It Takes Practice in Red Deer
Accessibility in
Practice Program
At It Takes Practice, we believe meaningful mental health care should not feel out of reach because of finances, life circumstances, or limited access to support.
The Accessibility in Practice Program was created to help reduce barriers to counselling for individuals, teens, and couples in Central Alberta.
This program offers reduced-cost counselling options through supervised practicum students and therapists offering sliding scale availability.
Because support should be possible before things reach a crisis point.
Our goal is simple: to make therapy feel more accessible, more human, and easier to begin.
Inspired by community accessibility programs that help bridge gaps in mental health care, the
Accessibility in Practice Program is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a space to feel supported, understood, and cared for.
What Is the Accessibility in Practice Program?
The Accessibility in Practice Program is a lower-cost counselling initiative offered through It Takes Practice Counselling Services in Red Deer.
Through this program, clients may access:
1 | Reduced-cost counselling sessions
2 | Sliding scale therapy options
3 | Support from supervised practicum students
4 | Flexible virtual or in-person appointments
5 | Therapy for adults, teens, and couples
All therapists and practicum clinicians work within a collaborative and supervised environment focused on ethical, evidence-based care.
Clients receive thoughtful, compassionate support while helping practicum therapists continue developing their clinical skills under professional supervision.
Who Is This Program For?
Accessibility in Practice may be a good fit if:
- You do not currently have extended health benefits
- Your benefits have run out
- Cost has prevented you from starting therapy
- You are navigating financial stress
- You want support but need a lower-cost option
- You are looking for a place to begin
We understand that reaching out for support can already feel difficult. Financial barriers should not make it harder.
What Can We Help With?
Clients access Accessibility in Practice for support with:
- Anxiety and overwhelm
- Stress and burnout
- Relationship and attachment concerns
- Emotional regulation
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem and identity
- Grief and loss
- Boundaries and communication
Our approach remains grounded in the same values that guide all care at It Takes Practice: calm, collaborative, relational, and practical support that helps people understand patterns, build insight, and create sustainable change.
How It Works
Step 01
Reach Out
Contact our team to inquire about current Accessibility in Practice Program availability.
We will ask a few brief questions to help determine fit, availability, and scheduling preferences.
Step 02
Match With a Therapist
Clients are connected with either:
- A supervised practicum therapist, or
- A therapist offering sliding scale spaces
We aim to match clients thoughtfully based on needs, goals, and availability.
Step 03
Begin at Your Pace
Therapy sessions are available virtually or in-person in Red Deer.
There is no expectation to have everything figured out before starting. We begin where you are.
Practicum Therapists & Supervision
Practicum therapists are graduate-level counselling students completing advanced clinical training.
They work under the supervision of experienced Registered Psychologists and are supported within a collaborative clinical environment focused on ongoing learning, ethical care, and client wellbeing. Research and community mental health programs continue to show that supervised practicum counselling can provide meaningful and effective support while increasing accessibility to care.
Why Accessible Mental Health Care Matters
Many people delay therapy because of cost, waitlists, uncertainty, or difficulty knowing where to begin. Community discussions around mental health access consistently highlight finances, availability, and finding the right fit as major barriers to care.
The Accessibility in Practice Program exists to help reduce some of those barriers.
Because support should not only be available to people with the “right” circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are sessions free?
Accessibility in Practice primarily offers reduced-cost and sliding scale counselling. Limited fully subsidized spots may occasionally become available depending on clinician placement and funding availability.
2. Are practicum therapists supervised?
Yes. All practicum therapists receive ongoing supervision from experienced Registered Psychologists and work within a collaborative team setting.
3. Can I book virtual sessions?
Yes. Both virtual and in-person appointments may be available depending on therapist availability.
4. How long is the waitlist?
Availability changes throughout the year based on practicum placements and clinician schedules. Contact our team for current openings.
5. Is this only for individual counselling?
No. Depending on clinician availability, Accessibility in Practice may include support for individuals, teens, couples, and families.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Things Feel “Bad Enough”
Sometimes people postpone therapy because they feel unsure whether their struggles are serious enough, or because asking for help feels overwhelming.
You do not need to have the perfect words before reaching out.
The Accessibility in Practice Program was created to make beginning therapy feel possible.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact It Takes Practice Counselling Services to inquire about current Accessibility in Practice Program openings, reduced-cost counselling availability, or practicum therapist placements.
You can also explore our services page here: Counselling Services in Red Deer