Calgary Counselling Centre Reviews: Critical Information Before You Book
Rod Mitchell, MSc, MC, Registered Psychologist
Understanding the Calgary Counselling Centre Through Reviews
If you're considering the Calgary Counselling Centre for therapy, this analysis of 140+ Google reviews reveals critical patterns you should know first.
While the centre serves thousands with sliding-scale fees, client experiences vary dramatically - from life-changing help to concerning treatment failures. We've identified the major themes that emerge repeatedly in reviews. Understanding these patterns can help you avoid common pitfalls and find appropriate mental health support, whether at the Calgary Counselling Centre or elsewhere in the city.
This analysis by Emotions Therapy Calgary is part of our series examining counselling clinics in Calgary, which also includes these companion articles:
Table of Contents Hide
Counselor Quality & Matching Process
Finding the right counselor is crucial for therapy success. The Calgary Counselling Centre's matching process and counselor quality received highly mixed reviews.
The Inconsistent Matching Process
Many clients reported poor initial matches that wasted time and money. Quality varied dramatically - some counselors received glowing praise while others seemed unprepared or disengaged.
"I ended up going through intake 5 times and every single time the person I was paired with was not helpful in the slightest." - Becca S
One reviewer with complex mental illness was matched with an intern. Another paid full price for a counselor who hadn't even looked at their intake file.
Counselors Leaving Mid-Treatment
Multiple clients reported their counselors leaving abruptly:
Students graduate and move on without warning
Counselors quit with little notice to clients
No transition plan - clients must start over with someone new
What This Means for You
If your first counselor isn't helping, ask to switch immediately. Don't waste sessions hoping things improve.
During intake, ask specific questions: How long has this counselor been practicing? Will they be here for my entire treatment? What happens if they leave?
The Questionnaire System: A Major Source of Client Frustration
The Calgary Counselling Centre requires clients to fill out surveys before and after every session. This system generated more complaints than almost any other issue.
What You'll Be Asked to Do
Reviewers reported that every session requires two surveys:
Before: 40-50 questions on a tablet (arrive 10 minutes early)
After: Rate your counselor while they review your answers
Why Clients Complain
Many people feel pressured to give positive ratings when their counselor is watching. One person with anxiety called rating their therapist in person "a special kind of hell."
"I felt pressured to pick the most positive options... because the psychologist would review my responses prior to session end and ask me why I selected what I did." - M
Another reviewer admitted: "By 3 questions in you just randomly hit answers."
What This Means for You
Some clients found tracking their mood week-to-week helpful. Most found the in-person rating system uncomfortable.
This system may not work for you if you:
Struggle with confrontation
Tend to people-please
Have limited session time
Want anonymous feedback options
Consider asking during your first call if you can submit feedback privately.
Administrative & Communication Failures
Getting connected with a counselor at the Calgary Counselling Centre can be frustrating. Many reviewers reported problems before they even reached their first appointment.
Initial Contact Problems
Multiple people couldn't reach anyone by phone or get callbacks after online registration. The clinic promises contact within 2-3 business days, but reality often differs.
"Won't even answer the phone called 6 times and all calls were dropped... No one contacted me after filling out the form online either." - Gav F
Wait times reported by reviewers:
9 days with no contact despite promises of 2-3 days
4 months without hearing back after registration
Nearly a month wait despite marking high suicide risk on intake
Wrong contact information used, causing weeks of additional delay
Ongoing Scheduling Problems
Even after connecting with a counselor, reviewers noted that issues continue:
Double-booking: Clients arrive to find their counselor with someone else
Counselor no-shows: Therapists miss appointments without notice
Mystery appointments: Sessions booked without client knowledge, then charged as "missed"
What This Means for You
Tips for navigating their system:
Keep records of all appointment confirmations
Follow up if you don't hear back within a week
Get everything in writing (email confirmations, fee quotes)
Don't assume your appointment is confirmed until you speak to someone
If you need immediate help, consider calling 211 for other counselling options or the Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 for crisis support.
