Affordable Counselling Now Available with Doctoral Practicum Therapists in Burnaby
High-quality, lower-cost therapy now available in-person along the Vancouver-Burnaby border and online across BC
At Being & Becoming Counselling and Wellness, we believe meaningful therapeutic support should be accessible to anyone seeking care—regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new offering: reduced-cost counselling with experienced Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) who are currently completing their doctoral training in counselling psychology. These sessions are now available in-person in Burnaby and virtually across British Columbia.
We work with youth (ages 13+), adults, and couples, and are also pleased to offer counselling services in English, Japanese, and Korean. This helps ensure that therapy is not only accessible—but also culturally and linguistically responsive.
This initiative allows us to expand our reach, reduce financial barriers, and provide you with access to thoughtful, relational, and effective care—all while supporting the next generation of therapists as they deepen their training under close supervision.
What Is Reduced-Cost Counselling?
Reduced-cost counselling is a more affordable way to access psychotherapy while still receiving care from highly qualified professionals. At Being and Becoming, reduced-cost sessions are provided by doctoral practicum studentswho are already licensed RCCs, and who are pursuing their PhD in Counselling Psychology through a Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-accredited program—a designation held by only a few programs across Canada.
These students are not beginners—they’re experienced clinicians expanding their expertise through advanced doctoral training. When you work with one of them, you receive support that is not only compassionate and evidence-based, but also informed by the most up-to-date research and best practices in the field of mental health.
Why Choose a Doctoral Practicum Student Who’s Already an RCC?
While the term “practicum student” can sound like someone just starting out, our RCC doctoral students are far from novices. Each of them has:
Completed a Master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related discipline
Earned their Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Accumulated hundreds of supervised clinical hours
Committed to ongoing ethical and professional development
Gained real-world experience working with diverse populations
Now, as part of a CPA-accredited PhD program, they are refining their skills under the guidance of a senior psychologist, integrating theory, practice, and lived human experience in a deep and meaningful way.
Areas of Specialization: What Can Be Addressed?
Our RCC doctoral practicum students are trained to work with a wide range of issues, including:
Anxiety and panic
Depression and mood disorders
Grief and loss
Identity development and self-esteem
Relationship issues and communication challenges
LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapy
Life transitions and personal growth
Trauma and PTSD
Cultural identity and belonging
Eating disorders, disordered eating and body image concerns
Supervision by a Registered Psychologist
At Being and Becoming, quality and ethical care are top priorities. Each doctoral practicum student is supervised by a Registered Psychologist with a PhD—a highly experienced clinician who provides consistent oversight and mentorship throughout the practicum.
Supervision includes:
Weekly consultations on clinical cases
Ethical review and clinical guidance
Feedback on therapeutic techniques
Continued development of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practices
This model ensures that your therapist receives ongoing support from a senior psychologist while working collaboratively to offer you the most attuned and effective care possible.
You’re not only working with a doctoral-level RCC—you’re also indirectly supported by the wisdom and expertise of a PhD psychologist with years of experience.
Pricing: Transparent and Affordable
We understand that cost is a major factor in seeking therapy, and our goal is to reduce that barrier without compromising quality.
Our reduced-cost counselling rates are:
$100 per 50-minute individual counselling session
$120 per 50-minute couples or relationship counselling session
These fees are significantly lower than standard private therapy rates, which typically range from $160 to $200+ per session. Many clients with extended health benefits may be eligible for reimbursement. Coverage can vary depending on your provider and plan:
Some plans may cover services for psychological services “directly supervised” by a Registered Psychologist
Other plans may cover sessions with an RCC, even when the RCC is also receiving supervision
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to clarify your coverage, and we’re happy to provide any necessary documentation or supervision details to support your reimbursement.
Who Is This For?
Reduced-cost counselling with a doctoral practicum student is ideal for:
Individuals or couples without extended health benefits
Students, recent graduates, or those with limited income
People exploring therapy for the first time
Anyone seeking quality care at a more accessible price point
Clients looking for culturally informed, trauma-sensitive therapy
Whether you're navigating anxiety, identity exploration, major life changes, or relationship struggles, our doctoral students are here to support you.
What Makes This Program Unique?
Here’s what sets our reduced-cost counselling program apart:
✅ Therapists are already licensed RCCs
✅ Doctoral-level education in a CPA-accredited counselling psychology program (the highest level of accreditation)
✅ Supervision by a Registered Psychologist with a PhD
✅ Affordable and transparent pricing
✅ Trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and inclusive approach
✅ Therapy available in English, Japanese, and Korean
✅ In-person sessions in Burnaby and virtual options across BC
✅ Support for youth, adults, and couples
Our program is grounded in values of equity, inclusivity, and accessibility, while maintaining clinical integrity and depth-oriented care.
What to Expect From Therapy
Working with a doctoral practicum student means entering into a therapeutic relationship that is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to your unique needs. Sessions may focus on:
Emotional regulation and stress management
Processing trauma and painful life events
Improving relationships and communication
Exploring identity, purpose, and values
Building self-compassion and inner resilience
Many clients appreciate that our doctoral students bring both academic rigour and personal depth to their practice—grounded in curiosity, humility, and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the quality of care lower because it’s reduced-cost?
No. Our doctoral practicum students are licensed RCCs with significant experience. Their work is supervised by a seasoned PhD psychologist, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Q: How long can I work with a practicum student?
Our practicum placements last a full year and clients typically engage in therapy anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions or more, depending on goals and therapist availability.
Q: Do I have to live in Vancouver or Burnaby to access therapy?
No. We offer secure online sessions for clients across British Columbia, in addition to in-person therapy in Burnaby.
Q: Can I use my benefits?
Possibly. Some plans may cover services for psychological services “directly” supervised by a registered psychologist. Other plans will cover sessions with an RCC who is also receiving supervision. Please check with your extended health insurance provider.
Getting Started: It’s Simple
Ready to begin therapy with one of our RCC doctoral practicum students? Here’s how:
Visit our website and explore the Reduced-Cost Counselling page
Reach out using our Request an appointment form so we can learn about you and match you with the right counsellor
OR
Book a free 15-minute consultation to ensure the fit feels right
Start your sessions—either in person in Burnaby or virtually from anywhere in BC
Whether this is your first time reaching out for help or you’re returning to therapy after a break, we’re here to welcome you as you are.
Final Thoughts
At Being and Becoming Counselling and Wellness, we believe that mental health care should be both excellent and accessible. Our reduced-cost counselling program offers an opportunity to work with doctoral-level RCCs who are training in one of Canada’s CPA-accredited PhD counselling psychology programs, under the supervision of a PhD-registered psychologist with years of clinical experience.
If you’ve been holding off on starting therapy because of cost—this could be the perfect entry point. You don’t need to wait until things get worse to get the support you deserve.
Let this be your invitation to start a meaningful journey of healing, reflection, and becoming.