Anxiety can keep your thoughts racing, while depression can make even familiar routines feel unusually difficult. When both appear together, it may be hard to understand what is happening or know which kind of support to seek. You do not have to sort it out alone.
Anxiety and depression therapy edmonton can include personalized psychotherapy that addresses worry, low mood, unhelpful thought patterns, and day-to-day functioning together. Because these conditions commonly occur at the same time, a therapist can tailor care to your needs using approaches such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-informed therapy. Talk therapy may be used on its own or alongside care from a physician, depending on your circumstances.
At Charis Counselling, individual support is available in West Edmonton and through telehealth across Alberta, with a compassionate approach grounded in kindness, grace, and clinical skill. Understanding how anxiety and depression overlap is a useful first step toward choosing support that fits your experience.
Anxiety And Depression Therapy Edmonton: Understanding Anxiety and Depression: How They Overlap
Anxiety and depression are different conditions, but they often appear together. The Mayo Clinic describes this as comorbidity, meaning a person may experience both conditions at the same time. The relationship can also move in either direction: ongoing anxiety may contribute to depression, while a depressive episode can trigger or intensify anxiety symptoms. Recognizing both is important because treating only one part of the picture may leave the other continuing to affect daily life.
When symptoms begin to blur together
Anxiety commonly involves persistent fear, worry, nervousness, or panic that feels difficult to control. Depression may involve a low mood that continues over time, reduced interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty managing everyday responsibilities. These experiences overlap in ways that can make it hard to know what is happening. Someone may have trouble concentrating because their mind is racing, or because depression has reduced their energy and motivation. Restlessness, irritability, sleep disruption, and physical tension can also occur alongside either condition.
For a practical starting point, you can review our resource on understanding the signs of an anxiety disorder. It is not a substitute for an assessment, but noticing patterns can help you describe your experience more clearly when you seek support.
A common experience, not a personal failure
These concerns are more widespread than many people realize. The CDC reports that roughly 12% of U.S. adults regularly experienced feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety in 2024. While about 19% had been told by a doctor or health professional that they had a depression disorder. These figures are not Edmonton-specific, but they provide useful context: anxiety and depression are health concerns that affect many people. Not evidence that someone is weak or failing to cope.
An Edmonton counselling page from Insight Psychological also references estimates that one in five people experience a mental health issue in a given year. It notes that nearly half of people who feel they have experienced depression or anxiety have never spoken with a doctor about it. That gap may reflect stigma, uncertainty, cost concerns, previous disappointing experiences, or simply not knowing where to begin. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before asking for help.
Why integrated care matters
When anxiety and depression occur together, therapy can consider how they reinforce each other. Avoiding situations may provide short-term relief from anxiety, but it can also reduce connection, activity, and confidence, which may deepen depression. Low energy and hopelessness can then make it harder to face worries, maintain routines, or reach out for support. A plan that addresses only anxious thoughts or only low mood may miss this cycle.
Integrated treatment begins with understanding your individual symptoms, history, relationships, stressors, and goals. Depending on your needs, psychotherapy may help you identify unhelpful thought patterns, build practical coping skills, process difficult experiences, and restore meaningful daily activity. Approaches such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapy may be adapted rather than applied as a fixed formula. A qualified health professional can also help determine whether a medical assessment or other form of care should be part of your support plan.
At Charis Counselling, the goal is not to label you by your symptoms. Care is grounded in kindness, grace, and respect for the full person behind the diagnosis. Seeking anxiety and depression therapy in Edmonton is a reasonable act of self-care, whether you are newly noticing changes or have been carrying them for years.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Anxiety and Depression in Edmonton
There is no single therapy that fits every person experiencing anxiety, depression, or both. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that psychotherapy approaches are often tailored to the specific disorder and the individual's needs. That matters when symptoms overlap: treatment may need to address anxious thoughts, low mood, relationship patterns, trauma, emotional regulation, or deeper questions of identity and meaning. At Charis Counselling, clients can access several established modalities under one roof, creating room for a thoughtful, integrated plan rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.
