We believe finding the right fit with your counsellor is *the* most important part of counselling!

It can feel overwhelming, so we are here to help you.

Please fill out the form below and clinic owner Barb will respond with best fit options to help find the right for you!

Contact

First and Last Name(Required)

Phone(Required)

Your Email(Required)

Message(Required)

Consent

Please add me to your newsletter.

CAPTCHA

We can appreciate where you are and the questions you may have when considering counselling. We hope this can answer some of your questions, but please feel free to contact us with any as well.

(See Cost and Coverage area below). And Yes, we Direct Bill!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

If you are asking that question, it probably is. You do not need to be in crisis to come. We believe everyone has stuff, and everyone deserves a safe space, a good listener, and some tools that actually work. You are worth this.

How do I book an appointment?

Three ways to connect:

• Book an appointment anytime: alivecounselling.janeapp.com
• Email us: [email protected]
• Fill out our Find the Right Fit form on our website and Barb will personally reply with a recommendation and booking links.

What if I am not sure which therapist is right for me?

Finding the right fit is the most important part of counselling! Here is how we help with that.

• Browse our team at alivecounselling.com/team. Every therapist has a full bio and specialty list. You are also able to see their schedules to find alignment and book directly in.
• Fill out our Find the Right Fit form and Barb will personally respond with a recommendation tailored to you.
• Email us at [email protected] or [email protected].
• Barb is not currently taking new general counselling clients, but she is always happy to help you find the right person on our team.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. Most of our therapists offer a free 10-minute complimentary consultation by phone or online so you can get a sense of the fit before committing. When you book at alivecounselling.janeapp.com, look for the Complimentary Consultation option on each therapist’s profile. Not all therapists offer this, so if you do not see it listed, you are welcome to book a regular first session or reach out by email to ask.

You do not need to do a consultaiton first, you are welcome to book an appointment here, or read more below:

Online Sessions

• How it works:
  – All online sessions are conducted securely through Jane App.
  – No extra software is needed.
  – One hour before your appointment, you will receive an email with your secure session link. Simply click it to begin.
  – Find a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection before your session.
  – Phone sessions are also available. Your therapist will call you at your scheduled time.

In-Person Sessions

• We are located at 205-307 Banks Rd, Kelowna, BC, on the second floor of the Banks Centre.
• There is no elevator access. There is a short staircase with a landing to reach our floor.
• The building locks outside of regular business hours. Your therapist will come down to meet you just before your appointment. Please arrive on time and plan accordingly.
  

Cost, Coverage, & Cancellation Policy

What does a session cost and how do I pay?

Session fees at Alive Counselling vary by service type and therapist designation. Here is a full breakdown:

How to pay:

Payment is due on the day of your session. We offer four easy options:

• Direct billing — We direct bill most major insurers, including Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and Pacific Blue Cross. We handle the paperwork so you do not have to.
• Insurance reimbursement — If your plan does not allow direct billing, you pay at the time of your session and submit your receipt to your insurer for reimbursement. We provide a receipt with everything your insurer needs.
• Credit card on file — The simplest option. Add your card securely through Jane App and it is charged automatically on the day of your session. Nothing to think about.
• E-transfer — Send payment to [email protected] on the day of your session.

For any questions about insurance, coverage, or billing, our admin Erin is your go-to: [email protected]

What is your cancellation policy?

Your appointment is prepared for and reserved specifically for you. We require 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Due to high demand and a growing waitlist, late cancellations and no-shows are subject to the full session fee. If something comes up, please reach out as soon as you can.

What if I need to book within 24 hours?

If you see a Contact to Book option in Jane App, the appointment is within our 24-hour scheduling window. In that case, please email the therapist directly at [email protected] to confirm availability (i.e. [email protected])

We have an incredible team of therapists with a wide range of specialties, designations, and availability, including evenings and weekends. Here is an overview of who we are.

