Face-to-Face Professional Counselling
Distress Centre Calgary understands that some issues require more in-depth support. That’s why our professional crisis counsellors provide free counselling for individuals, couples, and families. We offer both evening and emergency appointments.
Counselling is not a 24-hour service.
Our counsellors are regulated professionals with the Alberta College of Social Workers or the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you’re interested in getting started, fill out the intake form below or call our crisis line at 403-266-HELP (4357) and ask for an intake to counselling.
If you submit an intake and do not hear back from our Intake Worker within three days, call our intake line at 403-817-3020.
Counselling Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of counselling is offered at Distress Centre Calgary?
We provide free, general, short-term crisis counselling at Distress Centre Calgary. One to six counselling sessions are provided to help support an individual, family, or couple coping with a crisis. Please note that we do not provide specialized assessments or treatment for specific mental health/psychiatric disorders.
What should I expect after I complete an intake?
Our intake coordinator will contact you by phone in 3 to 4 days to ask questions and set up an appointment if our counselling is a good fit for you. You need access to a phone—we cannot communicate with you by email because of its privacy limitations.
Is drop-in counselling available?
Walk-in counselling services are suspended until further notice. If you would like to see a counsellor, please call our crisis line (403-266-4357).
Where is your office located?
Our offices are located in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at Suite 500, 999 8th Street SW. Please note that we are not able to provide counselling services outside of the province of Alberta.
If I have mobility concerns, am I still able to attend counselling at Distress Centre?
Yes, our offices on floor 5 are accessible by elevator.
If I have a service animal am I able to bring it with me to counselling?
Yes, service animals are welcome to attend counselling with you. Just let the intake coordinator know that you’ll want to bring your service animal with you.
Is there a cost for counselling at Distress Centre Calgary?
No, our counselling services are free of charge.
Accreditation
Having met the 2023 Edition of Standards, our counselling program is accredited with the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services. This was granted on June 13, 2025.
The Need for Mental Health Support in Our Community
Mental health challenges affect a significant portion of the Canadian population. Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians—about 6.7 million people—live with a mental illness, and this number is projected to rise to 8.9 million by 2041. Despite this widespread need, many individuals struggle to access support: of the 5.3 million people who reported needing mental health services, 23% said their needs were only partially met, while 32% reported their needs were not met at all.
In Alberta, the urgency is particularly clear. The rate of suicide is 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 10.9. Half of all suicide deaths in Alberta occur in Edmonton and Calgary, emphasizing the pressing need for accessible, timely, and professional mental health services in our province.
Our counselling program is designed to respond to this need by offering free, professional counselling to individuals, couples, and families. Through counselling sessions, we ensure that support is available when it’s needed most.
Our Impact
In 2024, our counselling program responded to 2,420 counselling contacts, providing professional counselling support to 387 clients.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counselling contacts | 2,157 | 2,012 | 2,420 |
| % of surveyed clients reporting they were better able to cope at the end of counselling | 95% | 92% | 94% |
| % of surveyed clients reporting they were better able to cope 60-90 days post counselling | 77% | 90% | 89% |
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
Volunteering in Calgary: Connection in Action
At Distress Centre Calgary, connection is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or face-to-face interaction, every service we provide begins with one human reaching [...]Read More... from Volunteering in Calgary: Connection in Action
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Hope in Every Action: Your Q2 Impact
This past spring, your generosity made hope tangible for thousands of people. From April through June 2025, your support helped more than 10,000 people connect to vital services through 211—people [...]Read More... from Hope in Every Action: Your Q2 Impact
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Bridging Gaps for Better Outcomes: The Community Information Exchange is Coming Soon
Imagine you’re in a vulnerable state, and your world has just turned upside down. You need help from one of Calgary’s services, but instead of getting help right away, you’re [...] READ
How to Support a Friend who is in Crisis
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Help Empower Youth with ConnecTeen through Rogers Birdies for Kids
We’re excited to share that the Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink campaign is officially underway! This incredible initiative offers a powerful way to amplify your support for youth [...]Read More... from Help Empower Youth with ConnecTeen through Rogers Birdies for Kids
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2024 Annual Report is Available Now
Distress Centre Calgary is here for you during life’s toughest moments. We provide immediate support to help-de-escalate crises and improve your situation, while guiding you towards long-term well-being. In 2024, [...]Read More... from 2024 Annual Report is Available Now
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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