Intern counselling

Affordable Counselling Program for Perinatal Parents

Our intern counsellors in Victoria focus on providing parents with quality mental health care during pregnancy, after birth, and while raising children of all ages.

Call the Network to learn how an intern can provide support, or to schedule a first counselling session.

CALL 778-410-7000

Looking For Effective Counselling That’s Affordable in Victoria?

The cost of counselling is high. Many people lack insurance and funds for basic mental health care. When money is tight, it’s often counselling that gets cut out, even when it’s really needed.

One way we work to make perinatal mental health care accessible is to offer counselling at different price points. Our Affordable Counselling Program is central to this mission.

We offer high-quality perinatal counselling from supervised intern counsellors at rates far less than those charged by registered counsellors.

Forest clearing shaped like a dollar sign

Our Interns Deliver Quality Counselling

When you’re working through issues or challenges with an intern in our program, you’ll have a skilled ally and guide who brings years of training, knowledge, and practice to the counselling room. Not to forget life experience! Our interns come to this work with a prior career, a prior Master’s Degree, the experience of making a major life transition, and an established family.

Intern counsellors at the McGee Therapy Clinic are nearing the completion of a Master’s Degree Counselling Psychology. Also, the work they do is supervised by Traci McGee, a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health professional.

Mom and baby with counsellor

If any of this sounds familiar, we can help…

Interns provide their clients with counselling that helps them heal, cope, get relief, and improve their self awareness, functioning, and mental health. While we work with adults at all ages and stages of life, helping parents is the main focus. So, if you’re navigating any of the issues set out below, choosing one of our interns can really help.

Parenthood Mental Prep Questions

  • Am I (Are we) mentally ready?
  • How do we stay connected as a team?
  • Might birth trigger a past issue?
  • How to avoid unhealthy family patterns?
  • How to prepare to thrive as parents?

Anxiety In Pregnancy

  • Racing thoughts about baby
  • Heart pounding, feelings of panic
  • Terrified of miscarriage
  • Scary intrusive thoughts
  • Can’t relax or sleep

Perinatal Depression

  • Empty, numb, or deeply sad
  • Lack of connection to baby/pregnancy
  • Exhausted but can’t sleep
  • Overwhelming guilt & shame
  • Feeling hopeless, can’t see a way out

Anxiety After Birth

  • Obsessed about baby’s safety
  • Can’t leave baby with anyone
  • Hypervigilant, constantly checking
  • Panic about SIDS or choking
  • Can’t relax even when baby sleeps

Fertility Struggles

  • Feeling broken, can’t conceive
  • Jealous of pregnant people
  • Exhausted by failed attempts
  • Fighting over fertility plans
  • Grieving the family you want

Birth Trauma

  • Flashbacks of the birth
  • Triggered by medical settings
  • Feeling violated or unsafe
  • Disconnected from baby
  • Grieving the birth you lost

Perinatal Loss & Grief

  • Devastated by miscarriage/loss
  • Jealous of pregnant people
  • Feeling broken or defective
  • Terrified of trying again
  • Grieving alone, feeling misunderstood

Parenting Overwhelm

  • Exhausted beyond measure
  • Guilty feelings about everything
  • Worried you’re failing them
  • Feeling lost as a parent
  • Inability to balance all the demands

Relationship Strain

  • Constant fighting or silence
  • Walking on eggshells
  • Can’t talk without conflict
  • Lack of intimacy or desire
  • Feeling unheard or unloved

Major Life Transitions

  • Lost sense of a clear identity
  • Grieving an old life
  • Overwhelmed by a big change or decision
  • What’s my purpose now?
  • Struggles in a new role or identity

Money Stress

  • Overwhelmed by debt & bills
  • Constant fights about money
  • Ashamed of money issues
  • Can’t provide enough
  • Resentful over who earns/controls money

Chronic Challenges & Disability

  • Can’t focus or finish tasks
  • Constant pain or fatigue
  • Ashamed of needing help
  • Missing former self and abilities
  • Worried condition will worsen
CRD Perinatal Counselling Network

Is Intern Counselling Right For You?

Intern counselling works well for many perinatal parents. Suitability depends on the specific issues, preferences, and goals that bring you to counselling. It depends what you see as the best option for you and your family.

If you’re unsure or have questions, or want to explore options, you are welcome to call the Network Care Coordinator. The information you get in one conversation can help you quickly get to a decision that helps make life easier, better, and more healthy.

The People We Help

We help adults in British Columbia. Parents and parents-to-be are our focus. Also, we support anyone navigating a mental health challenge, relationship strain, financial stress, chronic condition, or major life transition.

Victoria Residents

Interns provide in-person counselling at the McGee Therapy Clinic in downtown Victoria. Video sessions are provided when requested or needed.

