I have been to Calgary counselling centre several times since 2010. I feel uncomfortable giving my real name , even though my review is positive. I saw a Psychologist named Melissa Katona in 2010 for almost a year. She was very supportive, caring, and a great teacher of how to be assertive and get my needs met. Before I met her I didn't know what was wrong with me. Since then I've learned a lot. I have seen other counsellors / Psychologists and they were also helpful. I loved the group therapy and made many friends there. This wasn't allowed at other centre, whereas at CCC friendship was encouraged at group therapy. I would go back to this place and see another Psychologist and group as well. The sliding scale makes this service affordable. Thanks for pairing me well each time read more

I've given this establishment several chances during a few phases of my life, and it honestly did little to help. In fact, I felt worse walking out than I did walking in. I've been through 4 different counsellors during my times here...none were suited for me, sadly. One psychologist didn't even call me back after I had troubles trying to make appointments. Flexibility? Ha, maybe for those who work part time and live close by... The cost is okay. They calculate it off of your income, or lack thereof. If you have cut hours or reduced pay rate, most of the time they will accommodate. If you want a different counsellor because you are unhappy with the progress, you have to reapply and do the admission process all over again. They cannot "transfer" you - it's against policy or something. The therapy is very stilted. It is not like the therapy I used to have, which actually helped me previously. The therapy here is very rigid, not very indepth (i.e. delving into emotions, feelings, your past, etc), and more focused on exercises to help "release any negative feelings" should they arise. I feel like they never really get to the core of the problem and they're just trying to guise whatever is happening and simply push it aside. If you're in dire need of help, by all means do get whatever help you can. This place may be able to help you, even for just a bit. If you want a real recovery, though - I'd go elsewhere. read more

There is a reason this place is reviewed so badly. Do NOT listen to the good reviews. Do NOT go here and waste your time. They are absolutely awful and I would never recommend them. It's not a good place as a client, and it's not a good place to apply if you're getting into the field either. These people have no idea what they're doing and don't deserve any of the funding they are receiving. ESPECIALLY AS A PERSON OF COLOUR/IMMIGRANT DO NOT GO HERE. 0 stars. read more

I think that having CCC in Calgary is very important, however I was very unimpressed by the services provided. I have had contact with two different professionals there and felt like it was a waste of my time. I was at a difficult relationship and I did not feel supported at any time. I don't believe that filling up their questionnaires every single session makes an accurate picture of a persons state of mind. Flexibility in time was non-existent. Just not good! read more

I saw a Psychologist there for 5 months, excellent...excellent...excellent The only thing negative I have to say is that I wasn't told she was temporary. I have seen two other Psychologists since and they were both somewhat helpful. Like every Centre there are Pros and Cons. sometimes you can find a Counsellor that changes your life in a positive way, if you are lucky read more

Through the course of my experience, I've met some really great counsellors who have contributed a great deal to my well being. It may not work for everyone, but it is a valuable resource. read more

DO NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY Management is overly controlling and uses manipulation to confuse and force you into a submission role. This results in you blaming yourself for not fulfilling impossible goals and reorganizing your life centered around work. Your day to day activities are heavily monitored by all management staff and all activities are reported to CEO and your direct manager. Sick time is given but you are encouraged not to use it even if you are sick in any capacity. The "professional" atmosphere is manipulative and abusive. There were countless instances where legitimate workplace bullying took place, to an alarming degree and in front of other staff members. Although such bullying was conducted by executives, other members of upper management were FULLY aware of such instances and completely disregarded them, after multiple witness accounts (including their own); simply waiting for things to be brushed under the rug so they can move on. Management does not communicate or interact professionally or respectfully and they do not hesitate to openly place blame on support staff - often through group settings - completely unprofessional, belittling and abusive. They hold no accountability for their actions and fully micro-manage every task and responsibility. Although the organization is essentially "run" by a Board of Directors, it's fairly evident that they are either kept in the dark about the problems and the way staff are treated, or they're aware and can't be bothered investigating the situation. Which is an even scarier thought than having to be employed here for another day. As a skilled and educated professional (and a human with morals and decency), with various levels of experience, I would not wish my work environment in my short time here on anyone. Calgary Counselling Center needs to undergo huge reorganization in both management staff and management structure. The company as a whole is run but a single individual who oversees all aspects of the company life. Management abuse of subordinates needs to be addressed and corrected for the center to increase staff moral and happiness. As a counselling center its main focus should be providing a safe, happy, and enjoyable working environment instead of using counselling techniques against its own staff negatively impacting their lives. read more

