Accessible support when you need it most
Reaching out for support should not feel out of reach. If the cost of therapy has been holding you back, our low-cost counselling services offer a more affordable way to begin your mental health journey.
Our practicum student therapists provide compassionate, evidence-informed counselling for adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by daily demands, navigating a major life change, or simply looking for a space to better understand yourself, you do not have to face it alone.
Our practicum students are completing advanced clinical training while working under the close supervision Dr. Kelly Fredell (Registered Psychologist and Clinic Director). This means you receive thoughtful, high-quality care while benefiting from ongoing clinical guidance, consultation, and support throughout your counselling experience.
At Foothills Integrative, we believe everyone deserves access to meaningful mental health care. Our low-cost counselling services provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, build practical coping strategies, and move toward lasting well-being at a pace that feels right for you.
Who Low-Cost Counselling Supports
Adults (18+ ) who are:
Anxious
Depressed
Stressed
Undergoing a Life Transition
What Benefits Do I Receive by Seeing a Practicum Student for Low-Cost Counselling?
- Affordable rates: Sessions with our practicum students are offered at significantly reduced rates, making these sessions more affordable for individuals working with reduced budgets or limited insurance coverage.
- Fresh knowledge and perspectives: Practicum students brings the most recent innovative and evidence-based counselling methods to their sessions. Eager to learn, their enthusiasm and dedication also contribute to an optimistic in-session atmosphere, enhancing the therapeutic experience and contributing to positive client outcomes.
- High-quality care: While low-cost counselling sessions involve a therapist in-training, our practicum students have been hand-picked for their experience, knowledge, and skills. Their close supervision by Dr. Kelly Fredell further ensures that they have the tools needed to provide compassionate and competent care.
How Does Supervision Work?
Supervision is an important part of professional training that helps ensure clients receive ethical, thoughtful, and evidence-informed care. For the duration of their placement, our practicum students are closely supervised by Dr. Kelly Fredell, Registered Psychologist and Clinic Director.
With your consent, your therapist may consult with Dr. Kelly Fredell about your care, allowing your treatment to benefit from both your therapist's dedicated attention and the clinical expertise of an experienced Registered Psychologist. This collaborative approach brings additional perspectives, insight, and guidance to your case, helping to ensure your treatment is personalized, effective, and grounded in best practices.
For many clients, this means receiving the care of an engaged therapist who is supported by the knowledge and experience of a seasoned clinician. It is a team-based approach that enhances the quality of care while maintaining your privacy, confidentiality, and therapeutic relationship.
Confidentiality
Your privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to the counselling process. Although our practicum student therapist receives regular supervision from a Registered Psychologist, your personal information continues to be protected in accordance with privacy legislation and the ethical standards governing psychological practice.
Clinical supervision is a confidential professional process designed to support high-quality client care. When your therapist consults with their supervisor, any information shared is limited to what is necessary to guide your treatment and enhance your care. Both your therapist and their supervising Registered Psychologist are legally and ethically required to maintain the confidentiality of your personal health information.
Supervision provides an opportunity to thoughtfully review treatment approaches, gain additional clinical insight, and ensure that your care reflects current evidence-informed practices. Our goal is to provide you with the benefits of collaborative clinical expertise without compromising the trust and confidentiality that are essential to a safe therapeutic relationship.
What to Expect
Initial Intake Session
Ongoing Sessions
High Quality Collaborative Care
Why Clients Choose Foothills Integrative
At Foothills Integrative, low-cost therapy services provided by our practicum student are approached with the same care, professionalism, and commitment as every other counselling service we provide. You can expect a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you are met with openness, acceptance, and genuine compassion. We believe meaningful change happens through strong therapeutic relationships, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach that honours your unique experiences, goals, and strengths. Our priority is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered as you work toward lasting positive change.
Take the First Step
Our practicum students offer free 20-minute consultations to help you explore what feels right for you. No pressure, just presence.
In-person sessions in Okotoks and virtual therapy across Alberta
Frequently Asked Questions
Practicum students bring genuine interest, investment, and a willingness to learn that often enhances the therapy experience for clients. While a practicum student is still completing their professional training, they provide compassionate, evidence-informed care under the close supervision of an experienced Registered Psychologist. This means you benefit from the dedicated support of your therapist along with the added clinical guidance, knowledge, and expertise of a supervising psychologist. This approach allows you to access a collaborative approach to your care at a more affordable rate.
Not necessarily. Our practicum students use evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are proven to help people navigate concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Whether you are seeing a Registered Psychologist or a practicum student, the number of sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on your individual goals, circumstances, and the concerns you are bringing to therapy.
Yes! Our low-cost counsellor offers virtual psychotherapy appointments - look for the "teletherapy" option when booking online. However, all neurotherapy or combined psychotherapy and neurotherapy appointments must be done in clinic.
Our practicum students provide low-cost counselling for the duration of their practicum placement, which is typically about eight months. When you begin therapy, your therapist will let you know how much time remains in their placement, so there are no surprises.
From the outset, your therapist will consider the expected end of their placement as part of your treatment planning. If your care is still ongoing when their practicum comes to an end, they will work with you to develop a thoughtful transition plan. This may include transferring your care to another therapist within our clinic or discussing other options that best support your continued progress.
Yes, as our low-cost counsellor is directly supervised by a Registered Psychologist, you can submit your detailed invoice from each session to your insurance for coverage. However, we are unable to direct bill for low-cost counselling sessions performed by a practicum student.
We always recommend confirming coverage with your individual insurance carrier.
