Seeing a Counsellor/Psychologist/Shrink

[nodoubtt]

Hey guys,

One of my friends has been going through a really rough time with some family issues for the past several years. However she has a hard time opening up to anyone about it and instead bottles it up and deals with it that way, even though I know that causes her crazy amounts of internal stress.

We were talking the other day about how seeing someone to discuss these problems and help her out with these issues might be a good idea. However, she is reluctant about seeing them, as most people are. I have seen other friends though have their whole life turned around after sessions with a counsellor or shrink though so I know it's worth a shot.

Her main concern is cost. Does anyone know any way to go about seeing someone so it doesn't cost a leg and a arm? Are there reduced fees for students anywhere?

As well, from personal experience, can anyone recommend any psychologists or counsellors in the city?

Thanks so much for the helpa

[Modelexis]

I know that SAIT has their own psychologists on hand and for SAIT students you get a few sessions for free and then they charge a certain rate.

Sorry to hear about your friend, I hope they get some help.

[LadyLuck]

If she's a student, she should look into the counselling services available on campus. If she's a SAIT student tell her to go to the 2nd floor of Heritage Hall (counselling services) and make an appointment with Lois Hayward, she's fantastic!

[roopi]

http://www.calgaryfamily.org/adults/counselling.html

Fees for counselling are based on a sliding fee scale, according to the client's ability to pay.

[Mattloaf]

I dated a bat shit crazy girl a while back (who hasn't right?). She ended up going to see a free counsellor through alberta mental health. She went lots and they never charged her a dime.

[kaput]

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[msommers]

There is a big difference between counselors/therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Start with a counselor as suggested, had no idea that kind of service was free. You'll probably only see a psychiatrist if you get a referral but it doesn't sound like something like that is required in this situation.

My opinion, counselor is a good idea but you can also keep prodding her about whatever is troubling her. Once she feels like she can trust you she will spill whatever is bothering her and it could be huge, just to sure you're up to sticking it out because it will be mentally fatiguing for you as well. If you're not comfortable or in for the long haul, counselor it up.

Psychologists I've heard are pretty hard to get appointments with and are like 100+/hr.

[raceman6135]

If she's dealing with an addiction, or with a significant other that has an addiction, Alberta Health Services has a variety of services that may work for her:

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...d=stype&type=1

A few years ago, I was dating a woman with a drug addiction and we both saw a counsellor at AADAC (now AHS Addictions and Substance Abuse Services) and it was entirely free.

[ekguy]

Calgary counseling center helped me a ton with my temper.

They charge according to what you make. I was paying something like 22$ a session when I went.

Counseling can make a world of difference. I'm a completely different person now.

Definitely tell your friend to go get some sort of help. It's all confidential anyways. Definitely can't bottle stuff in like that.

[max_boost]

Also try to reading some of the blogs on here.

http://tinybuddha.com/

It has done wonders for my own personal growth/transformation in the past year.

[srdjan]

South calgary mental health has 12 sessions covered by AHS.
They have walk in as well
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...af&rid=1018206

[Cos]

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[FraserB]

Cos, if your work is anything like mine, and it probably is, then they probably have some kind of Employee Assistance Program.

I see their little posters in our kitchens but I think if they contacted HR, they would point him in the right direction. I don't know how many sessions they cover, but they do cover it. As well as a ton of other stuff.

[Cos]

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[ExtraSlow]

Employee Assistance Program.

This is awesome if your company has it, and lots of places do. It will be covered, and the people when answer your call will be able to refer you to the right kind of help.
I know a couple co-workers and one buddy at another company who have used this. Awesome.

[newtonw]

first step is to contact your health insurance co, student services, etc, and find out who you are allowed to see. Then contact the ones on your list and ask if they are accepting patients. If they are, ask their credentials and ask about their approach to treating the specific issue(s) you have. Then pick the one that sounds like they will be the best fit and go see them. If you like that person, great. If not, go back and contact more people on your list.

Most people on a health insurance list are social workers or therapists. You may get a psychologist or two. It doesn't necessarily matter what title they have after their name, what matters is how they approach treating your issue, and how comfortable you are with them.