Alive Counselling welcomes everyone. Whatever your background, your beliefs, or your story, there is a place for you here. For those who want to incorporate their Christian faith into their sessions, we have a number of therapists who specialize in faith-integrated care. For those who prefer a fully secular approach, we have wonderful therapists for that, too. You decide what feels right. Every person on our team is committed to a safe, non-judgmental space for you.

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)  |  $150 per session

RCCs hold a Master’s degree in counselling and are registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Most extended health plans cover RCC services. As of July 2025, most insurance companies, including Pacific Blue Cross now offer direct billing for RCCs.

Registered Social Workers (RSW)  |  $150 per session

RSWs are registered with the BC College of Social Workers. Many employer group plans cover RSW services. Coverage and direct billing availability vary by plan, so we recommend confirming with your insurer.

Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)  |  $150 per session

CCCs are certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Coverage varies by plan. We recommend confirming with your insurer.

Lower Fee Therapists  |  Starting at $125 per session

These therapists have completed their Master’s of Counselling programs and are awaiting designation. They work under the direct clinical supervision of Barb Egan, RCC, ACS. All receipts are issued with Barb’s supervisor license number, which means many insurance plans will reimburse. This is a wonderful, accessible option.

Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC)  |  $125 per session

• Our RPCs are online only and work under the direct supervision of Barb Egan, RCC, ACS.
• Our RPCs:
• Shonah Nykiforuk, RPC: Online only. Couples, Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Christian Counselling.
• Shawna Scafe, RPC-Provisional: Online only. Moms, Relationships, Marriage, Intentional Living, Christian Counselling.

What are your session fees? (Check out our specific therapist and session offerings here on our Jane App or the overview below)

Do you direct bill insurance?

Yes, where we are enrolled. We direct bill Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Green Shield, Pacific Blue Cross, and other major insurers. Please note that Desjardins does not allow electronic billing for counselling at this time. Those clients pay and submit for reimbursement through their plan.

Whether your plan covers counselling depends on your individual benefits package. Some plans do not allow RSWs to direct bill, so you will want to check that with your insurer. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your covered designations, annual maximum, and whether online sessions are included. For any billing questions, our admin Erin is your go-to: [email protected]

Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy

• Play is a child’s language. Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach for children ages 5- 10 (ish).
• An initial parent or guardian consultation (30 min, $85) is strongly recommended before your child’s first session.
• Learn more at alivecounselling.com/services/play-therapy/

• Play Therapy and Child and Youth Therapists:
• Abbie Hildebrand, RSW (ages 4 and up): Play Therapy, Sandtray. $150 for 50 min | $100 for 30 min
• Hannah Fiechter (ages 5 and up, neurodivergent, ADHD): Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy. Lower fee. $125 for 50 min | $62.50 for 30 min
• Sadie Mitchell (ages 5 and up, neurodivergent, ADHD): Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy. Lower fee. $125 for 50 min
• Laura Belland, RCC (ages 5 and up): Play Therapy, Family, ADHD. $150 for 50 min | $100 for 30 min. Online and phone only as she is currently on maternity leave.
• Samantha Cooper, RCC (10 and up)

Child, Youth, and Teen Counselling

• Child, Youth, and Teen Therapists
• Male therapists: Zach Heth, RSW and Erik Olson, RCC (12 and up)
• Kayla Davies (13 and up)
• Janelle Martens (14 and up, ASD, neurodivergent),
• Tekarra Banser and Maya Green (15 and up)
• Abbie Hildebrand, RSW (ages 4 and up): Play Therapy, Sandtray. $150 for 50 min | $100 for 30 minLaura Belland, RCC (ages 5 and up): Play Therapy, Family, ADHD. $150 for 50 min | $100 for 30 min. Online and phone only.
• Hannah Fiechter (ages 5 and up, neurodivergent, ADHD): Play Therapy. Lower fee. $125 for 50 min | $62.50 for 30 min
• Sadie Mitchell (ages 5 and up, neurodivergent, ADHD): Lower fee. $125 for 50 min
• Samantha Cooper, RCC (10 and up)

