Apply for Counselling Support

Applications will open Spring 2026!

Kids Matter Calgary recognizes that many children are in need of counselling and mental health supports, yet some families may lack private health insurance or face financial barriers to accessing these essential services.

Through its counselling support program, KMC empowers families to choose the counsellor who best meets their child’s unique needs.

Application Form

Application Requirements

Who can apply?

Counselling requested must be for a child who is 17 years old or younger
The family must live in Calgary and have an Alberta Health Care number
The child must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
The family’s household income must be below Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off

What do I need to apply?

Completed application
Letter of recommendation from a medical or school professional or community agency stating needs of the child and reason for the bursary request
Letter from registered counsellor or psychologist outlining:
- Contact information (company business or counsellor’s name, address, phone number, email address)
- Certification of counsellor
- Number of sessions
- Length of session
- Cost per session
Current Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency for each adult in the family showing line 15000

How do I apply?

Email the completed application and required documents to kidsmattercalgary@gmail.com.

What does the counselling support cover?

If the application is approved, we will email you a letter outlining the dollar amount (up to $1,200) that will be approved for counselling sessions. You will be asked to sign a form with and agreement to the Terms and Conditions. Funds approved must be used within a year.

Kids Matter Calgary may pay the counsellor or agency directly, or reimburse the parent/guardian upon submission of valid receipts. Only the maximum agreed amount will be paid, and any extra expenses, including missed appointments, will not be covered.

Due to the number of requests received, while we would love to support all families that apply, an application does not guarantee funding.

FAQs

Counselling Support & Eligibility

Who can apply for counselling support?

Families living in Calgary with children or youth who need counselling but face financial barriers are eligible to apply. We prioritize low‑income households and those experiencing barriers to accessing other services. We recognize that families who face structural barriers to mental-health care often include newcomers and families facing systemic discrimination or complex life circumstances.

What does the counselling support cover?
Our bursaries help pay for counselling sessions with a therapist of your choice. Families can select a provider that best fits their child’s needs, including those offering specialized support.

What does the counselling not support cover?

If approved, we do not provide support for missed appointments or additional expenses outside of of the counselling sessions attended. Funds will only be provided for counselling sessions for the duration and amount as outlined in your contract agreement.

How much financial support does a bursary provide?
Amounts may vary based on need, available funding, and the cost of your chosen therapist. We review each application individually to provide as much support as possible, to a maximum of $1,200.

How is the therapist paid?

Billing and payment will be coordinated with your therapist. We will pay your therapist directly, up to your maximum approved amount.

What are the income cut-offs?

We use Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-off information to guide our decision:

# in family - income

2 persons - $38,922

3 persons - $47,851

4 persons - $58,096

5 persons - $65,892

6 persons - $74,315

7 or more persons - $82,739

How do I apply?
You can apply through our website’s application form. If you need help navigating the process, email us at info@kidsmattercalgary.ca.

Working With Therapists

Can we choose our own therapist?
Yes. We believe the best therapeutic match happens when families can choose a counsellor who aligns with their child’s needs, culture, and comfort level. Therapists must be registered with their professional association.

Do you provide a list of recommended therapists?
We can help guide you toward reputable children’s mental‑health providers in Calgary, but families are free to choose whomever they prefer.

General Support & Resources

What if Kids Matter Calgary cannot provide support to my family at this time?
If we are unable to provide counselling support, we can still help guide you toward other mental‑health resources available in Calgary. We want to ensure families are directed to approprite resources, even if we can’t offer funding immediately.

Can you help me navigate the mental‑health system?
Yes. If you need assistance finding services, understanding your options, or getting connected to other community agencies, email us at info@kidsmattercalgary.ca.

Contact

How can I reach Kids Matter Calgary?
You can contact us anytime at info@kidsmattercalgary.ca. We’re here to answer questions, provide guidance, or help you start the application process.