Rapid Access Counselling Groups

Kindred’s Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) is a single-sessioncounselling service forindividuals, couples, and families facing emotional challenges. RAC offers counselling sessions within 3 business days and can be used as often as needed. To reduce financial barriers, clients choose a fee that feels manageable. RAC is a compassionate, cost-effective, alternative or bridgeto longer term counselling.

There is a pressing need for Calgarians who are struggling with mental health concerns to be able to access services that are responsive, affordable, and timely.To further meet community needs and enhance this service model, RAC now offers single-sessionbarrier-free groups focused on mental health topics. Led by graduate-level trained counsellors, these psycho-educational groups are available virtually or in community spaces (ex. libraries, partner locations) and follow a “pay what you can” fee model.

Group participantsbenefit from knowledge and support shared by the counsellor, conversation and connection with other participants, the opportunity to learn tangible skills, and the chance to build comfort with accessing counselling in the future, while in a group setting. The purpose of RAC groups is to provide accessible and timely support for Calgarians that promotes resiliency, enhances social-emotional well-being, and fosters connection. We expect that group participants will:

• Increase their knowledge on mental health topics

• Build connections with groups participants

• Feel emotionally supported by the counsellor

Group content is continuously developed by program staff, based on observed need in the community and facilitator skill set. In 2025, RAC will have offered the following groups:Self-Compassion; Anxiety; Grief; Back-to-School Balance; Mindfulness; and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

We plan to continue offering these groups in 2026 and would benefit from funding to support the purchasing of supplies, including participant mindfulness toolkits (ex. fidget toys, art supplies, sensory items), snacks and workbooks, along with funding to offset the cost of participation for those who can’t afford to pay.

By offering groups virtually and in community spaceswith flexible fees, RAC groups reduce barriers to mental health services. Funding from Field Law would enhance the participant experience through supplies that make each session more engaging, meaningful physical takeaways that extend impact beyond the session, and reduced program participation fees.

Kindred’s Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) groups are open to all Calgarians experiencing emotional or relational concerns. These groups are especially beneficial for individuals who are on waitlists for longer-term counselling or who need immediate support with a present issue. While not designed for those in crisis or experiencing severe mental health challenges, RAC groups aim to reduce barriers to participation by removing financial barriers and offering services in locations that are convenient.

The primary beneficiaries are youth and adult participants who attend these single-session, psycho-educational groups. They gain emotional support, increase their knowledge of mental health topics, and build a sense of belonging through connection with others. Topics such as anxiety, self-compassion and mindfulness, offer practical tools that participants can apply in their daily lives. The groups are facilitated by graduate-level trained counsellorswho create safe, inclusive spaces for learning and healing.

At Kindred, we believe in the power of human connection. When individuals have a sense of emotional well-being and resilience, they are better able to meaningfully engage with their families, workplaces, and communities. In this way, the impact of RAC groups extends beyond the individual to their broader social networks, promoting healthier relationships and stronger communities.

Additionally, RAC groups benefit our staff and organization. Facilitators have the opportunity to develop their skills, explore new approaches, and build relationships with community partners. This strengthens our capacity to respond to emerging needs and fosters innovation within our team.