St. Stephen’s College Launches Low-Cost Counselling Clinic

Across Edmonton, many people seeking mental health support face long waitlists, high costs, or services that don’t align with their whole-person values. St. Stephen’s College is responding to this need with the launch of The Open Wing, a new low-cost counselling clinic designed to make healing more accessible.

The Open Wing is a student-run counselling clinic that offers accessible, spiritually-integrated counselling services for adults.  The clinic is run by students in the Masters of Psychotherapy and Spirituality program, working under the supervision of licensed professionals to ensure ethical and high-quality service delivery.  The Open Wing is delivered in partnership with Providence Renewal Centre (located in south Edmonton).

“Accessible mental health care is needed now more than ever. By offering services at a reduced rate, we hope to remove barriers that prevent people from seeking support. I’m proud that our students are stepping into this work with such care and integrity.” -- Danielle Charron, Clinical Director

“Opening a counselling centre has been a long-standing goal at St. Stephen’s.  We are thrilled to take this step in partnership with Providence Renewal Centre.  The Open Wing will deepen our students’ educational experiences in a way that is justice-oriented and accessible for the broader Edmonton community.” -- Fred Tappenden, Principal and Dean

The College is excited to partner with Providence Renewal Centre (PRC), which is one of St. Stephen’s longstanding community partners.  The Open Wing offers on-site counselling services at PRC.  These services aim to complement and augment the spiritual direction services already offered at PRC. 

Why The Open Wing Matters

As part of the launch, student counsellors reflected on what makes The Open Wing meaningful for clients, for the community, and for those providing care. Their voices highlight the heart of the clinic.

What makes this clinic a unique place for clients to receive counselling?

“The student counsellors at St. Stephen's bring a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds—life stages, cultures, and professional careers. What unites us is a desire to care for people holistically: body, mind, and soul. We are committed to offering a welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can feel supported in their healing and meaning-making journey.” -- Rachel Helm, Student Counsellor

Why would you encourage someone to reach out?

“Being human can be deeply challenging, but it’s also an extraordinary opportunity to explore what it means to be in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with something greater. Therapy offers a space to face life’s difficulties with curiosity and courage. We aren’t meant to do this alone; reaching out can be an act of strength and self-compassion.” -- aAron Munson, Student Counsellor

What does it mean to be part of something just beginning?

“Being part of the Open Wing at the beginning is a unique opportunity to witness and shape the values and practices that matter most to the College as it trains future psychotherapists. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to its early development.” -- Rachel Helm

“It feels meaningful to help shape something new. The Open Wing offers the chance to build a supportive, values-driven space from the ground up.” -- aAron Munson

How will this clinic benefit the community?

“I’m a strong advocate for accessible therapy. This clinic creates opportunities for people who might not otherwise be able to afford counselling to receive meaningful, quality support. Over time, it will become an important resource—one that helps individuals heal, strengthens families, and builds a more compassionate community.” -- aAron Munson

“Offering low-cost counselling is crucial. When therapy becomes more accessible, stigma begins to lift. The College is in a unique position to meet this need.” -- Rachel Helm

Clinic Details

The objectives of The Open Wing are:

• To provide affordable and accessible mental health services to the community
• To offer Masters of Psychotherapy and Spirituality students hands-on clinical experience under professional supervision
• To serve as a training hub for evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• To contribute to mental health awareness and psychoeducation in the community

“My hope is that every client who walks through our doors feels welcomed, supported, and truly heard. It’s a courageous thing to reach out for help. We’re here to meet that courage with compassion, presence, and humanity.” -- Danielle Charron

To book a session or learn more about The Open Wing, connect with our team.

Cost: $45/session
Location: Providence Renewal Centre (3005 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB)
Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (additional hours may soon open for virtual sessions on Monday evenings). Session are by appointment only.
Email: clinic@ualberta.ca
Phone: (587) 205-7340 (ext. 803)