| Therapy | Often helpful for | What sessions may focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) | Anxiety, depression, worry, panic, and unhelpful thinking patterns | Identifying links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, then practising more balanced responses and practical coping skills. The Mayo Clinic describes psychotherapy as a common treatment for both anxiety and depression, and CBT is widely recognized as a leading approach for anxiety. |
| Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) | Intense emotions, emotional dysregulation, impulsive reactions, and distress that feels difficult to manage | Building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and communication. DBT can be useful when anxiety and depression are accompanied by rapidly shifting or overwhelming emotions. |
| Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) | Couples, attachment concerns, relationship conflict, and loneliness | Understanding emotional cycles and attachment needs so partners can respond with greater security and compassion. Stronger relationships can support recovery when anxiety or depression affects connection at home. |
| Internal family systems (IFS) | Trauma, inner conflict, shame, and protective patterns that developed during difficult experiences | Approaching different parts of the self with curiosity and care, while developing a more grounded relationship with painful memories, beliefs, and coping responses. The work is paced collaboratively and trauma-informed. |
| Jungian psychoanalysis | Recurring patterns, identity questions, life transitions, and a desire for deeper personal understanding | Exploring meaning, symbols, dreams, relationships, and unconscious patterns over time. Susan Grinder's Jungian training gives Charis clients access to a depth-oriented specialization that is not available at every Edmonton practice. |
| Clinical hypnosis | Clients seeking focused support with anxiety responses, habits, relaxation, or emotional patterns | Using a guided, collaborative state of focused attention to support therapeutic goals. Clinical hypnosis is not mind control, and clients remain involved in the process. Susan Grinder's clinical hypnosis credentials add another specialized option within the practice. |
These approaches can be used independently or thoughtfully combined as therapy progresses. For example, CBT skills may help someone interrupt anxious predictions, while IFS or Jungian work explores where those patterns came from. DBT strategies can support emotional steadiness, and EFT can help couples rebuild connection when symptoms have created distance. The right combination depends on the person's goals, history, preferences, and pace.
Charis Counselling offers in-person appointments in West Edmonton as well as telehealth across Alberta. The practice's clinical team brings evidence-based care together with kindness, grace, and trauma-informed attention. So choosing anxiety and depression therapy Edmonton does not mean choosing between practical symptom relief and deeper, lasting personal work.
Learn more about psychotherapy approaches from the National Institute of Mental Health, or review Mayo Clinic guidance on depression and anxiety.
What to Expect in Anxiety and Depression Therapy in Edmonton
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially when anxiety, low mood, or both have made ordinary decisions feel more difficult. At Charis Counselling, the process is collaborative and paced with care. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfectly organized explanation of what is happening. Your therapist will help you make sense of your concerns and identify a practical starting point.
Make an initial inquiry and schedule an appointment. You can begin through Charis Counselling's online booking system or by phone. During this first contact, you can ask questions about availability, appointment format, and whether the practice may be a good fit. Sessions are available in person at the West Edmonton office or through telehealth and phone counselling for clients across Alberta. If travelling to an office feels stressful, online care can make it easier to take the first step from a familiar setting.
Complete an initial assessment. Your first therapy session generally includes an intake assessment. You may discuss current symptoms, personal history, relationships, daily functioning, health concerns, and what led you to seek support now. A registered psychologist or another qualified member of the clinical team will use this information to understand your needs rather than reduce you to a label.
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends being examined by a health care provider before starting psychotherapy when appropriate. A medical examination can help rule out physical conditions that may contribute to changes in mood, concentration, sleep, or energy. Therapy and medical care can work alongside one another, and your therapist can help you consider whether another referral or form of support would be useful.
Set goals together. Once your therapist understands your concerns, you will identify what you want to change or better manage. Goals might include reducing panic, becoming less avoidant, improving sleep routines, processing difficult experiences, rebuilding motivation, or communicating more effectively in relationships. The approach is tailored to your needs. Charis Counselling's team works with evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapies, and depth-oriented approaches.
Attend regular therapy sessions. Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly appointments, depending on their needs, schedule, and treatment plan. A standard session is approximately 50 minutes. Sessions may include conversation, reflection, skills practice, structured exercises, or between-session strategies. In person, the West Edmonton office also offers access to therapy animals, including dogs and a cat, which some clients find grounding or calming. Telehealth can provide the same consistent therapeutic relationship across Alberta without the commute.
Review progress and adjust the plan. Therapy is not a fixed script. You and your therapist can regularly discuss what feels helpful, what remains difficult, and whether the goals or approach should change. Some people notice useful shifts within a few sessions, while others need more time, particularly when concerns are longstanding or interconnected.
The length of therapy varies by modality and personal circumstances. CBT is often planned over roughly 12 to 20 sessions, while depth work, trauma processing, or more complex concerns may continue longer. Progress does not have to mean feeling positive every day. It may look like recognizing patterns sooner, responding to anxiety with more choice, returning to daily activities, or having greater confidence in handling setbacks.
Throughout the process, Charis Counselling aims to offer care grounded in kindness and grace. You can ask questions, share concerns about the pace, and participate in decisions about your treatment.