Don't go here. It is impossible to schedule an appointment with your appointed therapist, not to mention the ridiculous prices! I used to go here last year for $57 a session, and I wanted to return this year but I am now working part time and asked for a lower rate. But because I am now living with my boyfriend its $97 a session! Just ridiculous. Trust me, there are MUCH cheaper and better therapists in Calgary. read more

I think CCC gets a bad rap because it's such a busy place, you can feel like you get lost in the shuffle a bit. I have to say I was frustrated that it took some time to get in for my first appointment, but it was well worth the wait. Anything that is fixed quickly and easily isn't really fixed. Keep in mind that this is not a crisis counselling centre. CCC helped me, but I had to be patient with myself and the process. The counsellors (for the most part) are really great. I did work with one counsellor that didn't seem very experienced, but at my request she was able to have me assigned to a different counsellor and it made all the difference. I agree that it may not be for everyone, but if you go in with an open mind, and you really do want the help, you will be rewarded for your patience. read more

I've tried talking with several different counselors because the first 2 i got had very heavy accents and made communication difficult and it seemed like they didn't understand my problems so i chalked it up to a communication problem and tried another counselor. the 3rd and final counselor spoke perfect English which was great but what i started to notice is the cookie cutter responses i got from all 3 counselors. as soon as i said anxiety or depression they would fall into a per-programmed response ignoring everything that i had shared making the hour irrelevant. all you need to do is say Depression! or Anxiety!... nothing else mattered. so sharing humiliating moments that lead to these things became pointless. if you want a counselor that quotes back to you the definition of anxiety and depression i would just stick with google. i even had a counselor show me their text book....because i guess all depression and anxiety are the same and can be corrected in the same manor. save yourself the time, money, and anxiety. it may not be much but i often left feeling more anxious than when i came in. read more

I was very unimpressed with this place. They caused me more stress than the problem I was trying to get help for. First of all, it was not easy to schedule appointments. You have to schedule them with by talking directly to your counsellor, not a receptionist, so you have to play an endless game of phone tag. The first price they quoted me was pretty outrageous, so they told me if I wanted a reduced rate I could see someone who was in training and not yet certified. I decided to take that route so as not to use up all my insurance coverage in 3 visits. So after yet another endless game of phone tag I got an appointment. The location is not ideal - downtown with no parking, so you have to pay to park on the street. I got there and filled out my paperwork and my counsellor finally came and got me, 15 minutes late for our appointment. No reduced rate for a shortened appointment. She was okay, but not very personable. We scheduled another appointment at the end and I went on my way. I arranged childcare for the afternoon of my next appointment. On the morning of the day of my next appointment, I received a call at 10:15 from my counsellor, asking where I was. I told her was sitting at home eating breakfast with my chikdren since my appointment was at 1:00pm. She told me that my appointment was at 10:00 and I was late and asked if I could get there. Yeah, already 15 minutes into the appointment, and I can just find someone to watch my children and get downtown and park and get to the appointment. So she said I would be charged for the missed appointment. I was caught so off-guard that I just told her I'd call back and reschedule. When I did call back, the receptionist was extremely rude. I wanted to ask her if my insurance would cover the missed appointment fee, but she just kept asking me who my counsellor was and trying to transfer me. She wouldn't even let me ask a question, and at one point when I was saying something I could hear her talking to someone else, so I stopped talking and asked if she was even listening to me. I have never had a receptionist do anything so rude! So finally she told me that yes, my insurance would cover the fee, and then transferred me to my counsellor to reschedule. I left a message, and then she called back and left a message saying they won't stamp receipts for missed appointments so no, my insurance wouldn't cover it. I left her another message asking if they could waive the fee, since we didn't know which of us was in the wrong regarding the appointment time. At this point she switched to emails, telling me that I was lucky she was allowing me to reschedule with a balance owing on my account. How incredibly gracious of her! I understand their policy on missed appointments, but if a counsellor calls and I answer and clearly have no idea I'm supposed to be there at that time because I had the appointment for a different time, it seems pretty self-righteous of them to refuse to accept fault for the mistake. One of us was in the wrong, and it seems ridiculous that I should have to pay if we don't know whose mistake it was. She kept saying in her emails to let her know what I wanted to do about our next appointment, which was a pret clear indication I should cancel. After being treated that way by a counsellor, I don't think they are someone I want to be counselled by! Save your time. You might need extra counselling after going to this place. read more

