Counselling in NW Calgary

Frequently Asked Questions — NW Calgary Counselling

Where is Curio Counselling located, and how do I reach you from NW Calgary?

Curio Counselling is at 1414 8 St SW, Suite 200, inside Mount Royal Place — on the SW Calgary / Beltline border. From inner-NW (Kensington, Hillhurst, Capitol Hill, Hounsfield Heights), we're 10–15 minutes. From mid-NW (Charleswood, Bowness, Montgomery, Edgemont), 15–20 minutes. From outer-NW (Tuscany, Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge), 20–25 minutes, and from the far-NW edge (Sage Hill, Evanston, Kincora) 25–35 minutes. For outer- and far-NW residents, virtual sessions are often the practical primary format.

How much does counselling cost in NW Calgary?

Individual sessions are 50 minutes at $200 with our Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) and Counselling Therapists (CTs). Rates with Registered Psychologists align with the Psychologists' Association of Alberta fee schedule. Calgary therapy fees typically range $160–$235 per session — our rates sit at the accessible end of that range for credentialed clinicians. Alberta Health Care does not cover private therapy, but most extended health benefit plans reimburse some or all of the cost.

Does my insurance cover therapy?

Most extended health benefit plans in Alberta cover counselling. Registered Psychologists are typically covered by all major insurers; Canadian Certified Counsellors and Counselling Therapists are covered by Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Greenshield, Blue Cross, Alberta Blue Cross, and others. AHS staff plans, UCalgary faculty/staff plans, SAIT employee plans, and ATA teacher plans all cover psychology services. We provide insurance-ready receipts after every session.

Do you offer virtual counselling for outer-NW and far-NW residents?

Yes. Every Curio therapist offers secure PIPEDA-compliant video sessions across Alberta. For most outer-NW and far-NW clients in Tuscany, Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge, Edgemont, Sage Hill, Evanston, and surrounding communities, virtual is the format that fits the week. Research consistently shows online therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person care for most concerns. In-person sessions remain available when you want them.

What therapy approaches do you offer?

Our therapists work with evidence-based modalities including CBT, ACT, EFT, IFS, Gottman Method for couples, EMDR for trauma, somatic therapy, narrative therapy, and play and art therapy for younger clients. We match each client with a therapist whose training and approach fits the work you're trying to do.

Do you work with UCalgary faculty, SAIT staff, or healthcare workers at Foothills Medical Centre?

Yes. Several of our therapists have specific experience with academic-sector clients, healthcare professionals, and education-sector workers. UCalgary faculty and staff plans, SAIT employee plans, and AHS staff plans through Alberta Blue Cross all cover psychology services. We provide insurance-ready receipts and can help you understand coverage at the consultation.

Do you offer couples and family counselling?

Yes. Several Curio therapists specialize in couples work using Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Discernment Counselling for couples deciding whether to stay or rebuild. We also provide family counselling for parenting challenges, blended families, parent-teen conflict, multi-generational households, and communication breakdowns.

Do you work with children and teens?

Yes. We work with children ages 4+ using play therapy approaches (primarily in-person at our 8 St SW office) and with teens on anxiety, depression, school stress, identity, peer relationships, and family conflict. For younger children, play therapy gives kids a developmentally appropriate way to express what they can't yet put into words. For older kids and teens, virtual therapy can work well if they have a private space at home.

Are your therapists LGBTQ-affirming?

Yes. Several of our clinicians have lived experience in LGBTQ2S+ communities; all therapists have training in affirming care. Trans, nonbinary, queer, and non-monogamous clients won't be asked to explain the basics, and your identity won't become the focus of the work unless that's what you came in for.

I'm new to therapy. What does the first session look like?

The first session is mostly your therapist getting context — what brought you in, what you've tried, what you're hoping to be different. You don't need a list, a diagnosis, or a clear problem statement to start. Sessions are 50 minutes, fully confidential (with the standard legal exceptions around immediate safety). Most clients start weekly, then adjust frequency as the work progresses.