Affordable Therapy Program
QUEER AFFIRMING COUNSELLING
WITHOUT FINANCIAL BARRIERS
Connect with affordable therapy services provided by our team of talented interns and externs.
All our interns and externs work through an anti-oppressive, sex-positive, intersectional feminist lens, and offer virtual sessions across Turtle Island.
They are:
2SLGBTQIA+ identified
supervised by registered and practicing clinicians
at the Masters level, just about to graduate
or…they have recently graduated and have completed or are working to complete the supervised hours required to become registered.
Our counselling interns are able to provide trauma-informed counselling but not specialized trauma treatment. They are also unable to provide treatment for those experiencing active psychosis and cannot write gender affirming assessments for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and gender affirming surgery. Post-traumatic stress, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and active addiction will be considered by our team of clinical supervisors on a case-by-case basis to ensure you are provided with an appropriate level and type of support.
Our counselling externs are able to provide trauma-informed counselling and may be able to offer some forms of specialized treatment on a case-by-case basis. They may also be able to offer assessments for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and gender affirming surgery.
*It’s important to note that some insurance providers will not subsidize or reimburse for sessions with our interns or externs. Check in with your insurance provider if you hope to have your sessions covered.
FAQS
How much training do interns/externs have?
All of our interns are completing their Masters degrees in either Counselling Psychology or Social Work and are closely supported by qualified and experienced Clinical Supervisors to ensure they provide the highest quality services. Counselling Interns have completed all academic requirements of their Master’s degrees, and work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor or Social Worker.
Our externs have finished their schooling and have all the relevant qualifications and training to be counsellors. However, in order to register as such, they need to work a certain number of hours in the field under close supervision. Our externs receive consistent support and supervision throughout their externship. Most of our externs are registered with a professional association or regulatory body and sessions with them might be covered by your extended health benefits.
What are the session fees?
Sessions are $40 (plus applicable tax) per 50-minute session with an intern.
Sessions are $100 (plus applicable tax) per 50-minute session with an extern. Externs offer a limited number of sliding scale spots.
All 80-minute sessions are prorated accordingly.
How long can I work with an intern/extern?
Our interns spend 8 months completing their internship, and you are invited to work with them throughout their time with us.
Our externs spend 6 months completing the externship, and you can work with them throughout this time.
Some interns become externs, extending the time you can work with them into their externship!
Regardless of who you choose to work with, Our Landing Place will offer plenty of support to ensure you continue to access affirming services for as long as you need.
How am I matched with an intern/extern?
Our supervision team works to match applicants with interns who have experience and competence in the area(s) you’d like to work. This way we can ensure you receive the best possible support.
Once matched, you’ll be invited to meet one of our interns or externs for a free consultation, so you can see if the match feels rights. We prioritize your agency and autonomy, and will work to match you with a counselling intern you feel you can work well with.
Unlike with interns, you may also book yourself in at your leisure to a free consultation with any of our externs. You don’t have to go through the application process with them. However, if you are interested in accessing sliding scale pricing from our externs, we recommend going through the application process!