Impossible to deal with. I tried to set something up with them for THREE WEEKS, and never got to talk with a real person. I'm currently working with another cousellor in town, who will cost a bit more; but if it's the choice between spending a few more bucks, and having to put my family through the grief involved, with the best solution I had come up with, then it's a choice I have to make. read more

For a place that is supposed to "focus" on understanding and helping people I didn't feel like I was given either. Seeking help is a stressful and anxiety making endeavour that these professionals should actually understand. We showed up a few minutes late but trying not to panic about it we were met (not greeted) by someone behind the counter when we walked up to it and kind of stood around awkwardly. The woman gave us a bunch of papers to fill out directing us to a room and said she'd be back in 5 minutes to collect them. When she returned we were barely finished the first page and still had many to go. She stood a couple meters away leaning on a desk impatiently while we finished them. When we were done she took off and so we followed. We get to an office, sit down and don't say anything on either end. First off we ask about payment, I had called earlier and inquired about it since it has to go to benefits and it's a lot of money to front. Her immediate response felt threatening saying that maybe we should come back when we can budget better. I honestly have never met anyone in a caring profession not seem to care. Another thing that off put me was that when I asked her about herself she seemed taken aback like how dare I question her. She told me about all of these fancy degrees she had and mentioned something about the number of sessions she does with clients, about 4 then sometimes they come back. That could be a sign that she was able to "fix" people and I asked her about her view on that. Her answer was "just like when you are working for a boss you don't get along with or like I help people learn to deal with it". This "dealing with it" approach could work for some people, what I was looking for was getting the tools I need to deal with inner problems, anxiety, depression and such. So basically we had a terrible first experience and will not be returning. I hope the psychiatrist sees this and recognizes the events and maybe reassess her approach read more

I had one of the best Psychologists there is there for 5 months. She helped me with many aspects of my life. Unfortunately nobody told me she was only there temporarily, that ticked me off. She told me she was leaving only 6 weeks prior to leaving.....disappointing. I saw a couple Psychologists afterwards and it didn't compare. One was focused on CBT and too much on quick fixes rather then getting to the root of the problem. The other was too focued on her performance reviews instead of the clients needs. Ironically, the one who left that helped is the one who was a term position, the ones hired permanently didn't help. But hey they look good on paper! If you can afford 200 an hour and know exactly what you need you would be better off doing your research on the Internet. You may luck out here but be aYware that it could be short term and nobody will tell you until it's too late. read more

Terrible. It was a real waste of time. The counselor said nothing helpful to me. It's very disappointing when you go somewhere to get help and you pay for it but nothing happens. It was waste of time and energy and money. Will never go there again. read more

I was very disappointed in my counselor and the services offered. I'm in a very serious situation and she was dismissive

My experience with the Calgary Counselling Center was pretty pathetic. I had a similar experience as both of the negative reviews on here so far. I finally decided to get help due to suicidal thoughts that were taking over my life and included this info on my intake form. The counselor I had missed several of our appointments, never followed through with planned exercises and seemed completely anxious during our sessions, which never lasted more then 45 min (I was always charged for the full hour though). When I asked the front desk for help with this situation, they offered no apology on behalf of their staff, threw up their hands in defense and told me that I would have to go through my counsellor to discuss any difficulties. I felt this was very inappropriate due to the circumstances. There were are many more complaints I have with this Centre but wont include them here. I simply want to add to the fact that our City is lacking in resources for people (especially women and young adults) in distress or with mental health issues. I've been to three psychologists, but could not continue with them due to astronomical fees. I've also spoken with the distress centre, which was also frustrating as I felt like I was talking to an automated system rather then a person. - Erin read more