Connect Counselling & Therapy Society is a community-based, non-profit organization providing accessible, professional counselling services in Kelowna and across the Central Okanagan.

Since 1986, Connect has supported individuals, children, youth, and families through counselling, education, and community-based programs grounded in safety, dignity, and respect.

Our Story

Connect Counselling & Therapy Society was incorporated in February 1986 as the Kelowna Family Service Centre Society, with a clear purpose: to provide counselling and education that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the broader community.

In 1987, the organization was awarded its first contract with the Ministry of Health, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with government and community partners committed to accessible mental health care.

Over the years, Connect has evolved alongside the community it serves. From its early locations in Rutland and downtown Kelowna to its current home on Cooper Road, the organization has continually adapted to meet changing needs while remaining grounded in its original mission.

Who We Are Today

Today, Connect is a registered charitable organization with a broad funding base that includes provincial ministries, foundations, community grants, and private donations.

In 2019, the organization completed a rebrand to Connect Counselling & Therapy Society, reflecting both its growth and its commitment to modern, trauma-informed practice. In 2020, Connect transitioned from primarily analog operations to digital systems, expanding access through hybrid counselling, online booking, and virtual services.

Connect now offers counselling through multiple access pathways, including free and funded programs, low-cost services, fee-for-service counselling, and coverage through programs such as Crime Victim Assistance (CVAP), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), ICBC, Autism Funding, extended health benefits, and private pay.

Our Role in the Central Okanagan

Connect serves communities from Peachland to Oyama, supporting a regional population of approximately 225,000 people.

We are respected within the Central Okanagan for our accountability, responsiveness to community needs, and strong collaboration with other service providers. Our work is embedded within coordinated community responses to trauma, family violence, mental health challenges, and life transitions.

Connect provides a welcoming, safe, and confidential environment where individuals and families can access skilled support during times of challenge and change.

Our Approach to Care

Our counselling services are delivered by qualified, trauma-trained professionals working within ethical, client-centred, and evidence-informed frameworks.

We recognize that wellbeing is shaped by personal experience, relationships, culture, and systems. Our approach emphasizes safety, collaboration, choice, and respect—supporting people as whole individuals within their unique contexts.

Across all programs, we are committed to reducing barriers, preserving dignity, and ensuring that care remains accessible, compassionate, and responsive.

Training, Innovation & Community Impact

In addition to direct service delivery, Connect plays a role in advancing trauma-informed practice locally and beyond.

Over the past several years, Connect has partnered with the Somatic Experiencing Institute (SEI) to host Somatic Experiencing® training in Kelowna, welcoming more than 180 participants from across Canada and around the world. This internationally recognized training supports professionals working with trauma and has also contributed positively to Kelowna’s local economy and tourism sector.

The organization has been recognized by local partners, including the Hyatt Hotel Kelowna, for its contribution to community engagement and regional impact.

Why Access Matters

Demand for mental health support continues to grow, and not everyone can afford private counselling.

Connect operates as a social enterprise, where fee-for-service counselling helps fund free and low-cost services for individuals, children, and families who might otherwise go without support.

This model allows Connect to respond to community needs with flexibility, accountability, and sustainability—ensuring access to care remains at the heart of our work.

Looking Ahead

As community needs continue to evolve, Connect remains committed to learning, collaboration, and thoughtful growth.

Our future is rooted in the same values that have guided us for nearly forty years: trust, compassion, accessibility, and a belief in the strength and resilience of individuals and communities.

Learn More

We invite you to explore our services, learn about our impact, or discover ways to support access to care in the community.

Phone: 250-860-3181
Email: reception@connectcounsellingandtherapy.com