FRN Program
Free counselling — today,
not months from now
Rapid Access Counselling gives you a full 75-minute session with a trained counsellor, usually within days. No referral. No waitlist. No cost. For individuals, couples, or families — whatever you're working through right now.
What is Rapid Access Counselling?
It's one session. Seventy-five minutes with a professional counsellor. You bring whatever's on your mind — a conflict with your partner, anxiety about your kid, stress that won't quit, a decision you can't seem to make — and they help you work through it right there.
It's solution-focused, meaning the counsellor isn't trying to dig into your whole history. They're helping you with the thing in front of you today. A lot of parents are surprised by how much can shift in a single, focused conversation.
It's not ongoing therapy. It's not a diagnosis. It's a solid, professional conversation at a moment when you need one — without waiting months to get it.
Who it's for
Anyone who needs to talk — now
Eligibility
Available to individuals, couples, and families in Calgary. If you have children in your life (ages 0-18), you qualify. You do not need to be in crisis, have a referral, or meet any income requirement.
Good for
A specific issue you want help with: a parenting conflict, relationship tension, anxiety, grief, a big decision, feeling stuck. If you're not sure whether your concern "counts" — it does. Call them.
What to expect
How it works
Step 1
Call your zone
Find your FRN zone below and call the number listed for Rapid Access Counselling. Tell them you'd like a session. That's it — no paperwork to fill out first, no doctor's note.
Step 2
Book a time
They'll offer you an appointment — usually within a few days. Sessions are 75 minutes long. You can go alone, with your partner, or with your family.
Step 3
Have the session
Show up (in person, by phone, or virtual depending on the agency). The counsellor focuses on what you bring. If you need more support after, they'll connect you to other resources.
Where to access
Rapid Access Counselling by zone
RAC is available in every Calgary FRN zone. Call the number for your area to book a session.
Catholic Family Service
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: YW Calgary
Catholic Family Service
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: Closer to Home
Kindred
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: Families Matter
Kindred
📞 403-205-5294
Hub: Families Matter
Kindred
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: Trellis Society
Kindred
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: Children's Cottage
Kindred
📞 403-233-2350
Hub: Miskanawah
Kindred
📞 403-205-5294
Hub: Miskanawah
Catholic Family Service
📞 403-233-2360
Hub: CIWA
Common questions
Rapid Access Counselling FAQ
Is it really just one session?
Yes. RAC is designed as a single, focused session. If you need more support after, the counsellor will connect you to other programs — including other free FRN services like family therapy or home visitation.
Can I come back for another session later?
Technically the program is one session, but if a new issue comes up, you can call again. The goal is to help you right now — not put you on a recurring schedule.
What if I need ongoing therapy?
RAC isn't a substitute for longer-term therapy. But the counsellor can help you figure out what you need and connect you to appropriate options — some free, some not. Start here and see what makes sense.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No. Just think about what you want to talk about. The counsellor will guide the conversation. Some people come with a specific question, others come feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Both are fine.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Like any professional counselling, what you share is confidential. Standard limits apply (immediate safety risk to yourself or others), but the session is private between you and the counsellor.
Related programs
More support that might help
Functional Family Therapy
Intensive, multi-session family therapy through Carya. For families with deeper conflict or communication breakdowns.
Parenting Classes
Free group courses on sleep, behaviour, anxiety, and positive parenting. Learn alongside other parents.
Home Visitation
A professional comes to your home regularly to support parenting skills and child development. For families with kids 0-6.