Billing Practices & Collections
Several reviewers reported aggressive billing tactics and errors that resulted in collections threats over small amounts. These issues suggest systemic problems with the clinic's financial management.
Collections Over Small Amounts
One couple's experience shows how quickly billing disputes escalate:
"We start getting phone calls from our former counselor informing us that we somehow failed to pay $5.00... Monday night, our debt had jumped from $5.00 to $260.00. She claimed that we had in fact failed to pay for two entire sessions." - Lisa K
Charged for Clinic Errors
Multiple reviewers reported that they were charged no-show fees when the problem was on the clinic's end:
Double-booked appointment: Client sent home, then received collections notice months later
Counselor didn't join video session: Client still charged $236 no-show fee
Appointments booked without knowledge: Charged for "missing" sessions they never scheduled
What This Means for You
Protect yourself financially:
Keep all receipts and payment confirmations
Pay by credit card (easier to dispute charges)
Screenshot appointment confirmations and cancellations
Never ignore billing notices - respond immediately in writing
If you receive a collections notice, don't panic. Gather your payment records and respond in writing. Consider filing a complaint with Alberta's Fair Trading Act if the charge is incorrect.
Sliding Scale Fee Structure - Mixed Results
The Calgary Counselling Centre advertises affordable therapy through a sliding scale based on income. Reviews show this system works well for some but creates unexpected problems for others.
How the Fees Work
Reviewers reported that the clinic calculates fees based on total household income, not individual income. This distinction caught many people off guard.
"Being on AISH [disability income support] I appreciated they factored in my lower income... Now that I live with my partner, I'm expected to pay $200 a session because his income is factored in? My partner is not going to pay for my sessions." - Zeeby G
What People Actually Pay
Reported session fees varied wildly:
$8 per session for unemployed individuals living alone
$200-250 per session for those with working partners or roommates
$236 per session for a student with no income who was living with others
One reviewer noted they paid the same rate as seeing "an actual PhD psychologist" but received treatment from a social worker or student.
While the clinic claims no one is turned away for financial reasons, experiences vary:
Some got help: "They will adjust if you request"
Others hit walls: "When I raised concerns about the rate being slightly too high... they said I was out of luck"
Insurance complications: "Let's charge me the full rate until the coverage runs out" (leaving only 3 covered sessions)
What This Means for You
Before committing to treatment:
Ask for your exact fee quote in writing during intake
Clarify if roommates' or partners' income affects your rate
Negotiate fees BEFORE your first session, not after
Get any fee adjustment promises in writing
If you live with others who won't contribute to your therapy costs, mention this during intake. Some reviewers successfully negotiated based on "ability to pay" not just household income.
If these rates exceed your budget, consider free services through Alberta Health Services or income-based programs at other clinics.
Suitability for Mental Health Severity
Reviewers noted that The Calgary Counselling Centre may not be equipped for serious mental health conditions or crisis situations. Multiple reviewers with complex needs reported being turned away or receiving inadequate care.
Who This Clinic Struggles to Help
People in crisis or with severe symptoms report being rejected or dismissed. One reviewer's experience shows how this can be dangerous:
"Despite measuring in the 'red' for their own stress test to track your progress, they told me not to come back because they 'couldn't help me.' ...Kick a potentially suicidal, extremely stressed, crying individual out telling them that you can't help them." - Kyle R
Conditions They May Not Handle Well
Based on reviewer experiences, the clinic struggles with:
Active suicidal ideation: One person marked high suicide risk but waited nearly a month
Psychosis or schizophrenia: "Couldn't schedule to see the psychiatrist... my life was falling apart"
Complex PTSD: Counselor dismissed potential PTSD without assessment
Severe depression: "20+ years" of depression not adequately addressed
Personality disorders: Borderline personality disorder went unrecognized for years
What This Means for You
Consider seeking help elsewhere if you have:
Active thoughts of self-harm
Symptoms of psychosis or mania
Complex trauma requiring specialized treatment
Conditions requiring medication management
Need for immediate crisis intervention
If you're unsure about your needs, start with your family doctor or call 811 for guidance on the appropriate level of care.