Adults

At present, intern counselling is only offered to adults (18+).

BC Residents

Remote counselling by video is offered to residents of British Columbia outside Greater Victoria. However, the number of intern clients outside Greater Victoria is limited.

Individuals & Couples

Interns provide individual and couples therapy under the supervision of a therapist with multiple professional accreditations, including Marriage and Family Therapist.

INTERN COUNSELLING

Quality Care.
Accessible Fees.

Rates are based on a standard session with 50 minutes of counselling.

AFFORDABLE INTERN RATE
$80

If you are ready to start working with an intern, book online or by phone.

BOOK ONLINE CALL 778-410-7000

FURTHER REDUCED RATE OPTIONS

$40 to $70

Call to book at a rate you can afford.

CALL 778-410-7000

Meet Our Interns

Jamie Sulek, Perinatal Intern Counsellor

Jamie Sulek

Intern Counsellor
A CPA turned perinatal counsellor, Jamie Sulek has trained in therapeutic approaches and volunteered with parenting programs that help families build stronger connections and more effective skills. She’s applied this knowledge in her own life as a mother and stepmom.
In her prior career, Jamie worked with hundreds of people navigating financial goals and challenges. She consistently found the human and emotional dimensions under-addressed. That’s exactly what her counselling work is focussed on.
Jamie understands how role transitions, relationship strains, and money pressures can overwhelm parents. She helps each partner build on their strengths, manage anxiety and guilt, and create space for both family care and self-care.
Learn more →
Headshot of Renée Ahmadi, Perinatal Intern Counsellor

Renée Ahmadi

Intern Counsellor
A seasoned doula turned perinatal counsellor, Renée Ahmadi has spent more than a decade supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum transitions. Her front-row experience of families’ most vulnerable moments revealed the profound need for deeper mental health support.
That insight led Renée back to school. She already held degrees in Child & Youth Care and Disability Management. Now completing her Master of Counselling Psychology, she provides the deeper emotional care she witnessed families needing
Renée understands how pregnancy anxiety, birth trauma, relationship changes, and perinatal grief can overwhelm parents. She helps individuals and couples process difficult emotions, strengthen communication, and navigate transitions while honoring their autonomy and inner wisdom.
Learn more →

Program Leadership & Support

Access to perinatal mental health care should not depend on your insurance plan or bank balance.
From March 1990 to June 2025, charities and public health institutions sustained an evolving perinatal counselling program. It greatly expanded access to individual mental health care for parents across the CRD.
Thirty-five years. Then the funding ended.
Many parents now face a critical access gap. The Affordable Counselling Program was developed to narrow this gap.
We train the next generation of perinatal specialists while serving families today. Our interns deliver quality care at rates parents can afford. This builds future capacity while meeting present need.
Mental health care works when people can access it. Until access is universal, we’ll keep finding ways to serve families.
Traci McGee, Counsellor and Supervisor

Traci McGee, MA, RMFT, RCC-ACS

Clinical Director

Intern Counsellors are supervised on site by Traci McGee, Clinical Director of the McGee Therapy Clinic and CRD Perinatal Counselling Network. Traci is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and Approved Clinical Supervisor with multiple professional certifications. More about Traci →
Michael McGee, Perinatal Care Coordinator

Michael McGee, MA

Clinic Manager
Michael supports the internship program on the front lines as Care Coordinator, and behind the scenes as Clinic Manager. As a provincial government manager for decades—in policy ,communications, and systems—Michael now leads the operational work that keeps the clinic, network and internship running smoothly and safely for interns and clients alike.

FAQs

What is an intern counsellor?
Intern counsellors are graduate students completing their master’s degree in counselling. They are near the end of their training and work under clinical supervision. Our interns are selected for their interest in perinatal mental health and receive specialized training in this area

How are intern counsellors supervised?
Yes. All intern work is supervised on site by Traci McGee, MA (RMFT, RCC-ACS, CCC, PMH-C). Traci’s accreditations include Approved Clinical Supervisor and Certified Perinatal Mental Health professional. Supervision includes regular case consultation, clinical guidance, and review of treatment plans. In addition, counsellors are supervised by clinical faculty at the university where they are enrolled as a Master’s student. These layers of supervision ensure you receive appropirate and beneficial care.

Are intern counsellors qualified to help with perinatal issues?
Yes. Our interns are chosen specifically for their background and commitment to perinatal mental health. They receive ongoing training and supervision focused on pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal loss issues. Their clinical work meets professional standards for supervised practice.

How much does intern counselling cost?
The standard rate for intern counselling is $80 for a 50 minute session. If you need counselling but cannot afford this, speak with our care coordinator about our further reduced rate options of $40 to $70.

