Words (Core Vocabulary)
- mental health / wellbeing / stress / burnout / anxiety / depression
- counselling / therapy / support group / peer support
- psychologist / counsellor / social worker / psychiatrist
- intake / assessment / treatment plan / safety plan
- waitlist / sliding scale / low-cost clinic / community program
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program) / benefits coverage
- confidentiality / consent / privacy
- crisis line / suicide prevention / 988 (Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline)
- 211 (community and social services), 811 (health advice; province-specific)
Phrases (Reach out → book → follow up)
Getting help
- I’m looking for counselling for [concern]—do you have availability?
- Do you offer sliding-scale fees or low-cost options?
- Is virtual therapy available?
Choosing a provider
- What’s your approach (e.g., CBT, trauma-informed), and how often do you recommend sessions?
- Do you provide receipts for benefits reimbursement?
After sessions
- Could we create a safety plan and set goals for the next month?
- If I need urgent help outside hours, what should I do?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Intake email: I’m seeking counselling for work-related stress. Do you have evening appointments and sliding-scale rates?
- Coverage: My benefits cover six sessions—can you provide itemized receipts?
- Off-hours plan: If symptoms worsen, I’ll call 988 or go to the ER.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Access & fit
- request an intake
- ask about waitlists
- confirm sliding scale
- choose a modality (e.g., CBT)
Care & safety
- develop a safety plan
- set goals
- schedule regular sessions
- review progress
Community
- contact 211 for local supports
- call 811 for health advice
- use EAP through employer
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Psychiatry is typically accessed by referral and may be covered; psychology/counselling may require benefits or self-pay.
- 211 can help you find local programs (housing, food, counselling).
- Many providers offer virtual sessions and sliding-scale fees.
Crisis support: If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call 988 (Canada) or 911 in an emergency. You’re not alone.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Intake ask: “Do you have availability for virtual sessions and sliding-scale fees?”
- Safety plan: “Could we outline a safety plan and warning signs to watch for?”
- Benefits: “Do you provide itemized receipts for insurance reimbursement?”