Island Clinical Counselling expands services and accessibility to mental health and wellness
Published 6:00 pm Sunday, November 2, 2025
New location, specialized therapies and a ’Pay What You Can’ program support the Port Alberni community
Alberni Valley residents now have greater access to counselling and therapy resources, thanks to the recent expansion of a long-standing local practice.
Inspired by growing demand and a deep commitment to serving the community, Island Clinical Counselling’s move to a larger space has allowed for additional clinical counsellors and new therapies.
“Our referral numbers were so high that we needed additional space to effectively serve the community’s needs,” explains Clinic Owner Kathryn Atkinson, who is passionate about offering this expansion in Port Alberni.
“My main goal is to provide services that are easily accessible and affordable.”
The expanded new space has allowed them to broaden their support services, which now include specialized therapy for children and couples, as well as the addition of an art therapist, who can introduce clients to expressive therapy.
Through various art activities, clients can explore and address issues such as grief, trauma and anxiety. In addition to individual sessions, these activities are available for pairs, including couples, friends, siblings or other family members who wish to participate together.
Island Clinical Counselling has also introduced a ‘Pay What You Can’ program, designed to make their services available for those without insurance, or with limited income or benefits.
This “no questions asked” approach aims to alleviate individuals from any financial stress, allowing clients to receive the help they need. “They can simply just say they want to book using the pay what you can program and indicate how much they are able to pay,” Atkinson says.
Island Clinical Counselling in Port Alberni is open Monday to Saturday.
More additions are coming in the New Year!
Additional new treatment offerings include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy:
- Structured therapy for trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Client will focus briefly on the trauma memory and experience bilateral simulation such as eye movements, feet or hand tapping
- EMDR can also be effective at helping with other conditions such as stress, anxiety, grief and substance use
With direct billing also available for most benefit plans, Island Clinical Counselling is making it easier than ever for the Port Alberni community to access the support they need.
Visit their Port Alberni location at 4445 Gertrude St. For more information, visit islandclinicalcounselling.ca, or call the clinic at 778-762-3750.
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