For urgent mental health needs: Call the Distress Centre (403-266-4357) or go to emergency. For complex conditions, request a referral to Alberta Health Services psychiatry.
Student/Trainee Counselor Concerns
The Calgary Counselling Centre is Western Canada's largest counselor training facility. This means many clients receive treatment from students rather than licensed professionals.
Who Actually Provides Treatment
Many of the counselors are students in training. The clinic trains over 100 students from 18 university programs each year.
"Do yourself a favour and find a counsellor with a PhD. You will not find one here. The people here are inexperienced and should not be giving advice." - Jeff D
Mixed Experiences with Students
Some students received praise, with clients noting they were "very skilled" despite being residents. The clinic claims students often achieve equal or better results than experienced counselors.
Others felt mismatched:
"I went in knowing that I am a high needs individual with complex mental illness, all very well stated in my intake, yet they stuck me with an Intern." - Jerad J
What This Means for You
Questions to ask during intake:
Is my counselor a student or licensed professional?
When do they graduate or complete their placement?
Who supervises their work?
Can I request an experienced counselor instead?
If you have complex mental health needs, specifically request an experienced, licensed counselor. Be prepared to wait longer.
For straightforward issues like mild anxiety or relationship concerns, a supervised student may provide adequate support at a lower cost than private practice.
Discrimination & Cultural Competency
While only a handful of reviews explicitly mentioned discrimination, the severity of these experiences deserves attention.
Reports of Discrimination
Several people of color and immigrants warned others to avoid this clinic entirely:
"I felt like I was stigmatized and discriminated against for being honest about my mental health... I couldn't help but feel that I was at more of a disadvantage because I am a person of color and a male." - Parviz K
Another reviewer was more direct: "ESPECIALLY AS A PERSON OF COLOUR/IMMIGRANT DO NOT GO HERE."
Cultural and Religious Issues
Some reviewers reported that counselors brought inappropriate personal beliefs into sessions:
Religious pressure: One counselor called himself "the Jesus guy" and let religious views influence treatment
Gender bias: A male parent was told he "has no rights in saying what his child can do"
Dismissive attitudes: Multiple reviewers felt judged for their circumstances or struggles
Disability stigma: People on AISH reported feeling stigmatized for their financial situation
Many reviewers didn't mention cultural or identity issues, suggesting experiences vary by counselor.
What This Means for You
Red flags during your first session:
Counselor makes assumptions about your culture or background
Brings up religion without you mentioning it
Makes dismissive comments about your identity or circumstances
Shows visible discomfort with your gender, race, or situation
If you experience discrimination, document everything and file a complaint with the Alberta College of Social Workers or College of Alberta Psychologists.
For culturally sensitive counselling, consider organizations like the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association or the Centre for Newcomers, which specialize in diverse populations.
Conclusion
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling.
Calgary Counselling Centre's reviews paint a complex picture. While some clients found life-changing help with specific counselors, systemic issues emerged repeatedly: mandatory rating systems that compromise trust, inconsistent counselor quality, concerning billing practices, and inadequate support for severe mental health conditions.
The clinic appears best suited for those who:
Have mild to moderate anxiety or depression
Can advocate for themselves if problems arise
Live alone or have low household income
Don't need immediate or crisis support
Consider other options if you:
Need help within two weeks
Have complex mental health conditions
Struggle with confrontation
Require consistent, long-term treatment
Document everything, ask specific questions during intake, and don't hesitate to switch counselors or seek alternatives if your needs aren't being met.
For specialized support with anger, anxiety, or trauma, Emotions Therapy Calgary offers free 20-minute consultations. Whatever path you choose, taking the step to seek support is what matters most.
Remember: In crisis situations, call the Distress Centre (403-266-4357) or 911. Your safety comes first.
