Depression is a persistent yet sometimes intermittent sadness that repeatedly interferes with your ability to function or enjoy life; depression can affect your physical, mental, relational, and emotional health.

What causes depression?

There is no single cause of depression, but many contributors include substances, prescriptions, life events, biological factors, stress, trauma, relationships, abuse, isolation, anxiety, grief, job loss, illness, and chronic pain.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The DSM-5 outlines the primary symptoms of depression as depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, weight loss or appetite change, reduced physical movement, fatigue or low energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal ideation.

What are the types of depression?

Sometimes depression is defined as mild, moderate, major (clinical depression or major depressive disorder), or persistent (dysthymia). Specific types of depression include seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postpartum depression, psychotic depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Should I take medication for depression?

At Therapy Alberta we believe in a whole person approach to mental health. While research has established therapy is effective for treating depression, it is important to remember your situation is unique, and a combination of therapy and medication may be what works best for you. You can talk to your doctor about medication. Therapy can be effective for people who do not respond well to medication or prefer not to take it.

Youth Counselling in Calgary

Q: How much does depression counselling cost?

Our depression therapy sessions are $200 with a Psychologist or Social Worker with direct billing for most insurance companies, or a receipt to claim for re-imbursement or as a medical expense on your taxes. Sessions with a Certified Canadian Counsellor are $150; check with your insurance to confirm coverage for mental health counselling.

Helping teens find their way forward.

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Counselling for teenagers with two girls in school backpacks

Adolescence is a challenging time.

Teenager playing guitar in expressive arts youth therapy in Calgary

The teenage years are full of growth and change.

Young people are facing new challenges every day while their brains, bodies, and personalities are transforming in many ways.

Growing up can be an exciting and stressful process with lots of ups and downs.

Between home, school, activities, work, and social settings, teens have a lot of expectations to juggle.

Maybe your teenager is:

feeling anxious or overwhelmed
shutting down or isolating
struggling academically or socially
engaging in high-risk activities
acting out or being bullied

Adolescents are journeying between childhood and adulthood - exercising new independence yet still needing a safety net.

Parents want to be able to help, but even within a great relationship, they don't always know how to best support their teen.

Youth also just want to be successful and feel like good kids.

A changing teenage brain can affect every area of their life.

Youth can sometimes struggle with their ability to think clearly, reason, focus, control impulses, regulate, make decisions, and relate to others.

Their changing bodies can also lead to confusion, embarrassment, and shame.

It's common to feel frustrated or discouraged while navigating this journey.

Many teens face challenges with:

intense emotions
conflict in relationships
evolving identities
low self esteem
self-harm or substance use

Therapy for youth can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the difficulties encountered during adolescence.

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Asian youth outside laughing in youth therapy

Youth counselling can help teens better express their thoughts, emotions, worries and dreams.

Group of teens smiling in youth counselling

Youth can be empowered with the confidence to practice skills and try new things.

It's okay to make mistakes. The novelty of gaining control and independence can be matched with the capacity to experiment, make choices, and learn.

When teens trust that they are supported no matter what, they experience the freedom to figure things out with courage and curiosity.

Teens can explore who they are, who they are becoming, and who they wish to be.

It is possible for kids to understand others and themselves, build meaningful relationships, and engage in healthy ways through difficult times.

What if your teen could...

confide in safe adults
connect with family & friends
have a sense of belonging
love themselves
feel prepared for the future

A good therapist helps youth find their own voice and way forward in life.

It's okay to not know what you're doing or what you want yet - sometimes that's the fun part.

Youth can manage the confusion of a changing brain and body, and grow more comfortable in their own skin.

Counselling gives teens a space to bring everything, big or small, even the parts they don't like.

Youth therapy can help teenagers:

explore big topics
navigate difficult transitions
improve self-awareness
nurture better relationships
heal from past hurts

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Teenage girl on phone in counselling in Calgary Alberta

At Therapy Alberta, we strive to create safe counselling spaces so we can support each teen's unique individuality.

You can expect our counsellors to be open-minded and non-judgmental.

Our teen therapy team is affirming of culture, identity and ability. We welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC teens and families.

Our therapists will help youth feel seen, heard, believed, understood and accepted.

We can support teens struggling at home or school with anger, anxiety, depression, emotions, grief, identity, self-esteem, or trauma.

Some approaches to youth counselling include:

We offer online and in person counselling so youth can connect to a therapist anywhere in Calgary and Alberta.

The best therapist to meet your unique needs might live in a different area.

We love online youth therapy because it's convenient, private and flexible.

You'll love online counselling if you are:

busy with a full schedule
comfortable in your own space
familiar with phone or video calls
okay skipping the trip to the office

We build great relationships online and sometimes the distance makes it a little easier to connect.

Our therapists offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your family's lifestyle.

Online youth counselling for teens in Calgary

It's time to thrive.

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You might still have some questions or concerns about youth counselling...

How do we choose a youth counsellor?

You can let your teen read our youth counselling page and our therapist bios, and they can decide who they feel most comfortable with. You or your teen can meet the therapist for a free consultation first. If you're not sure who to choose, we can help match you to the therapist best equipped to meet your teen's needs & availability.

Is teen counselling private and confidential?

Our family counsellors discuss with parents and teens what information will be kept private and what will be shared (safety concerns). To build a good relationship, youth need to know they can trust their therapist. If teens are going to solo therapy, they can choose what to share with their parents after sessions. Sometimes teens invite their parents to join for portions of sessions.

Should parents also see the same counsellor?

It's up to you and your teen. Family Systems Therapy considers the whole family unit and benefits from gaining perspectives from parents and youth, however, some teens feel more comfortable if their parent has a different therapist, so this is also a great option!

What if my teen doesn't want to do counselling?

That's okay! It can be hard to go to therapy. The best thing you can do is give your teen information and choice. Let them know they can meet with a few therapists first to find a good fit and decide who they want to see, when they're ready. We offer individual counselling and

family counselling for adults and parents too. You can still improve your family life by going to therapy for yourself.

Does insurance cover youth counselling?

Private insurance usually covers individual and family therapy for the insured member as well as their dependents. You can check with your provider or read our Insurance Guide.

Do I have to see a youth therapist near me?

With online therapy, you are able to connect with counsellors across Calgary and Alberta so you have more choice in finding the best therapist for your teenager, based on your family's needs and preferences. You can choose from psychologists for teenagers and youth counsellors who live across the province and find the best fit for you.

How much does youth counselling cost?

Our youth therapy sessions are $220 with a Psychologist or Social Worker with direct billing for most insurance companies, or a receipt to claim for re-imbursement or as a medical expense on your taxes. Youth sessions with a Certified Canadian Counsellor are $180; check with your insurance to confirm coverage for mental health counselling. Sliding scale fees are available.

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We get it. We're parents too.

Our family therapists want to join your journey and help you and your teen grow together.