Counselling
Family and Community Services are available by phone to connect you to support.
780-464-4044
Call-in hours:
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (extended hours)
Need help now? Crisis support numbers
Life is complicated and everyone has difficulties from time to time. People come to counselling for a wide range of reasons.
If you have concerns related to relationships, financial, housing, stress, parenting and others, call us to connect you to support.
Support is available: 780-464-4044
Address: Family and Community Services
Second Floor, East Wing Community Centre
401 Festival Lane
Sherwood Park, AB T8A 5P7
Phone: 780-464-4044
Fax: 780-449-1220
Email: familyandcommunity@strathcona.ca
Counselling Frequently Asked Questions
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Counselling can help you improve your mental wellness and learn new coping strategies for day to day stressors. Many people benefit from accessing the perspective of a trained professional who can help you get information and explore an area of your life you would like to change. Our counselling focuses on your strengths, what is important to you and you gaining a deeper understanding about the changes you want to make for yourself. You walk out with a plan of action to take the next steps you that you want.
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At this time we are only able to respond to residents by phone and as such will not be able to provide a therapy based counselling session but a chance to discuss your concerns, safety and the supports that you need today. After giving your information to our call centre staff you will receive a call back from a counsellor to support you with your concerns. Service times will be dependent upon call volume so we ask for patience during this time.
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How long should I plan to be at my counselling session?
3. How long should I plan to be at my counselling session?
Permanent link to How long should I plan to be at my counselling session?As this is a walk-in service, the time you wait depends on the number of other people also wanting to meet with counsellors when you arrive. On average people wait approximately 15 minutes after completing their paperwork and then meet with their counselling team between 60 to 90 minutes. Your time is valuable and we are committed to meeting with you as quickly as we can.
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Our fees are “pay what you can afford.” This means your session fee can be anything between free ($0) and $90. On average, people pay $32 per session.
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The counselling team consists of regulated professionals who are qualified and trained to provide counselling services. Our team includes psychologists, clinical social workers, certified counsellors and graduate level counselling students.
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Yes. Your information is kept confidential and is only accessed on a need-to-know basis. We strictly adhere to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).
It is required by law to report identified abuse/harm to a child under the age of 18 or if there is a reason to believe that a person’s life may be in danger.
Our counsellors are legally obligated to comply if court-ordered by a judge to appear in court through a subpoena.
If you have questions or concerns about these limits to confidentiality, please bring them forward to your counsellor or ask to speak with the program manager.
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Do I see the same counsellor each time?
7. Do I see the same counsellor each time?
Permanent link to Do I see the same counsellor each time?If you return for counselling for additional supports, the same clinician(s) may not always be available. No need to worry about "starting from the beginning" or retelling your story because we have access to detailed notes from your last visit. Besides the reason you may be coming this time may be different from the last time.
Consistently, our participants tell us they are surprised that seeing different counsellors each time didn’t end up mattering – they got the support they needed regardless if they saw the same counsellor as last time or not.
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Why does Family and Community Services not offer appointments for counselling?
8. Why does Family and Community Services not offer appointments for counselling?
Permanent link to Why does Family and Community Services not offer appointments for counselling?Our walk in counselling model allows people to access counselling when they need it without experiencing the long delays that are often associated with appointments. If today’s the day you want to make a change, come on in.
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Research has shown the benefits of including the children’s parents / caregivers in the action plan increases the likelihood of making positive difference for the child. As such, it is our practice to include parents in finding a solution and co-creating an action plan to address the challenges experienced their children.
If your child is under the age of 16 and you have a joint custody agreement, the other parent must consent for the child/youth to attend counselling unless explicitly stated otherwise in the parenting agreement.
Please email us at familyandcommunity@strathcona.ca or call our office (780-464-4044) with any questions.
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Are counselling services offered in rural Strathcona County?
10. Are counselling services offered in rural Strathcona County?
Permanent link to Are counselling services offered in rural Strathcona County?Not yet. This is something we would like to explore if there is a sufficient need. If you are interested in receiving counselling in a rural location please email us at familyandcommunity@strathcona.ca or call our office (780-464-4044).
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Can I visit counselling more than once?
11. Can I visit counselling more than once?
Permanent link to Can I visit counselling more than once?Yes. You are welcome back to continue your progress or with new challenges.
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Do you have parking? Are you accessible by bus?
12. Do you have parking? Are you accessible by bus?
Permanent link to Do you have parking? Are you accessible by bus?Underground Parkade: Public parking is available in the underground Community Centre Parkade accessible off Brentwood Boulevard across from Salisbury Composite High School. The first two hours are free and you need to register your license plate at the pay stations. Additional time is $2 per hour. The maximum daily rate is $10.
Street Level Parking: There is also street level parking at on Festival Lane, Festival Avenue and Festival Way. This is available at no charge for the time specified on the posted signs ( 2 hrs, 5 mins, during specific hours). Please read the signs carefully as the vary from place to place.
Bus Routes: Our office is accessible by bus routes – 443, 443A, 450 and 493.