Finding the Right Therapist for Anxiety and Depression in Edmonton
Therapist fit is not a minor detail. Feeling safe, respected, and understood can make it easier to speak honestly about anxious thoughts, low mood, painful experiences, or changes you want to make. The right counsellor should also have training and experience that match your needs. Use an approach you can engage with, and communicate in a way that feels natural to you. Therapy is collaborative, so your personality and preferences matter alongside professional education.
Look for the right combination of experience and approach
Some people benefit from structured skills and practical tools, while others want space to explore relationships, identity, attachment, or the deeper roots of recurring patterns. A trauma-informed therapist may be especially important if past experiences affect your sense of safety. You may also want an affirming clinician who understands 2S/LGBTQIA+ identities, culturally responsive care for Indigenous and First Nations clients, or the realities of chronic pain and illness.
Charis Counselling offers several evidence-based and depth-oriented approaches, including CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, Jungian work, clinical hypnosis, and trauma-informed therapy. The goal is not to choose the most impressive-sounding modality. It is to find a thoughtful treatment plan that reflects your concerns, goals, and pace. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that psychotherapy is often tailored to the disorder being treated and the individual's needs: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies.
A diverse team can make it easier to find a match
Charis has a team of six therapists with different areas of experience. Susan Grinder, the founder, is a Registered Psychologist (#4034) who brings more than 12 years of experience, with training in Jungian therapy and clinical hypnosis. Kyneeshaw Brightley offers 2S/LGBTQIA+-affirming, trauma-informed care. Brianna Friesen focuses on trauma and attachment, while Janine Heber supports 2S/LGBTQIA+ clients and people living with chronic pain. Johanna Green is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who works with chronic illness, and Nicole Manson provides support for children and teens.
This range means you do not have to force your experience into one therapist's specialty. You can meet our team of registered and provisional psychologists and consider who may understand your situation best. If you prefer in-person sessions, therapy animals, including three dogs and a cat, may also be available to support grounding and emotional regulation. Telehealth and phone counselling offer another option for clients across Alberta.
Registered and Provisional Psychologists
Credentials can feel confusing when you are comparing providers. A Registered Psychologist has completed the requirements for registration, while a Provisional Psychologist is completing supervised practice toward registration. At Charis, Provisional Psychologists are supervised by Susan Grinder. They provide the same thoughtful, professional quality of care within that supervised team model, and may offer sliding scale options that make counselling more accessible.
Charis's reputation is another useful signal, with 346 five-star reviews from clients. Reviews cannot predict your personal experience, but they can help you see how a practice is experienced by the wider community. Ultimately, a short consultation or first appointment should leave room for questions. You can ask about experience with anxiety and depression, treatment goals, communication style, and what happens if the fit does not feel right. Choosing with kindness and patience is part of beginning care.
Insurance and Payment Options for Therapy in Edmonton
Understanding how counselling is paid for can make it easier to take the next step. In Alberta, Alberta Health Care does not cover counselling provided through a private practice. People generally use extended health benefits, another eligible program, or self-pay when accessing private therapy. Your insurer's rules can vary, so it is worth confirming whether your plan covers psychological services, what documentation it requires, and whether you have a remaining annual limit.
Charis Counselling offers direct billing to more than 12 insurance providers and benefit programs. These include Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, Manulife, INAC or NIHB, WCB, RCMP. Veterans Affairs, Medavie, Telus Health, Sun Life, UNIFY, and Primary Care Network coverage where applicable. Direct billing can reduce the amount you need to pay at the time of an appointment, although coverage decisions remain with your insurer or program. Before your first session, ask what information Charis needs and confirm your plan's requirements.
When private insurance does not cover the full cost
Some plans cover only part of a service, while others have limits on the number of sessions or require a specific provider designation. If your benefits do not cover counselling, you can ask about self-pay arrangements and whether a sliding scale option is available. Sharing your budget and coverage questions early helps the practice discuss realistic options without making assumptions about your circumstances. Individual session rates are available through consultation rather than listed here.
Group therapy and other ways to access support
Group programs may offer a different format for people who want structured support alongside, or instead of, individual counselling. Charis lists group therapy at $100 per hour, with programs that may focus on areas such as inner-child work, healthy relationships, CBT, grief, or age-specific support. Availability and program details can change, so contact the practice for current information.
Charis provides individual, couples, family, and group options, with in-person appointments in West Edmonton and telehealth services across Alberta. You can review the individual and group counselling services in Edmonton to compare formats, then visit the FAQ for answers about insurance coverage and session logistics. A short conversation with the practice can help clarify which payment route and type of support may fit your needs.
