5 Best Counselling Services in Winnipeg That Locals Trust When Life Feels Heavy
When my pet passed away, I didn’t expect the wave of emotions that came with it. What started as grief stirred up feelings from a past trauma, and suddenly, I was struggling more than I knew how to handle on my own.
Thankfully, a friend suggested I talk to a counsellor, and that decision made all the difference. He helped me untangle old wounds and emotions I couldn’t name.
If you’re going through something similar, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Here are the best counselling services in Winnipeg with pros that definitely have your back.
How much do counsellors charge in Winnipeg?
Counsellors in Winnipeg usually charge between $120 and $180 per session, depending on experience and specialization.
Rates can be higher for therapists with advanced credentials or niche expertise.
1. NUYU Therapies
Address: 421 Mulvey Ave, Unit 313
Phone: +1 204 771 9809
Business hours:
- Mon – Fri: 10 AM–6 PM
NUYU Therapies is led by Judith Nuesch, a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her goal is to create a supportive space where you can drop the mask and talk openly.
It’s no surprise that Couples and Family Therapy is the heart of what they do here. If you’re struggling with communication breakdown or complex intimacy issues, they’ll help you break those patterns.
Beyond the family unit, there’s also a focus on women’s issues. Judith and her team provide specialized support for everything—from the rollercoaster of pregnancy and motherhood to struggles with self-esteem, sexuality, and body image.
The team uses a collaborative and eclectic approach. This means they pull from various therapeutic tools to build a unique plan that fits your specific circumstances.
Unfortunately, the administrative side of the house can move a bit more slowly, which is probably why we heard complaints about non-response to messages.
She is compassionate, caring, and truly listens
“My experience with Judith has been excellent. She is compassionate, caring, and truly listens. Every session leaves me feeling lighter, with my thoughts clearer and focused. I’m very grateful for her support and would highly recommend her.” — Melinda Gabor, Google Review
Extremely insightful, compassionate, and understanding
“Judith is my first and last therapist. She is extremely insightful, compassionate, and understanding with whatever may come up during our sessions, and the conversation between us always flows so naturally. There’s never a moment when I don’t feel comfortable expressing myself exactly how I want to, and also without a doubt that Judith will provide me with the guidance that I need. Thank you, Judith, for all that you do! :)” — Tristan Wolfe, Google Review
2. Safe Harbour Therapy Centre
Address: 161 Stafford St #1
Phone: +1 204-891-2370
Business hours:
- Mon – Sun: 8 AM–8 PM
Safe Harbour Therapy Centre has been supporting Winnipeg clients since 2018. It’s currently owned by Carmen Okhmatovski, an Individual and Relational Therapist, whose goal is to help others move into a healthy path forward.
Naturally, relational therapy and counselling are one of her clinic’s strengths. The team works with individuals and couples to nurture and strengthen meaningful relationships by improving communication.
Children aren’t left out, either. Play therapy is available, using games, art, and creative activities to help children explore feelings and process unresolved trauma.
Unlike other clinics, they tackle issues related to the body and the soul. That’s why they also offer holistic services like Reiki, acupuncture, and reflexology.
Just know that you might want to be persistent when reaching out, since we heard about their slow response times.
Carmen is the best one I’ve seen
“Been seeing Carmen for quite a number of years. So glad I was introduced to her. She is a very good counsellor. She makes me feel at ease, not judged. I’ve seen other counselors but Carmen is the best one I’ve seen. Can’t thank her enough for all the help she has given to me.” — Fen Levesque, Google Review
Working with Carmen was a breath of fresh air
“Carmen Okhmatovski is very kind and knowledgeable. My Mom and I had a difficult relationship, and we’d been to several therapists in the past. It was always a slow, gruelling process with others, but working with Carmen was a breath of fresh air. My Mom made more progress in just a few sessions with Carmen than she had with all the others combined. And for me, Carmen has a plan to help me cope with the difficulties of this relationship. I highly recommend her.” — David Gaden, Google Review
3. West Kildonan Wellness Counselling Services
Address: 27 Red River Blvd W
Phone: +1 204-339-0069
Business hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
West Kildonan Wellness Counselling Services’ philosophy is focused on growth and healing, helping you move from pain and into the life you actually want to live.