Couples Counselling  (In Person & Online)

• $170 for 50 min | $252 for 90 min
• Couples Therapists:
• Cammie Ouellette
• Robin Gabert,RCC
• Maya Green (Gottman Level 1), RCC
• Janelle Martens, RSW
• Laura Belland (RCC, online),
• Shonah Nykiforuk (RPC, online),
• Barb Egan (RCC, online)

Family Counselling  (In Person & Online)

|  $170 for 50 min | $252 for 90 min

• Family Therapists:
• Janelle Martens, RSW
• Erik Olson, RCC
• Laura Belland, RCC (online only)
• Barb Egan, RCC (online)

Christian Counselling (In Person & Online)

• Faith-Integrated Counselling:A live Counselling welcomes everyone. Whatever your background, your beliefs, or your story, you belong here. For those who want to incorporate their Christian faith into their counselling experience, we have therapists who specialize in exactly that. For those who prefer a secular approach, we have wonderful therapists for you too. You get to decide what feels right for you.
  
  Christian counselling therapists:
• Barb Egan (RCC),
• Zach Heth (RSW),
• Erik Olson (RCC),
• Sadie Mitchell,
• Shenaya Matvieshen (RCC),
• Kayla Davies (CCC),
• Shonah Nykiforuk (RPC),
• Shawna Scafe (RPC-Provisional),
• Abbie Hildebrand (RSW),
• Hannah Fiechter

Sports Mental Performance  |  Barb Egan (Online)

• Barb is a former elite hockey player and professional coach at USA Hockey, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Ohio State (NCAA Division-1), University of British Columbia (USports), and Elite Goalies professional goaltending coaching company with Hockey Canada. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor specializing in mental health and mental performance for athletes. She works with athletes from AAA youth through WHL, USHL, NCAA, PWHL, NHL, and Olympic levels across multiple sports. She brings personal and professional experience that is rare in this space.
• Barb offers online mental performance coaching.
• Learn more: alivecounselling.com/services/sports-psychology-sports-counselling-for-sports-performance/

Book with Barb for Mental Performance Coaching

Clinical Supervision  |  Barb Egan, RCC, ACS, LPC MHSP (Online)

• Barb is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BCACC, one of a select group in BC with this designation. She offers individual and group online supervision for RCCs, provisionally registered counsellors, and graduate students across Canada.
• Learn more: alivecounselling.com/services/clinical-supervision-of-counsellors-and-graduate-students/

Book a Clinical Supervision Session with Barb

EMDR Therapy: Robin & Erik, (In Person & Online)

• EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD.
• Sessions run 60 or 90 minutes.
• Learn more at alivecounselling.com/services/emdr-therapy/
• EMDR Therapists:
• Erik Olson, RCC: EMDR, PTSD, Complex Trauma, Family. In-person and online. 60 min $150 | 90 min $190
• Robin Gabert, RCC: EMDR with somatic focus, Couples, Grief, Menopause. In-person and online. 60 min $150 | 90 min $190

Book an EMDR Appointment

More Specialty Areas at Alive Counselling

More Common Questions:

Do you offer Online Therapy and In-Person Therapy?

Yes, we offer flexible online and phone counselling throughout British Columbia, and in-person counselling in Kelowna, British Columbia. Our office is located at 307 Banks Rd, 205, Kelowna.

• In-Person, In-Office Therapy
• Online Therapy (with video)
• Phone Therapy (without video)
• Walk & Talk Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Sports Performance 
• EMDR Therapy

Are you taking new clients? Yes!

Yes! We are a team of like-minded therapists, so you can can find the right fit with your therapist and schedule. Meet us, See our availability, and Book an Appointment here.

What is your availability?

• The right fit with your therapist, and your schedule, are so important. We offer a variety of online, phone, and in-office therapy availability from mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
• See our booking site, www.alivecounselling.janeapp.com to view schedules and offerings to find the right fit for you. If you have questions or need help, please contact us and we are happy to help!
• We all offer free consultations as well.
• Do you have availability on the weekends and evenings? (Yes).
• Contact Form

How do I get started?

