Connect Counselling & Therapy Society is a registered charitable organization that has served the Central Okanagan since 1986. Our work is grounded in the belief that access to counselling should not be limited by financial circumstances.

We provide professional counselling services delivered by trauma-informed, trained counsellors who prioritize safety, dignity, and respect. Through free and funded counselling programs, we support individuals, children, and families who may not otherwise be able to access care.

Access and Sustainability

As a registered charity, Connect relies on public funding, grants, and community support to deliver counselling services. While funding helps make these programs possible, it does not cover the full cost of care.

An annual intake fee is requested to access services at Connect. This fee helps support the sustainability of our programs.

If financial circumstances make this difficult, there is no expectation to pay. We will always work with individuals and families to find a solution that supports access to care.

Available Free & Funded Counselling Programs

The programs below are offered at no cost to eligible participants. Availability, referral requirements, and wait times vary by program.

Women’s Counselling (The Stopping the Violence Program)

• Who it’s for: Women who have experienced sexual assault, violence/abuse in relationships, or childhood abuse

• What’s offered: Feminist and trauma informed individual and/or group counselling focused on identifying and addressing the dynamics and impact of abusive and/or violent experiences, exploring past and present coping strategies, and fostering the development and strengthening of personal coping skills.

• How to access: Contact the Connect office or call 250-860-3181 to learn about referral pathways and availability

• How its funded: This program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada and its partnership with the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia.

Adult Short-Term Mental Health Counselling

• Who it’s for: Adults experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, or life transitions

• What’s offered: Short-term, trauma-informed and trained individual counselling focused on stabilization, coping strategies, and next steps

• How to access: Referrals are typically coordinated through Adult Mental Health. To begin the referral process, call 310-MHSU (310-6478)

• How its funded: This program is made possible by the generous support of Interior Health. 

Child, Youth & Family Counselling

• Who it’s for: Children, youth, and families navigating emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges

• What’s offered: Trauma-informed individual and family counselling supporting emotional regulation, communication, and healthy relationships

• How to access: Referrals are coordinated through Child and Youth Mental Health. To begin the referral process, call 778-699-2272

• How its funded: This program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of British Columbia's Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Sexually Intrusive Behaviours (SIB) Counselling Program

• Who it’s for: children and their families navigating problems that have compromised healthy sexual development; specifically, children under the age of 12 (and those over the age of 12 following consultant with Child and Youth Mental Health Team leadership).
  

• What’s offered: specialized and trauma-informed individual and family counselling; focused on identifying and addressing unmet needs and stressors, and learning healthy sexual development, appropriate boundaries and prosocial skills.
  

• How to access: Referrals are required and are coordinated through the Child and Youth Mental Health Team (call 778-699-2272).

• How its funded: This program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of British Columbia's Ministry of Child and Family Development. 

Getting Started

If you are unsure which program may be appropriate or how to begin, our office team can help guide you through the next steps.

Contact us