People flock to this clinic because of their unique team, particularly a popular counsellor named Janine. Not only does she have over 10 years of experience and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, but she also studied various meditation techniques.
Her diverse expertise allows the clinic to tackle a huge range of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, grief and loss, and addictions.
What’s great is that they have a dedicated program for pre-teen and teen counselling. They help teens understand their emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
A downside we heard about—some patients have reported counsellors coming across as a bit hostile or blunt.
Would like to thank Janine for all her help and guidance
“Would like to thank Janine for all her help and guidance as I go through my separation. Janine taught me a lot, and I will look to continue to apply what I have learned. Thank you, Janine 😊.” — Adam Palylyk, Google Review
I couldn’t have picked a better place to go to
“I have been coming to West Kildonan Wellness for some time now, and am happy to say that I couldn’t have picked a better place to go to. I have had 4 sessions with Janine, and I can feel a big difference already. I am looking forward to my next session with Janine today. Keep up the great work. You guys rock!” — falco6789, Google Review
4. My Winnipeg Therapist
Address: 698 Corydon Ave
Phone: +1 204-504-6976
Business hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 9 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
My Winnipeg Therapist is captained by Kevin Richardson, MSW, RSW, who brings a compassionate approach to working with youth and adults. He also specializes in supporting those who have experienced child abuse and neglect.
That’s why trauma and PTSD therapy is a main highlight here. Using trauma-informed therapy techniques, this team helps clients work through painful memories.
Online counselling is a key feature. This option helps make therapy accessible for anyone outside of Winnipeg or those dealing with mobility issues.
Budget-wise, sessions may be partially or fully covered, which can make ongoing counselling more manageable.
The only real hitch we noticed is that they can be hard to book. Depending on your timing, you might be put on a waitlist, so plan accordingly.
Kevin Richardson has changed my life
“Kevin the “Talk Doc” Richardson is an amazing resource. Helping our family with various challenges, and interim work have changed my life. With the stigmatism of ‘therapy’ dropping all around us, I’m happy to share that he is our go-to talk doc. Keep up the amazing professional work, Kevin.” — Tom Aldridge, Google Review
Comfortable and encouraging atmosphere
“I am very glad to be a client of Kevin Richardson. His sessions have a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere for discussing difficult topics. I think that what impresses me the most is how personalized his approach is. Kevin draws on our past conversations and creates his insightful commentary specifically for me.” — Melanie Bone, Google Review
5. Empower Counselling Services
Address: 141 Sherbrook St
Contact: https://empoweryoutoday.ca/contact-and-booking/
Business hours:
- Wednesday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–3 PM
Liona and Vern Kehler co-founded Empower Counselling Services. This practice is rooted in the belief that simply showing up is a massive win.
What makes this clinic special is its commitment to LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy. They create a genuinely safe and inclusive space for diverse identities, where you don’t have to spend your sessions defending who you are.
In relation to this, the team is also known for their work in Self-Esteem Therapy. Basically, this aims to swap out those “not-so-good” vibes with a fresh sense of confidence and self-acceptance.
While they don’t offer direct billing, many of their clients are successfully reimbursed through their insurance providers.
One thing to keep in mind—they work primarily with adolescents and adults. Those looking for child support might need to go elsewhere.
Provided more confidence and comfort in my life
“Vern’s kind and compassionate presence is very supportive. These sessions have provided more confidence and comfort in my life. I definitely recommend this professional service to my friends and family.” — Erica Rothschild, Google Review
Genuinely connects and cares for all of his clients
“Vern is very experienced in his field; he is the type who takes his time to genuinely connect and care for all of his clients. I have valued the way he can see different possibilities and solutions. 10/10!!” — Mickey Serebnitski, Google Review