The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver is a charitable organization that supports some of society's most vulnerable populations - women, girls and children at risk, involved in or affected by the justice system. Our more than two dozen programs work to break the cycle of poverty, addiction, mental illness, homelessness and crime.
At EFry, we believe every life has value. All people are entitled to dignity and respect. And everyone has a right to belong. For over 75 years, that has been our legacy. And our promise.
Services Offered
At Risk: Women with Children and Families * Burnaby Integrated Family Program - Intensive counselling helps families stay together or reunite after a separation. Through individualized or family therapy, parent education and training EFry gives families in crisis the support and tools necessary to make home a safe and caring place to be.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
