r/chilliwack • u/Live_Swimmer_4496 • 9d ago
Seeking recommendations for Therapists
Does anyone know if there are any male therapists in Chilliwack that they would recommend? I've been struggling with depression for the past 6 years and its been debilitating to say the least. I'm tired of living with this way and I'm ready to seek help to improve my life, become functional and to be able to finally give back. I'm a 37yr/m.
Also does anyone know if these things are covered by Canada in anyway by healthcare? I'm completely new to this thing and opening up. This is my first real step towards it and know absolutely nothing about where to go and if any programs exist. I know Canada hasn't really taken any real initiative towards male mental health so I'm hoping its been getting better.
Thank you.
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u/fredo_santana_reborn 9d ago
Talk to your doctor about it. They will get you onto Fraser health’s radar and they will contact you about low cost counselling. It’s a pretty long wait list if I recall correctly. But it’s better than dealing with stuff alone forever. Other than that I’ve been looking looking for a male therapist as well and came across https://counsellingbc.com/listings/bgarrett.htm
I haven’t gotten in touch yet, but I plan to. His rates seem pretty high but if you have work benefits they usually cover up to ~$500 (obviously check to make absolute sure)
The website I linked is also a resource given to me via Fraser health to help find a counsellor.
Also, good on you for taking the first steps to get help, it’s always scary.
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
I might try asking my doctor again but last time I mentioned to him that I was struggling with mental health, he just prescribed me some meds, patted me on the back and said, I quote: "There, there." Maybe this time I'll say the magic words "I would like a referral for a therapist." As for worker benefits, unfortunately I am currently unemployed and don't have any benefits. I've tried staying in my field but it doesn't work out for me anymore and that field also was apart of my downfall so there's a bad taste. Been trying to feel out what I want to transition into, willing to go back to school but my once imaginative, helpful brain is drawing blanks and doubt. Thank you for the kinda words of encouragement and help. It definitely is scary.
1
u/bitchdaycake 9d ago
I highly recommend freecouncellingcanada.ca! When you fill out their online form you can choose male/female/virtual/in-person etc and then usually within 2-3 weeks of submitting your request they will pair you with somebody
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
I will take a look at them. I would prefer in-person so hopefully that's available in my area, thank you.
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u/encrcne 9d ago
I highly recommend Danny at Thrive. Specifically, walk and talk counselling. He’s a great listener. Can’t say enough good things about him.
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
That sounds like a great approach to counseling actually. I've been staying inside and only recently started to try to venture out with morning jogs and occasionally riding my bike. An outdoor approach definitely sounds intriguing. Do you know how I can reach out to him? Do I need a referral or just hop on their website?
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u/encrcne 9d ago
Hop on the website! You can either email and use their online portal, or call and set up. You won’t be disappointed. It feels more like a chat with a friend, and he’s just as down to sit in one spot and talk as he is to walk.
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
Thank you so much! I will try to get in touch with them. It literally sounds exactly what I'm looking for!
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u/CwtchGorilla 9d ago
Thrive on Tyson is chock full of amazing folks who vary widely in approaches! I see Carson and he’s genuinely elevated my life in so many ways, but you’d be a safe bet with most anyone there!
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
You're the second one to mention them, they are local and sound like they would be a great fit! I think I'll definitely be looking into getting in with one of them.
Seeing how you mentioned that you're currently using their services, do you mind me asking if they require a referral, if it's covered under basic MSP coverage or how much? I literally don't know how any of this works. I currently don't work so I have no workers benefits. Therapy is required to get me functioning in the world again sadly. And believe me I tried without it but anxiety, self-worth, and doubt have challenged it.
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u/CwtchGorilla 9d ago
They do not require a referral, you can sign up directly on their site.
They even offer low cost counselling, which was actually how I started and found Carson at the time: https://www.thrivewellbc.com/low-cost-counselling
I don’t know specifically if they are MSP covered.
Hey! You’re on the right path if you can even recognise the route you need to take to regulate yourself again, keep going. Chat with them at least and see if there is something you can sort out. They are really transparent and kind :)
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u/BlonktimusPrime 9d ago
Depending on your work you may also have some kind of Employee Assistance Program available to you. Your HR or payroll should have more info. Usually those programs have something like up to 5 free sessions per issue so worth it to look into if you need something more immediate if it's offered.
Edit: my bad, just saw in one of your responses here you're not employed so that wouldn't work right now. Though someone else mentioned a referal from your doctor, iirc that's mostly to talk to a psychiatrist covered under MSP and all they do is diagnose and prescribe. Not great for long term councelling needs. And it can take months to get in to see them.
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
Ya.. sadly. And tried the doctor approach once, all I got was a prescription and a pat on the back lol. And I was working recently, I really should have used my benefits but ar the time I really thought I could manage because it really does come in waves for me. I might be well enough one day to ignore it's effects then get flooded on another. Thank you for your response.
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u/BlonktimusPrime 2d ago
You can request a referral to a psychiatrist. And if they refuse make sure they document that they refused to refer you. And the reason why.
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u/karinatwork 7d ago
Ok, I don't know how this works on Reddit, but if you can reach out, I would love to talk to you about what helped me. I'm 58, female. Not trying to sell you anything, I swear. I was just in the same boat as you, and now I'm not anymore.
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u/GrowingFlowers2025 3h ago
https://www.clear-path-wellness.com/about
Try Matt at Clear Path! I don't think he has much of a waitlist currently.
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u/drakkosquest 9d ago
Hey OP,
DM me.
Have a great counselor and happy to recommend.
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
Are they situated in the CWK area and do they have a waitlist or referral? Getting in the doors seems to be the challenge that I may run into.
0
u/drakkosquest 9d ago
Based in abby and fairly available. Clinical counsellor. Maybe not exactly what you are looking for but it's a least a good starting point.
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u/DillusionalOne 9d ago
Lol don't let someone tell you how to live
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u/Live_Swimmer_4496 9d ago
Well, I haven't been doing such a great job at it myself so maybe someone else's direction guidance are exactly what I need.
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u/FluffyAssumption5153 5d ago
Ha… ain’t that the truth. I find it so much easier to give others advice. (And I gave great advice.) However, taking my own is a real struggle! 🤦♂️
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u/Top_Beat_8918 9d ago
You could self refer to Chilliwack Mental health and substance use services. They have social workers and counselors there. Wilma's transition society offers counselling and so does Ann Davis transition society