Meet us, See our availability, and Book an Appointment here.

You are welcome to

• book a complimentary consultation
• or directly book an appointment to get started
• or fill out the form/email us to answer any questions

You can view our availability and book directly in on our booking link http://www.alivecounselling.janeappcom. You can also fill out the Contact form Once you reach out, we will answer any questions you have. Upon booking, you will also be able to fill out the Intake and Consent Form directly online where you state some information (name, date of birth, etc. like at a doctor’s office) and “reason for counselling”, which is all confidential. You can share in as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable; that is what our first session is for and we will help facilitate that. Other areas of confidentiality are also covered here. You are able to review and sign the information surrounding counselling such as confidentiality, cost & coverage, as well as the 24-hour cancellation policy. We will review this together in our session as well.

What are counselling sessions like, especially the first one? What will I even talk about?

The first session is mostly to get to know each other and establish connection and trust as those are the most significant factors in the therapy process for success. The majority of therapists are skilled in techniques to help you, but the most important factor is that you feel comfortable and safe enough to open up and have a good connection with your therapist. As humans, we are created for connection. Healing does not happen in isolation or on our own. It happens in connection. And the safe connection in therapy can be one of the most healing relationships. I know it was for me, and we aim to be that for you. 

For most people, they can feel nervous before the first counselling session. This is completely normal! We try to make you feel as welcome and comfortable as possible in a very relational and non-judgemental way.

Some people think

WHAT WILL I TALK ABOUT?” OR

“HOW WILL I EVEN START TALKING?”

Not to worry; we will often ask organic and guided questions to help you feel comfortable and open up to what you feel comfortable with (no pressure, and go at your own pace).

We also provide resources, reflection and journal prompts, apps, readings, podcasts, books, and other exercises between sessions to help you practice and continue growing. Our goal is to empower you with practical tools to enhance your life so that they fit into your real life and real relationships. 

How much do your services cost?

As per the fee recommendation for registered clinical counsellors in British Columbia are found on our governing body, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) ‘s website here.

What is the cost to see a Registered Clinical Counsellor or Registered Social Worker?

BCACC recommends the following fee ranges:

Individual therapy (in person or online per 50 minute session) – $150.00 +
Couples | Family therapy (in person or online per 50 minute session) – $170 +

This scale should be used as a guideline only. Costs will vary per counsellor. Please verify rates with your counsellor directly. It will be clearly shown on the Jane App before booking.

We have do have counsellors who offer lower fee counselling in Kelowna or online.

Will a Registered Clinical Counsellor or Registered Social Workers be covered under my extended health plan?

Every plan is different. Contact your plan provider before your first session to ensure that your plan covers the Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation or Registered Social Worker (RSW). Please note Janelle and and Abbie are RSW’s, the majority of the rest of us are RCC’s, and those who are still under supervision of Barb can still use her license number for coverage.

Can you Direct Bill?

Yes! We can direct bill to Telus Health, ICBC, CVAP, HCOS, Flex Academy, Ministry of Autsim Funding, Manulife, Canada Life, Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield, and more. Any questions on direct billing, please contact our admin [email protected]

Will Registered Clinical Counsellors charge a sliding fee scale?

It is up to the counsellor if they wish to use a sliding fee scale. Please verify this with them directly.

For sliding scale or low fee counselling in Kelowna, please book in here.

Cost & Coverage at Alive Counselling

There are various sessions and therapist options to fit best with your situation, schedule and budget. All are listed in detail on our booking site, https://alivecounselling.janeapp.com/

Payment can be made via etransfer to [email protected] prior to the session. We do have a credit card option via Jane Payments.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Payment can be made via etransfer to [email protected] prior to the session. We do have a credit card option via Jane Payments. We also accept cash

Do you take insurance?

While we do direct bill for extended benefit plans , many other insurance plans provide mental health coverage where you pay for the session and submit the receipt with our license number for reimbursement.