Why Edmonton Residents Choose Charis Counselling
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, especially when anxiety or depression has made everyday life feel less manageable. Edmonton residents often look for care that is clinically sound, welcoming, and responsive to the person behind the symptoms. Charis Counselling was built around that understanding. The name Charis comes from the Greek words for kindness and grace, a philosophy reflected in the practice's goal of creating a safe, non-judgmental place to begin healing.
Founded in 2014 by Registered Psychologist Susan Grinder, Charis has more than 12 years of experience serving the community. Its West Edmonton office at 16856-111 Ave offers a warm setting for in-person appointments, while telehealth and phone counselling make support available across Alberta. This combination gives clients flexibility without losing the value of a consistent therapeutic relationship. You can explore the practice's individual and group counselling services in Edmonton to see which option may fit your needs.
Different approaches under one roof
Anxiety and depression do not look the same in every person, so therapy should not follow a one-size-fits-all script. Charis's clinical team draws from several evidence-informed and trauma-informed approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), internal family systems (IFS), Jungian psychoanalysis, and clinical hypnosis. The right approach depends on your goals, history, relationships, and current concerns.
CBT or DBT may be helpful when you want practical tools for thoughts, emotions, or coping patterns. EFT can support relationship and attachment concerns, while IFS, Jungian work, or clinical hypnosis may offer space for deeper exploration. Jungian psychoanalysis and clinical hypnosis are less commonly available as specializations in Edmonton, giving clients more choice when standard approaches have not felt like the right fit.
A team model that supports continuity and care
Charis combines Susan Grinder's leadership with a supervised team model that includes four Provisional Psychologists trained directly by her. This provides access to varied perspectives while maintaining professional guidance and accountability. The broader team brings experience across concerns and communities, including 2S/LGBTQIA+ affirming care, Indigenous cultural responsiveness, trauma, and chronic pain. A practice's 346 five-star reviews also offer meaningful social proof for people comparing local options. Although the most important measure remains whether you feel respected and understood in the room.
Grounding can include four-legged support
For clients who choose in-person care, Charis has three dogs and one cat on-site. With consent, therapy animals may support grounding, calming, and emotional regulation during an appointment. Their presence is never required, and online sessions remain available for anyone who prefers a different environment. Together, the welcoming office, flexible delivery, broad clinical expertise, and kindness-and-grace philosophy create a thoughtful starting point for anxiety and depression therapy in Edmonton.
Meet our team of registered and provisional psychologistsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I find a therapist in Edmonton for anxiety and depression?
Look for a therapist whose training, approach, availability, and communication style fit your needs. Ask whether they work with both anxiety and depression, offer in-person or telehealth appointments, and can support your identity and lived experience. Charis Counselling provides individual therapy in West Edmonton and telehealth across Alberta, with a range of clinical approaches and an affirming, trauma-informed team.
Does Alberta Health Care cover counselling for anxiety and depression?
Alberta Health Care does not cover private-practice counselling. Private insurance, self-payment, and some federal or workplace programs may help with costs. Charis Counselling offers direct billing to more than 12 insurers, including Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, WCB, NIHB or INAC, RCMP, and Veterans Affairs. Confirm eligibility and limits with your plan before booking.
How much does therapy cost in Edmonton?
Fees vary by therapist, appointment type, and coverage, so ask for current pricing when you contact a practice. Charis Counselling does not publish individual session rates online, but sliding-scale options may be available. You can also ask whether direct billing applies and what portion of each appointment your plan covers.
What therapy approach works best for anxiety and depression?
There is no single best approach for everyone. Treatment should be tailored to the concerns being addressed and the individual's needs, as the National Institute of Mental Health explains. CBT, DBT, IFS, EFT, Jungian, and trauma-informed approaches may each be useful depending on your goals, symptoms, and therapist fit.
How can I tell if therapy is not working?
Progress is not always linear, but you should be able to discuss your goals, notice what is changing, and feel safe raising concerns. If symptoms remain unchanged, the plan feels mismatched, or the relationship does not feel supportive, tell your therapist. They can adjust the approach, review goals, or help you consider a different provider. If you have immediate safety concerns, contact emergency or crisis support.
Schedule Your First Counselling Appointment
Taking the first step can make it easier to understand what you are experiencing and choose support that fits your needs. Charis Counselling offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to begin that conversation. Schedule a free consultation today by booking your first appointment online. You can share what has been happening, ask questions, and discuss a thoughtful path forward at a pace that feels manageable.