In person in Calgary · Online
Depression counselling in Calgary
Support for low mood, low motivation and the days that feel heavier than they should, in person or online.
- Registered Psychologists
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Private and confidential
What is depression counselling?
Depression counselling is talk therapy with a psychologist for low mood, loss of interest and the changes that can come with them. Together you look at what's keeping things stuck and work on steps that feel manageable. At Synthesis Psychology, you can meet in person at our Calgary office, or online or by phone, starting with a free 15-minute phone consultation.
There are times when life feels harder, and your mood or motivation may be affected. When these feelings persist and begin to affect your daily life, they may be signs of depression.
Support is available, and you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out.
What depression can look like
Depression affects people in different ways. Some common experiences include:
Mood
Feeling sad, empty, flat or irritable much of the time.
Energy
Feeling tired or slowed down, even after rest.
Interest
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or in the people around you.
Sleep and appetite
Sleeping or eating much more or much less than usual.
Thinking
Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions, or being very hard on yourself.
Motivation
Struggling to start things, keep up with work or school, or see the point in goals.
These are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis. A psychologist can talk through what you're noticing with you.
Reaching out
When to reach out about depression
Consider talking to someone if low mood, loss of interest, or changes in sleep, appetite or energy are affecting you, your work, school or relationships. You don't need a referral to see a psychologist in private practice.
If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time. In Calgary, Distress Centre Calgary's 24-hour line is 403-266-4357. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Synthesis Psychology is not a crisis service.
It may be time to talk to someone if
- Low mood has become persistent or worsened with time
- Things you used to enjoy don't interest you anymore
- It's getting harder to keep up with work, school or home
- You're pulling away from people who matter to you
- You'd like someone outside your life to talk it through with
How we help
How counselling can help with depression
Your psychologist shapes the work around you and adjusts it as you go. Depending on what you need, sessions may draw on approaches like these.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
A structured, time-limited therapy that helps you notice, question and change the thoughts and beliefs linked to distressing feelings and behaviours.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness practice, and was developed for people who have experienced repeated episodes of depression.
Solution-focused therapy
Looks at the strengths and past successes you already have, and at the future you want, rather than only at the problem.
Emotion-focused therapy
An experiential, humanistic therapy that works with how you notice, express and make sense of your emotions.
Narrative therapy
Treats you as the expert in your own life, and sees the problem as separate from who you are.
Motivation and goal setting
Practical strategies you can start using between sessions, to support your mood and mindset and make day-to-day life feel more manageable.
What we can work on together
Depression often connects to other parts of life. Depending on what you bring, your sessions might also include:
- Low mood
- Motivation and goal setting
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Feeling stuck
- Values and identity
- Stress management
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Relationships
How getting started works
Reach out
Call 403.261.5085 or send us a message. We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, and aim to get back to you as soon as we can.
Talk for 15 minutes
A free phone consultation to understand what you're looking for, so you find the psychologist best suited to your needs.
Start with the right psychologist
We connect you with a psychologist who has the training and experience for what you're facing, and who is a good fit for you. If we don't offer the support you need, we'll refer you to specialized resources.
Questions about depression counselling
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Alberta?
No. You can contact a psychologist in private practice directly, without a referral from a doctor. To get started, book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication for depression?
No. Psychologists in Alberta don't prescribe medication. If you're considering medication, talk to your family doctor or psychiatrist. Many people see a psychologist alongside these other supports.
Is counselling for depression covered?
Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with a psychologist. Sessions are 50 minutes and range from $235 to $250. See fees and insurance.
What happens on the free 15-minute consultation?
It's a short, free phone call to talk about what's bringing you in and what you're looking for, so we can match you with the psychologist best suited to your needs. Book a consultation or call 403.261.5085.
What if I'm thinking about suicide?
Call or text 9-8-8 any time. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Synthesis Psychology is not a crisis service, and we answer calls and email during admin hours only.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It depends on you. Every person and situation is different, and moving through challenges is a process, so your psychologist tailors counselling to your goals and supports you as you work toward them.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Psychologists follow a code of ethics with strict confidentiality rules that protect your privacy, with limits only in exceptional circumstances, as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you claim sessions through a benefit plan, the specific reason you're seeing a psychologist stays confidential.
Your next step starts here.
You don't have to work it out alone. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple, no-pressure place to start.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Page last updated