Face-to-Face Professional Counselling
Distress Centre 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, call our crisis line at 403-266-HELP (4357) and ask for an intake to counselling.
Counselling Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of counselling is offered at Distress Centre?
We provide free, general, short-term crisis counselling at Distress Centre. 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?
No, our counselling services are free of charge.
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.
Partnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
The arrival of spring signals the end of the winter season of the Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response (CCEWR). For Distress Centre, that means wrapping up our Coordinated Entry work [...]Read More... from Partnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
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Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
March is Social Work Month, the perfect time to spotlight some of the incredible social workers at DC who work in a variety of roles serving individuals and the community. [...]Read More... from Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
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What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
Community service, in essence, is work that benefits your community, often done without compensation. Engaging in community service not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of fulfillment and connection within the community. [...]Read More... from What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
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How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
Everyone can experience anxiety differently, but some strategies that may help include mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, and breathing exercises. If you’re experiencing debilitating panic attacks, finding yourself using substances to cope, or having thoughts of self-harm, it’s time to seek support. [...]Read More... from How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
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Why Is Volunteering Important?
Volunteering can be a crucial element of nonprofit organizations that offer essential services in your community, catalyzing positive change, helping those with nowhere else to turn, and offering a plethora of personal and professional benefits for volunteers [...]Read More... from Why Is Volunteering Important?
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10 Types of Grief Explained
There are many different forms of grief. Some of the most common types include: Normal grief Anticipatory grief Complicated grief Disenfranchised grief Collective grief Ambiguous grief Absent grief Secondary grief Cumulative grief Traumatic grief [...]Read More... from 10 Types of Grief Explained
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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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 Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. 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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