If you are unsure if your benefits cover counselling with a “Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)”or “Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC)”  I recommend calling your insurance company directly. Important questions to ask are, “What are my mental health benefits and amount?” and “Do you cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor?” You can also inquire about “Registered Social Worker”

If you do not have coverage or have used all of your coverage, many clients still pay out of pocket. You will never regret investing in yourself!

We do work with specific third party organizations that we will direct bill to such as 

• ICBC
• Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP),
• Doctors of BC Physician Health Program for physicians, residents, and medical school students. 
• Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)
• HCOS
• Flex Academy
• Our Lady of Lourdes school
• Ministry of Autism Funding

Clients are responsible to cover the remaining amounts. 

How does scheduling work?

You can view our availability and book in directly. During our initial session we will discuss your reason for counselling and goals for counselling to determine the frequency and duration. Ultimately, it is up to you and personalized to you and your unique needs. Especially initially, many clients seeking counselling for anxiety, stress, depression, performance or relational issues will want to meet weekly or biweekly to gain traction and momentum in their new skills. This will not always be the case and will get to a point of a longer duration between appointments until you are at a stable and thriving place to no longer require them. However, you are always welcome to return at any point in your life and for check-ins. We highly recommend that weekly standing appointments be booked on a monthly basis to maintain consistency. We do offer weekend counselling appointments and evening counselling appointments.

How does Online Counselling work?

See the post on Online Counselling here. For Online Counselling you will be emailed a secure link for our online session. This is in congruence with Canadian Healthcare and patient privacy laws. You simply click on the link and begin. It does work best in Google Chrome on a browser, or by downloading the Jane app on your phone. All information on this is in the Intake section once you book an appointment as well.

Meet us, See our availability, and Book an Appointment here.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your session is reserved specifically for you. If you are not able to keep your appointment, we require a 24-hour notice. If this is not possible, you will be charged the regular session fee. Sickness and emergencies are exempted at our discretion. There is usually one grace session for a late cancellation or missed appointment, but it is up to the counsellor and situation.

Is counselling right for me?

Absolutely. We all have “stuff” and can benefit from counselling. We work with all types of people and “stuff.” We are affirming of all backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, and people. Nobody is perfect; everybody is welcome. You are welcome here. We primarily work with men and women who are generally high-functioning and looking for help in areas such as relational difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and performance issues (sport, work, confidence). 

IF YOU ARE THINKING TO YOURSELF “I WANT MORE FOR MYSELF AND MY LIFE AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START” YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

The right fit is the most important part of therapy.

How often should I be in therapy and how long does therapy last?

This is unique to you and your unique situation and goals. The length of time varies greatly between clients and what issues they are working through. The goal is to get you to a place where you are stable, empowered and consistently applying these tools to be who you were created to be and come more alive in these areas. For most anxiety, stress, or depression situations, an average of approximately 6-8 sessions is often recommended to really form new ways of thinking and coping through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, this may be more or may be less depending on your unique situation and goals. For trauma work, this may be longer understandably. 

You are always welcome back at any time and for check-ins. 

Therapy is so personal and personalized to you. We will work with you to personalize your therapy experience, frequency, and duration.

How does confidentiality work?

This is covered extensively in the Intake and Consent form and within our first session. In accordance with healthcare patient privacy laws, all information shared within our session is strictly confidential unless you give written consent for us to share information with a third party. Other exceptions to break confidentiality are if we become aware that there is imminent harm to you or someone else, or if there is any instance of unreported child or elder abuse.

Team Approach

We are a team of therapists that specialize in different demographics, areas, and approaches. We aim to find the right fit for *you* and your unique needs!

As per Barb’s background of athletics, we value a team approach. Therefore, we are happy to work with your medical doctor, naturopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor, and other practitioners to ensure the best possible team care for you with and only if you give your consent. You do not have to. Especially if you are considering medication, we are happy to work closely with your medical professional (naturopath, family doctor, or psychiatrist, etc).