In recent years, the traditional stigmas surrounding mental health have begun to give way to an increased willingness to seek out mental healthcare. However, with one therapy session costing anywhere between $50 and $250 in Canada,[i] the price tag for professional services is out of reach for many. Interfaith Counselling Centre (ICC) in New Hamburg believes that quality counselling should be available and affordable to all, and has options available for those who can’t pay the full price.
According to Matthew Isert Bender, Executive Director at ICC, there are many people living in rural communities and small towns who are working, however every penny is going toward shelter, food, and other necessities. “That in itself can be very stressful,” he notes, “however, when you are in crisis financially, it’s hard to rationalize spending what little you have on counselling.”
The Government of Canada reports that nearly half of Canadians say they’ve lost sleep because of financial worries.[ii] In youth, financial worry is a strong and significant predictor of increased anxiety.[iii] That level of financial stress can lead to increased strain in personal relationships[iv] and can impact performance at work.[v] None of these things makes coping easier.
ICC offers a variety of services from individual and couples counselling to group counselling, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, anger management, conflict resolution, trauma processing, and bereavement. “Often, if issues are addressed early, they don’t grow into much bigger problems that are more difficult to resolve,” states Matthew. The approach of ICC is to draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and spiritually-integrated therapy. Treatment plans are customized to each client and their goals and preferences.
To make up the difference for those who are subsidized, ICC needs to seek out other sources of funding. Other than the Kindred Charitable Fund, ICC relies on donations, other grants, and partnerships with other community agencies. As well, they host a Spring Gala – being held this year on June 4, 2025.
At Kindred, we believe that financial decisions aren’t values-neutral, and we support Interfaith Counselling Centre in their mission to bring mental health-care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It’s one way that ICC and Kindred together are inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.
[i] https://globalnews.ca/news/5495155/therapy-tips/
[ii] FP Canada™ 2025 Financial Stress Index, (Mar.18, 2025)
[iv] Patricia A. Bonner, “Financial Wellness and Education in the Workplace: Strategies and Best Practices,” International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, (2016), p.6.
[v] National Payroll Institute, “The 16th Annual National Payroll Institute Survey of Working Canadians: An online survey of 1,500 working Canadians”, (2024)