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Metro Vancouver Indigenous Counselling

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Welcome to Metro Vancouver Indigenous Counselling, we are so glad you are here!

We do not offer direct billing, however, clients can submit their session receipts to their insurance companies for potential reimbursement. Our counselling team is made up of Registered Social Workers and Registered Clinical Counsellors, which are covered by most major insurance companies. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm who your plan covers.

Our clinic is located at 203 - 1448 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Clients are responsible for the cost of the session on the day of the session. Payment can be processed on the credit card provided.

Please review the following policies before booking your session:

IMPORTANT: Prior approval from First Nations Health Authority is required to access their Mental Health & Wellness program. By following the link below and completing an online intake form, we will assist you in applying for funding and connecting you with one of our counsellors:

Welcome to our online booking site

Services
Service

Individual Counselling

This service is ideal for working professionals with extended health benefits & individuals looking to pay privately for counselling. Our counsellors are Registered Master Social Workers or Registered Clinical Counsellors and covered by most major insurance companies. We do not offer direct billing, however, clients can submit their session receipts to their insurance companies for potential re... Read More

This service is ideal for working professionals with extended health benefits & individuals looking to pay privately for counselling. Our counsellors are Registered Master Social Workers or Registered Clinical Counsellors and covered by most major insurance companies. We do not offer direct billing, however, clients can submit their session receipts to their insurance companies for potential reimbursement. Please confirm your insurance coverage with your provider prior to booking.

Reduced Fee Counselling with Provisional Counsellor

Our Provisional Counsellors have completed their graduate degrees and training, and are fully qualified practitioners waiting for registration. Their fees are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Low-Cost Counselling with Student Counsellor

Our Student Counsellors offer support for individuals facing financial barriers to accessing mental health care. This service is perfect for those without extended health benefits, students, individuals from low-income households, and anyone experiencing financial hardships. We strive to make quality mental health care accessible to everyone, regardless of income. Please note that fees for this... Read More

Our Student Counsellors offer support for individuals facing financial barriers to accessing mental health care. This service is perfect for those without extended health benefits, students, individuals from low-income households, and anyone experiencing financial hardships. We strive to make quality mental health care accessible to everyone, regardless of income. Please note that fees for this service are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) - Mental Wellness & Counselling Program - Approved MSW's

For current clients who have been previously approved for counselling by First Nations Health Authority.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) - Mental Wellness & Counselling Program - Approved RCC's

For current clients who have been previously approved for counselling by First Nations Health Authority.

Kazia Armstrong MSW, RSW

Melanie Caron Master of Social Work Student

Chas Coutlee MSW, RSW

Annelisa Dey Thomas RCC

Brenna Doolan Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Shianne Ewenin MSW, RSW

Julia Favaro MSW, RSW

Lexi Fisher MSW, RSW

Stephanie Leveque MSW, RSW

E.j. Link MSW, RSW

Angela Merasty MSW, RSW

Jake Palmour MSW, RSW

Alberto Palomino MSW, RSW

Alberto holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Social Work from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. Raised in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, he has over a decade of experience working with Vancouver’s urban Indigenous population in the field of social services. Alberto is also a counsellor at Lu’ma Medical Centre in Vancouver and an adjunct instructor at Native Education College in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

PRACTICE APPROACHES

  • Client Centered

  • Anti-Oppressive

  • Relational

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • Therapeutic Assessments

  • Academic Challenges

  • First Responder Mental Health

  • Indigenous Health

  • Child and Youth Mental Health

  • Youth Delinquency

  • Criminal Justice and Legal Advocacy

  • Personal Growth and Development

  • Men’s Issues

  • Esteem Issues

  • Workplace Stress and Burnout

  • Stress and Anxiety Management

  • Relationship Difficulties

  • Parenting Challenges

GUIDING THEORIES & PERSPECTIVES

  • Person-In-Environment Perspective

  • Conflict Theory

  • Strain Theory

  • Strengths Perspective

  • Indigenous Perspective

Alberto holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Social Wo... Read More

Gerardo Palomino Qualifying Counsellor

Laura Peña Qualifying Counsellor

Jason Remedios MSW, RSW

Amanda Rose Schellenberg
(She/Her/Hers) MSW, RSW

Autumn Smiley
(She/Her/Hers) Master of Social Work Student

Jeane Steil MSW, RSW

Victoria Stevens MSW, RSW

Taciana Velasco MSW, RSW

Hi, my name is Taciana Velasco. My ethnic background is Pardo Brazilian, a combined European, Native, and African Ancestries. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from The University of British Columbia and am a Registered Social Worker. I have approximately two decades of experience in the field of human services.

I have worked with Indigenous families in several different roles, including as a Child Welfare Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Family Counsellor, and Mental Health Therapist. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families with generational trauma, relational challenges, child protection issues, intimate-partner violence, and mental health concerns, especially those related to anxiety and ADHD.

My therapeutic approach integrates various models, including Integrative Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based, Solution-Focused Brief, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Guiding my practice, I use an anti-oppressive, strength-based, trauma-informed and client-centered framework.

In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the world cuisine, and travelling.

Hi, my name is Taciana Velasco. My ethnic background is Pardo Brazilian, a combined European, Nat... Read More

Melissa Watts
(She/Her/Hers) MSW, RSW

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Need Help? 6043375129 info@mvic.ca