation – you should feel ready to start, and a good therapist will never try to convince you.

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You can let them know on the consult call that you’d like to schedule a full session, or take some time to process before confirming via email.

Is therapy covered by MSP? Can I use my work health insurance?

In British Columbia, the types of counselling covered by provincial healthcare plans (MSP) include psychiatrists via doctor referral, or receiving counselling directly in a medical setting such as from your family doctor or in a hospital.

Otherwise, you can expect therapy costs out-of-pocket in the range of $90 to $200+ per session. You may be able to use your workplace insurance benefits to help offset out-of-pocket expenses. Typically, you pay for your session first and then submit your bill as a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement after.

Ready to talk?

Use First Session to find the best therapist for you.

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Free Counselling Consultations in British Columbia

Therapists

Jessica Rose

Jessica Rose

Zoe Plant

Zoe Plant

Stephanie Parish

Stephanie Parish

Keri Grainger

Keri Grainger

Qualia Reed

Qualia Reed

Michelle Ryken

Michelle Ryken

Mary Stasiuk

Mary Stasiuk

Sanofer Ansari

Sanofer Ansari

Polina Sabanova

Polina Sabanova

Laura Grohovac

Laura Grohovac

Hao Yen Lim

Hao Yen Lim

Genesis Flores

Genesis Flores

Frequently asked therapy questions

Ready to talk?