No. You do not need a referral. Anyone is free to access services with Compassion Culture, as long as you and your psychologist agree that you are a good fit to work together.

The first session will be focused on reviewing the consent form, hearing your story and what brings you into counselling, as well as gathering information pertinent to setting clear goals for your treatment. You will also hear about the counselling approaches that might fit best for you, as well as have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Compassion Culture offers both virtual (video or telephone) sessions on a secure video counselling platform for residents of Alberta, and in person sessions at our office location at 2 Elk Avenue in The Coterie building in Okotoks, Alberta.

Yes. Everything you share in your counselling sessions remain confidential between you and your psychologist. However, there are circumstances where there are limitations to confidentiality due to ethical or legal reasons, but that will be clearly outlined in the consent form and reviewed with you in the initial counselling session.

Office hours dedicated to responding to emails and queries are Tuesday to Saturday 8:45 am - 4:00 pm. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for a response.

Counselling sessions are offered during the following hours:

Tuesdays 8:45 am - 4:00 pm

Thursdays 8:45 am - 4:00 pm

Saturdays 8:45 am - 4:00 pm

To book a session please use the online booking portal (here), or feel free to contact the Compassion Culture office via email at office@compassioncuture.ca

As of January 1, 2025 fees for counselling sessions with Compassion Culture are $235 for a 60 minute session. Check out the “fees” section of our website for a more detailed breakdown of fees. Payments are received immediately following your counselling session and can be paid by cash, e-transfer, or credit card. Currently, we do not direct bill to insurance companies. However, receipts will be emailed for insurance reimbursement and tax deduction purposes. Most insurances companies cover services by registered psychologists, but please check with your provider prior to your initial session.

Compassion Culture requires at least 48 hours notice to cancel any scheduled appointment, so that the appointment time may be offered to clients on a waitlist. 50% of the fee will be collected for any late cancellations or missed session. Late fees can be waived on a case by case basis due to extenuating circumstances.

Compassion culture does not offer same day emergency sessions. However, you are always welcome to reach out to see if there are any sessions available that day or week, or to be put on a waitlist in the case a session time opens up last minute. Please do not hesitate to reach out, however, if your psychologist is not available here are some emergency/crisis support resources:

Distress Centre (403) 266 - 4357

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline @ 9-8-8

Access your nearest emergency department