Does extended health insurance cover intern counselling?
No. Most extended health plans do not cover intern counselling sessions. You may, however, check with your insurance provider

How is this different from the old funded perinatal program?
The funded CRD Perinatal Counselling Program ended in June 2025. The CRD Perinatal Counselling Network was launched to narrow the counselling access gap when Program funding ended. The Network offers a wide range of private-pay counselling options. This includes perinatal Intern counselling for families needing effective mental health support but do not have the insurance coverage or discretionary income to pay for a registered counsellor.

How do I book an appointment with an intern counsellor?
Contact the Network Care Coordinator at (250) 885-6760 or hello@crdperinatal.ca. Michael will discuss your needs, help you identify a suitable counsellor and, when you are ready, schedule you for a first session.

Do I need a referral from my doctor or midwife?
No. We accept referrals, but individuals and couples can access perinatal intern counselling without a referral. If you are seeing any one for counselling, it can be beneficial to inform your primary care provider that you are working with a counsellor, and for issues affecting your health, to share your progess in counselling.

Where are sessions held?
Counselling happens at the McGee Therapy Clinic at 111-645 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1G2. Most sessions are in person, and some are provided by a secure video link.

How many sessions should be expected?
Session counts vary, but many clients attend 6-12 sessions. More complex issues may need longer. After discussing your goals and expected timeline in your first session, we’ll review progress regularly so you’re never locked into a set number.

Is intern counselling right for everyone?
Intern counselling works well for many parents experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety, or adjustment challenges. Suitability depends on your specific concerns and the developmental stage of our current interns. More complex cases may require a registered counsellor.

What if my needs are too complex for an intern?
We’ll be honest about fit from the start. If intern counselling isn’t suitable, we won’t recommend it and will help you connect with appropriate, effective services.

What if I start with an intern and my needs change?
Your progress is tracked through supervision. If more intensive support is needed, we’ll discuss transitioning to a registered counsellor or other appropriate services.

Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality is important and protected, regardless of whether you are seen by an intern or registered counsellor. Information is only shared with a clinical supervisor for case consultation and quality aassurance. Please note that standard limits to confidentiality apply as set out in law (e.g. risk of harm to self or others). This is the same for intern and registered counsellors.

Are interns registered professionals?
Interns are student members of the BCACC, but they are not yet registered clinicians. They are completing requirements for registration as clinical counsellors. All work is supervised on site by an Approved Clinical Supervisor at the McGee Therapy Clinic, and off site by clinical faculty at the university the intern is enrolled in. Supervised intern counsellors adhere to the same standards and requirements as registered counsellors respecting ethics, standards of practice, privacy, and confidentiality.

Reach out to the Network Care Coordinator at 778-410-7000 or hello@crdperinatal.ca. Then you can share your situation and get extra details to help you decide on a path forward that makes sense to you and your family.

Whether you choose an intern or registered counsellor, the Care Coordinator can help you book a first appointment with a counsellor that suits your schedule, budget, and other needs and preferences.

Benefits of Working With an Intern Counsellor

Affordable Access

Intern sessions cost far less than standard rates charged by registered counsellors. Quality mental health care can then be accessed and sustained when needed.

Expert Supervision

The work of interns is supervised by an Approved Clinical Supervisor. So you get a counsellor and benefit from their supervisors’ decades of experience.

Current Training

Interns bring the latest therapeutic research and techniques to the issues their clients are facing, issues like anxiety, relationship struggles, depression and life transitions.

More Schedule Options

Many interns have smaller caseloads. And they offer appointments when registered practitioners do not. This makes it easier to get timely support without disrupting the schedule you follow.

Focus on Parent Issues

Our interns have training and experience revolving around tough issues that parents face. For example: mental health in pregnancy and after birth, couples therapy, family transitions, and raising kids.

Rich Lived Experience

Our interns are years into a second career and a second Master’s Degree. Jamie was a CPA, Renée a full spectrum doula. Both are parents with substantial professional and personal experience.

Energy and Dedication

Interns are dedicated to helping you make real progress. They invest their energy into helping you achieve the results you seek.

Rigourous Selection

We choose interns carefully, selecting only candidates who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and strong therapeutic presence.

Professional Standards

Interns adhere to the same ethical standards, confidentiality practices, and treatment protocols as registered counsellors.

Ready To Move Forward?

Book A First Session

Schedule a an appointment online or by calling 778-410-7000. See your counsellor in 1 or 2 weeks.

BOOK ONLINE

Get More Details

Want more info? Speak with our Care Coordinator any weekday. Get the info you want right away.

CALL 778-410-7000
Michael McGee, Perinatal Care Coordinator

Call The Network #
(778) 410-7000

CRD Perinatal Counselling Network Six Perinatal Counsellors and Network Associates

Meet Counsellors In The Network

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Quality Counselling At A Low Cost

CRD Perinatal Counselling Network

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