Choose what you pay
Counselling rates in Victoria & Mill Bay, BC
Pick the rate tier that fits your budget, from licensed counsellors to supervised Master’s-level interns, and you never have to show proof of income.
- No proof of income necessary
- First session free with an intern
- Direct billing to most plans
- In person or online
Three pricing tiers, based on experience and training
Good support shouldn’t depend on your income. Our rates are set by each counsellor’s level of training and registration, so you can choose the price that works for you. Every counsellor is held to the same standards of care and confidentiality.
Tier 1
Licensed counsellors
From $150 / hour
- IndividualFrom $150
- Couples$185
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Registered Social Workers (RSW) and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) with full registration and years of clinical experience.
A good fit if you’re working through something complex or long-standing, or your extended health plan only reimburses registered counsellors.
Tier 2
Counsellors awaiting registration
$100 / hour
- Individual$100
Their Master’s degree and practicum are complete. They’re now finishing the supervised clinical hours needed for full registration.
A good fit if you want a fully trained counsellor at a lower rate than Tier 1.
First session free
Tier 3
Master’s-level intern counsellors
$35 / hour
- First sessionFree
- Individual$35
- Couples$70
Master of Counselling and Master of Social Work students in their clinical practicum, working under close supervision from our licensed team.
A good fit if you’re looking for low-cost counselling, or want to try therapy without paying for the first session.
Included at every tier
- A free 20-minute consult before you book
- No proof of income, ever
- Sessions at our Victoria or Mill Bay office, or online
- Clinical supervision and support from our licensed team
- Freedom to switch counsellors or tiers whenever you need to
Other ways to cover the cost
Insurance or a provincial program may pay for some or all of your sessions. Coverage rules differ, so ask us when you book and we’ll help you check.
Extended health benefits
We bill most major extended health plans directly, so you only pay any amount your plan doesn’t cover. Many plans reimburse only registered counsellors, which means Tier 1.
How direct billing worksICBC
If you were injured in a car crash in BC, ICBC may cover your counselling sessions.
ICBC counsellingCrime Victim Assistance Program
If you’ve been affected by a violent crime in BC, CVAP may pay for counselling.
CVAP counsellingStill deciding?
Not sure which tier fits?
Answer a few questions and we’ll suggest counsellors who match your needs and budget, or talk it through with us on a free 20-minute call.
Tier 3
Why see an intern counsellor?
Our interns are in the final stage of a Master’s program. They meet with a licensed clinician who reviews their work, and they bring fresh training to every session.
Fresh training, current research, and time to focus fully on you.
Affordable
The first session is free, then $35 an hour. It’s the lowest-cost way to start therapy in Victoria or Mill Bay.
Supervised
Every intern works under a licensed clinician who reviews their cases.
Carefully selected
We accept a small number of Master of Counselling and Master of Social Work students each year, chosen for academic standing, interpersonal skill and commitment to client care.
Interns commonly help with stress and anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and communication problems, grief and trauma.
Our counsellors by tier
Tap a face to read their profile, then book directly or ask us to connect you.
Tier 1: Licensed
From $150 an hour
Tier 2: Awaiting registration
$100 an hour
Tier 3: Intern counsellors
First session free, then $35 an hour
Questions about our rates
How much does counselling cost at Strength in Heart?
Individual counselling is from $150 an hour with a licensed counsellor, $100 an hour with a counsellor awaiting registration and $35 an hour with a Master’s-level intern. Your first session with an intern is free.
What’s the difference between the three tiers?
Experience and registration status. Tier 1 counsellors are fully registered and usually have the most years in practice. Tier 2 counsellors have finished their degree and are completing supervised hours toward registration. Tier 3 counsellors are in their final practicum and work under active supervision from our licensed team. Every tier follows the same standards of confidentiality and professional care.
Do I need to show proof of income?
No. You choose the tier that fits your budget.
Does the free first session apply to every tier?
The free first session is with Tier 3 intern counsellors. Every tier offers a free 20-minute phone consult before you book, and your first full session with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 counsellor is charged at that tier’s rate.
Is an intern counsellor a good fit for trauma or serious concerns?
Often, yes. Our interns are trained in trauma-informed approaches and closely supervised. If you’re in crisis, managing a complex diagnosis, or returning to something that hasn’t improved with past therapy, we may suggest starting with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 counsellor. We can help you decide during your free consult.
Will my insurance cover sessions?
It depends on your plan. Many extended health plans only reimburse fully registered counsellors (RCC, RSW or CCC), which is Tier 1. We offer direct billing to most major insurers, and counselling may also be covered through ICBC or CVAP.
How much is a couples session?
Couples counselling is $185 an hour with a licensed counsellor and $70 an hour with an intern counsellor.
Can I switch counsellors or tiers later?
Yes. Plenty of clients start with an intern and later move to a licensed counsellor, or the other way around, as their needs or budget change. Let us know and we’ll help with the transition.